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 Australian gov't welcomes spike in wine exports to China Xinhua) 08:52, July 16, 2024 CANBERRA, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has welcomed a resurgence in wine exports to China. Murray Watt, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, on Monday revealed that Australia exported 9.8 million liters of bottled wine to China in May with a total value of 142.2 million Australian dollars (96.3 million U.S. dollars). It was the fourth-highest monthly figure for bottled wine exports from Australia to China since 2019. The total value of exports in May was 50 million Australian dollars (33.8 million U.S. dollars) higher than the average monthly export value in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. China's Ministry of Commerce in March announced an end to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine. Watt said in a statement that the May export figures demonstrate the importance of the governing Labor Party's work to stabilize the relationship with China. "That work is now delivering real dividends to Australian farmers and the whole ag industry," he said. "This huge increase in value and volume is fantastic news for our many gifted winemakers." Of the bottled wine that was exported to China in May, 7.4 million liters worth 125 million Australian dollars (84.6 million U.S. dollars) came from wineries in South Australia (SA). According to peak industry body Wine Australia, SA state is responsible for almost 50 percent of Australia's annual wine production. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Nancy Russey, who used to live near Sutherland Springs, was seen at First Baptist Church, the site of a 2017 mass shooting that killed 26 people and wounded 22, on July 2, 2024, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. After being turned into a memorial for the victims of the shooting, a notice in an email stated that the building would be demolished. Christopher Lee / Staff Photogra A judge on Monday dissolved an order blocking First Baptist Church leaders in Sutherland Springs from demolishing a memorial to the victims of the 2017 mass shooting there. But it was unclear if the church planned to immediately forge ahead with plans to raze the memorial. Church officials and members who support the demolition, who attended a court hearing Monday on the matter, left without talking to the media. And the churchs lawyers said they had no comment. Relatives of three victims of the Nov. 5, 2017, massacre filed a lawsuit in Floresville court on May 17 and obtained a temporary restraining order on July 2 that blocked the churchs planned demolition of the 100-year-old structure, a focal point for the communitys grief. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plaintiffs claim they and others were either wrongly removed from the church rolls ahead of a vote three years ago to decide whether to tear down the memorial sanctuary, or not told when the vote would take place. Roses on chairs with the names of those killed during the shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, which has been transformed into a memorial to honor those who died, Nov. 12, 2017. DREW ANTHONY SMITH/New York Times Pam Hollingworth cleans the memorial in the original First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs building on Saturday in anticipation of visitors coming for the new buildings dedication service Sunday. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer Joe Tisdale, whose mother, substitute teacher Cynthia Tisdale, was killed at Santa Fe High School, visits the memorial at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Lisa Krantz Kris Workman, with his wife, Colbey Workman, and friend Benny Ramirez, visits the memorial inside First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. The visit was Kris' first time back at the church since he was shot and paralyzed there Nov. 5. SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Haley Ward, 8, looks at the chairs dedicated to her family members in the memorial during Remembering Sutherland Springs: One Year Later at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Lisa Krantz/San Antonio Express-News Mourners visits the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs Memorial Sunday Nov. 12, 2017. Twenty-six people were killed at the church last Sunday during a shooting. Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News Rod Green walks with his granddaughter, who was visiting from Colorado, as they visit the church on May 28, 2018. Green and his wife, Judy, are long time members and run the church's food pantry that serves the community every Friday morning. Lisa Krantz/San Antonio Express-News First Baptist Church, the site of a 2017 mass shooting that killed 26 people and wounded 22, on July 2, 2024, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. After being turned into a memorial for the victims of the shooting, a notice in an email stated that the building would be demolished. Christopher Lee / Staff Photogra Devin Kelley, a New Braunfels man who was kicked out of the Air Force for assaulting his wife and stepson, killed 26 people and wounded 20 others with an assault-style rifle during a Sunday service at the church. Most residents of Sutherland Springs, a small Wilson County town about 30 miles east of San Antonio, had ties to the victims. Church officials had announced that July 2 was the last day people could pay their respects at the memorial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The building was preserved as a memorial under Frank Pomeroy, the churchs pastor at the time of the shooting. His daughter was among those killed in the shooters rampage. Pomeroy stepped down as leader of the church about two years ago. A team of local artists and contractors jumped into action within days of the attack to transform the bullet-riddled building into a sanctuary honoring the lives lost. Inside stand 26 chairs, each bearing the name of a victim. First Baptist Church, the site of a 2017 mass shooting that killed 26 people and wounded 22, on July 2, 2024, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. After being turned into a memorial for the victims of the shooting, a notice in an email stated that the building would be demolished. Christopher Lee / Staff Photogra But church officials were concerned the building might have structural problems. Advertisement Article continues below this ad First Baptist members voted 69-35 on Aug. 22, 2021, to demolish the memorial sanctuary. Pomeroys successor, Senior Pastor Abner Neill, informed church members in an email at the end of June which a parishioner posted on Facebook of the next steps in First Baptists plans. As we prepare for the demolition of the memorial sanctuary & old classroom/office building, we have closed off the entire building, but will open the sanctuary portion only for anyone who would like to come make a final visit prior to the demolition, Neill wrote. In the wake of the shooting, First Baptist worshipers held services in a makeshift structure until the congregation moved in 2019 into a new home adjacent to the church-turned-memorial. The newer sanctuary, a donated $3 million building with 250 seats, towers above the old white church. At a hearing in state district court in Floresville on Monday, the churchs lawyers argued the plaintiffs could not overcome legal hurdles required to keep the TRO in place, and that the church was within its rights to demolish the memorial after a majority of parishioners voted in favor of the move. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is a question of church governance on how the church is going to proceed with its own property, church lawyer Matthew Swantner told the court. Case Leal, 8, of La Vernia, looks at stones, each etched with the name of one of the 26 victims, along one side of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on May 10, 2018. Lisa Krantz/San Antonio Express-News State District Judge Russell Wilson said it appeared 15 people may not nave had an opportunity to vote adding, however, that even if all 15 voted not to demolish the building, those who wanted the structure razed still would have won. Sam Fugate II, a San Antonio attorney representing the plaintiffs, said the plaintiffs are seeking to have a new church vote on the matter. Wilson denied Fugates request to extend the temporary restraining order, but he did not end the case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He did deny our TRO, so we no longer have an order preventing the church from being destroyed, Fugate told reporters after the hearing. We 're hoping that during the pendency of this suit, the defendants will honor the suit and not take the church down while we deal with some of these issues. Members of the congregation at First Baptist Church, the site of a 2017 mass shooting that killed 26 people and wounded 22, were seen on July 2, 2024, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. After being turned into a memorial for the victims of the shooting, a notice in an email stated that the building would be demolished. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer Sandy Ward, who lost three family members in the shooting and supports the plaintiffs, attended the hearing and emerged optimistic. As long as the building is still there, theres hope, Ward said. But Amber Holder, one of the plaintiffs, said theres nothing to prevent the church from razing the building. Jim Newton is a veteran journalist, best-selling author and teacher. He worked at the Los Angeles Times for 25 years as a reporter, editor, bureau chief and columnist, covering government and politics. A 26-year-old man was found dead on the East Side, according to San Antonio police. Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF A man was found dead on the East Side by officers responding to a call about shots fired. The man, 26, was found in the 100 block of Canton Street around 2:20 p.m. Sunday. A preliminary police report states police received a call about shots being fired in the area and a second call about the man being seen face down in a driveway. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: San Antonio Crime Stoppers seeks information on 2021 fatal shooting of teen The man, whose name has not been released, had several gunshot wounds to his body, according to the report. Several shell casings also were found nearby, the report states. Police have not been able to to locate the shooter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LE MARS, Iowa -- A former Plymouth County Sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty Monday to stealing prescription painkillers from pharmacies and private homes. Aaron Leusink, 45, of Le Mars, admitted to breaking into and stealing drugs from pharmacies in Akron and Kingsley and also taking the drugs from homes in rural Le Mars, Merrill and Hinton. More than 1,600 pills were found in his home. He entered guilty pleas to two counts each of second-degree burglary, three counts of fifth-degree theft and single counts of third-degree burglary, felonious misconduct while in office, unlawful possession of prescription drugs and fourth-degree theft. He also entered an Alford plea to one count of third-degree burglary. Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, and the judge enters a finding of guilty into the record. One count of second-degree burglary will be dismissed, according to terms of a plea agreement Leusink reached with prosecutors. He agreed to a 15-year prison sentence, subject to reconsideration for up to one year after sentencing, which was scheduled for Sept. 30 in Plymouth County District Court. He will remain free on bond. "This, from the state's perspective, fairly resolves the case without going to trial," assistant Iowa Attorney General Monty Platz said. In the plea deal, the first count of second-degree burglary was amended from first-degree burglary, dropping the prison sentence from 25 years to 10. Under terms of the plea, the 10-year sentence for that count will be served consecutively, or back to back, with a five-year sentence for one of the third-degree burglary charges for a total of 15 years. Sentences for the remaining charges will be served concurrently, or at the same time, with the 15-year sentence. If all sentences were to be served consecutively, Leusink would face more than 37 years in prison, and District Judge Patrick Tott reminded him the sentencing judge will not be bound by the plea agreement and could decide upon a different prison sentence or place him on probation. If Leusink is sentenced to the agreed-upon sentence, it would be far shorter than a 40-year prison sentence he received in June 2022 after pleading guilty to all 11 charges. In September, District Judge Steven Andreasen vacated the sentence after determining Leusink's then-lawyer had provided ineffective counsel by failing to advise him he would be ineligible for a suspended sentence, probation or reconsideration of his prison sentence by pleading guilty to first-degree burglary. Had Leusink known that, Andreasen said, he likely would have either accepted an earlier plea offer that included a 15-year prison sentence and a chance to be released from prison after a year or gone to trial. Leusink's guilty pleas were withdrawn and he was returned from prison to the Plymouth County Jail, where he posted bond and was released pending trial. The former deputy served as the department's DARE officer for nine years, educating hundreds of Plymouth County students about the dangers of drugs. At his first sentencing hearing, Leusink said he had become addicted to painkillers 11 years earlier, when he was prescribed hydrocodone while recovering from a vasectomy. Leusink used his position as a sheriff's deputy to steal prescription drugs from the sheriff's evidence room and from homes while serving search warrants. Leusink was arrested in September 2020 and fired later that month. A review of his body camera videos showed him taking drugs from the homes. In addition to the pills, agents searching Leusink's home found evidence bags that had been ripped open or were left unsealed and $5,432 in cash. Opened evidence bags that were missing hydrocodone pills seized in cases Leusink had worked were found at his desk at the sheriff's office. SIOUX CENTER, Iowa -- A Hawarden, Iowa, man was seriously injured Monday in a single-vehicle crash west of Sioux Center. The crash occurred near the intersection of Sioux County Roads B-40 and K-30 at 1:45 p.m. The Iowa State Patrol said Charles McMillan, 76, was westbound in a Ford F-150, crossed over the center line and entered the south ditch in a field drive and came to rest in the ditch. McMillan was flown by helicopter to a Sioux Falls hospital for treatment. He was not wearing a seat belt, but air bags in the truck deployed, according to a State Patrol accident report. On Monday morning, just before the Republican National Convention opened, Aileen Cannon, the Trump-appointed federal judge overseeing the stolen classified documents trial in Florida, dismissed the case, ruling that Jack Smiths appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional. In an emergency episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick spoke to Matthew Seligman, who had argued for the constitutionality of the special counsel just last month in Cannons courtroom. Seligman is a partner at Stris and Maher and a fellow at the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School, where he focuses on election law. He and Lawrence Lessig are also co-authors of How to Steal a Presidential Election, which came out in February. This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Dahlia Lithwick: One sideshow that quickly evolved here was Justice Clarence Thomas concurrence in the immunity decision. This special counsel question was an issue that was neither briefed nor argued, but Clarence Thomas thought he would plant a flag, which signaled to a lot of people that either he was just spiraling in some way or that he was calling out a signal to Judge Cannon and anyone else who had thoughts about the independent counsel to jump in. How much does this odd intervention by Clarence Thomas change the world into which Judge Cannon launched this opinion? Matthew Seligman: I think thats a really interesting and ultimately unknowable question. This concurrence by Justice Thomas was for himself and no one else. How much is it an indication of where the Supreme Court will go now? Ill offer my opinion and then offer a caveat of humility. My opinion is that I dont think a majority of the Supreme Court is going to adopt Judge Cannons view here, or Justice Thomas view. So thats my prediction. But the caveat of humility is that Ive been a Supreme Court litigator my entire career, and I believe in the institution, and I believe in the rule of law, and I believe in precedent, and I believe in reading the plain text of statutes. And its not clear to someone like me how much my prior commitments to how Supreme Court decisionmaking works still hold. That doesnt mean that I agree with every opinion, of course I dont, but its within a certain kind of framework about how decisionmaking goes at the court. I think that there are people who are reasonably calling into question whether people like me are naive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would love for you, to the best of your abilities, to chart the course of what comes next, in full knowledge that you have no idea. Presumably this gets appealed. Presumably it goes to the 11th Circuit. I guess at some point, depending on what happens at the 11th Circuit, it could go en banc, which means the entire court hears it, and as you just said, it could wind its way back to the U.S. Supreme Court. Is that the almost inexorable path here? Are we going to be in 2026 litigating the appointments clause and the special counsel? Matthew Seligman: Well, like a good lawyer, my answer is: It depends. And one of the things that it depends on is who wins the election, because thats one of the elephants in the room here. Because these are federal prosecutions and theres, I think, no real question that if former President Trump becomes President Trump again, that he will order the Department of Justice to drop the charges against him, and if that happens, then the issue is moot. Jack Smith is fired, the charges are dropped, the case goes away. So the only world in which this actually ends up continuing to be litigated beyond the next several months is a world in which Donald Trump is not the president, and presumably not one of his allies, as well. Advertisement Advertisement If this case does end up getting litigated, what does that look like? Well, itll go to the 11th Circuit first. I think the 11th Circuit will reverse it. It could go en banc, which means go from a three-judge panel to the entire group of about a dozen judges on the 11th Circuit, and then it would go to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Now, part of the reason why its ultimately on a fast track to the Supreme Court is because this is not the only case that Jack Smith has brought against former President Trump. Theres also the case in D.C. Now Judge Chutkan is bound by D.C. Circuit precedent, which held that the special counselin this case, special counsel Muellerwas lawfully appointed. Advertisement And so the issue is not a live one in D.C., but then you potentially have a conflict between courts around the country. So thats where the Supreme Court steps in. And so what this does do is it makes it more likely that if the cases continue at all, they are delayed yet further. And I think the hopium take was: Thats OK. This never should have been filed in Florida. Now Jack Smith can file it in D.C., where it should have been filed initially, and I guess, again, in 2026, depending on whos president, this case can be litigated in a jurisdiction that is not Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Well, I think that the reason why people are thinking that is because there was an extraordinary stroke of historical luck when this case was assigned to Judge Cannon, who had already intervened in the case prior to the indictment even being filed. Advertisement Former President Trump filed a lawsuit trying to prevent the case from proceeding even before the indictment was filed. And she intervened and appointed a special master to review the documents, and ultimately the 11th Circuit, in a very stern opinion, told her: No, you have to dismiss this. This is not how criminal procedure works. And so theres this idea that she is biased in favor of former President Trump. The hope may be that, well, maybe she wont be the judge on the case anymore, that this could be refiled in the District of Columbia. Now, there are a couple of reasons why this might not need to happen. Advertisement Theres been speculation that at a certain point, the special counsel will ask the 11th Circuit to remove Judge Cannon from the case. He hasnt done so already, and I think a big part of the reason why its a strategic consideration is its a very high bar to have an appellate court remove a trial judge from a case. You really only have one shot at that. If you come at the king, you best not miss. And so I guess if you come at the queen, in this case, you best not miss, because then youre litigating before someone that youve told the appellate court is so biased they cant preside over the case. Advertisement But this might cross the line. And so we might see special counsel Smith ask the 11th Circuit to remove her from the case. And if the 11th Circuit does that, then that would solve the problem. Now the other possibility is that if this case gets dismissed in Florida, and then someone canyou know, whether its Smith or more likely somebody elsecould refile the charges in the District of Columbia. The challenge there is, although I think the District of Columbia courts would have jurisdiction over this, most of the conduct here took place in Florida. This is about the unlawful retention of documents, and this is further complicated by the immunity decision, because everything that took place in Washington, D.C., before noon on Jan. 20, 2021, is conduct official for which he might be immune if its official. So the lions share of the conduct thats charged in the classified documents case is post-presidential conduct for which theres no argument that hes immune, but that took place in Florida. So there are challenges if you want to bring this case in D.C. Im not saying its impossible, but there are challenges. And those challenges are the reasons why the case was brought in Florida in the first place. At the end of the day, though, I think that this case probably does go forward, because I think the Supreme Court ultimately does rule that the special counsel is lawfully appointedagain, with the caveat that I might be naiveunless former President Trump is reelected and drops the charges against himself. Update, July 21, 2024, at 4:02 p.m.: Joe Biden has announced he has decided to end his run for president and subsequently endorsed Kamala Harris. Donald Trump announced his vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance, this week. That means the vice presidential race is finally underway, adding more fuel to the sense of Republican stability amid Democrats existential confusion over Joe Bidens campaign status. The Trump campaign, and many right-wing actors and pundits, has been trying to ride this momentum even furtherby beginning to beef up its attacks on Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris is incompetent, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign told the New York Times. Shes proven to be the weakest, worst vice president in history, and she has 100 percent supported Joe Biden in every single disastrous policy that he has implemented over the last four years. Sebastian Gorka, a former Trump official, called her a DEI hire. The Federalist asserted that Harris intentionally concealed problems with the presidents mental fitness. (One of the Trump campaigns Twitter accounts also alleged, No person is more central to the coverup.) And Trump himself tossed out a crass reference to a relationship Harris had decades ago, trading on sexist and false accusations that she rose to power by having an affair with a married man. Still, media and misinformation experts say that the right hasnt yet landed on a centralized narrative to discredit Harrisand that we can expect many more lines of narrative attack to crystalize in the coming months. Because while Harris, a Black woman, has generally faced more animosity than Biden ever did when he was vice president, she has still been treated as an afterthought; disinformation trackers Slate reached out to dont even register Harris as a major topic of misinformation in the current news cycle. Biden, four years into his presidency, has taken his place in the pantheon of right-wing villains as a corrupt and vindictive member of the elite, both foolish and evil. Kamalas caricature, on the other hand, still has room to harden. Advertisement In the meantime, right-wing media has been throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College who studies conspiracy theories, political communication, and the media, said that Harris has faced all kinds of attacks recently, some explicitly experimental. Some right-wing actors have portrayed her as part of some kind of grand liberal conspiracy, Nyhan said. Others claim she is too incompetent to do anything. Those narratives are somewhat in contradiction with each other, but sometimes, with political figures who are less well defined, theres a flooding of the zone, Nyhan said. In 2020, when Biden chose Harris as his running mate, the main right-wing attack narratives about her were that she was radical, weak, nasty, and angry; that she was a bigot who was also not Black enough and possibly not a U.S. citizen; and that she wanted to make the U.S. more like California. Outlandish and false conspiracy theories also circulated about Harris, including that she was involved in the baseless child-trafficking conspiracy known as Pizzagate and that she had somehow known in advance that the actor Jussie Smollett was going to stage an attack on himself. Advertisement Now the general thrust is basically that Harris is deeply unlikable and was a vapid, affirmative actionstyle hire who lucked her way into power but has done nothing with it. Some of this characterization is built off valid critiques of her time in office and her sometimes-odd speeches. Advertisement For example, she has suffered from poor polling, which dipped to below 30 percent in at least one reputable poll in 2021, making her the least popular vice president in history. Partially, this has been because a vice presidents ratings typically tank when the presidents ratings do. But the polls became fodder for stories that depicted Harris unpopularity as a result of ineffectiveness, a sign that she couldnt win over even her own party. In this narrative, Harris has to be kept busy with comically minor tasks. And even then, shes a joke: In an article about an aborted rocket launch that happened after Harris was appointed chair of the National Space Council, the Washington Free Beacon reported that, like most endeavors involving Harris in recent years, the launch failed. Advertisement Advertisement A year ago, she was widely mocked by right-wing media when Biden put her in charge of A.I., said Howard Polskin, a journalist who runs TheRighting, a site that aggregates and covers right-wing media. That was met with a lot of chuckles. The Biden administration hasnt always set her up for success. Notably, Harris was handed immigration as an issuean unwinnable situation guaranteed to anger conservatives and progressives alike. Many conservative media stories about Harris perceived shortcomings and conservative critiques dwell largely on her failures there. VP Kamala Harriss chief responsibility was securing the border, Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton tweeted last month. What a disaster. Advertisement Advertisement But theres something very personal about the Harris hate that is unrelated to her record and hard to separate from her identity as a woman of color. Advertisement Since the beginning of the Biden presidency, the language around her has been Well, since Joe is so old, her as vice president is her as president. And of course this is bad, said Maggie Macdonald, a political scientist at the University of Kentucky who researches campaigns, elections, and social media. They dont say what is bad. The assumption is the intersection of race and gender. Harris is often mocked for her cacklea word that connotes witches and crone-like women. (Trump and his campaign have tried out Laffin Kamala Harris and Cackling Copilot Kamala Harris as nicknames.) Similarly, the fixation on her impolite swearing and ideas that shes in it for the power seem recycled from Hillary Clinton reactions. One Free Beacon article made that argument explicit: Advertisement In many ways, Harris is merely a non-white version of Hillary Clinton. Both women are possessed by ruthless ambition, yet lack the necessary skills to succeed in politics at the national level. They are most comfortable when regurgitating talking points and platitudes. Objectively speaking, they share a knack for unsettling laughter and launched their political careers by dating powerful men. Advertisement Advertisement The racial elements of the Harris attacks are even more blatant. Right-wing stories repeatedly depict her as a woman who failed upward, reaching the White House simply by being a Black woman. The New York Post on July 6 warned that America may soon be subjected to the countrys first DEI president. Yes, maybe the most irrepressibly fatuous politician in America may become the leader of the free world because the Democratic Party is unable to break its DEI stranglehold, the author wrote. Advertisement With that line of attack comes the argument that identity politics is all she knows. Elements of some misleading headlines have included Black Trees MatterVP Kamala Harris Asks NASA if It Can Track Trees by Race and Harris Pitches Race-Based Hurricane Relief. This Harris, who engages with politics only at the most shallow level, still poses a risk to the country, silly or not, by risking the welfare of white people and stoking racial strife. But if theres any question about the racism Harris faces, it should be settled by one undeniable development: Some on the right have previously attempted a birtherism-style assault on her legitimacy as a candidate. That includes a former president and one of the biggest promoters of Obama birtherism. In 2020, before the presidential election, Donald Trump suggested that Harris was not eligible for the office because her parents were immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard it today that she doesnt meet the requirements, he said at the time. Those claims are now bubbling up again on social media. The playbook has already been run in terms of painting her as a non-American, said Adam Berinsky, a political scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its Heres someone who doesnt look like us, who is a threat. Advertisement We dont know which of these narratives will affect public perception. I dont think people could have predicted that the birther myth would have taken off, Nyhan said of the Obama years. The directions these can go are unpredictable. Zeve Sanderson, the executive director of New York Universitys Center for Social Media and Politics, added, What weve seen is strategic actors experiment with a bunch of misinformation to see what works before mainstreaming it. Advertisement He expects that race-and-gender-related attacks will become increasingly common, given general misinformation trends. But, he said, it will be difficult to see how this will shake out for a while: According to Sanderson, changes in technologyElon Musks takeover of Twitter, notablyhave made it harder for experts to track misinformation. One thing is for sure: With Bidens standing in question, and given how unlikely it appears to some voters that the president will be able to finish a full second term, there is little doubt that Harris will be a more prominent target of GOP attacks. And Republicans will be stepping up their attacks in anticipation of a potential vice presidential debate, slated to happen next month. This is so messy that all bets are off, Nyhan said. No one knows what this will look like. As I arrived in Milwaukee a day after a 20-year-old tried to kill Donald Trump, I expected the mood to be tense. The first thing I saw downtown at 9 a.m. Monday outside the Republican National Convention was a large sign, placed by the city by a part of the road closed for construction, that read Project Funded by President Joe Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Bidens name had been scribbled out with black marker. I crossed one of the many small bridges that had been closed to vehicular traffic by law enforcement to secure the area where the convention was being held. Beneath the bridges, police boats patrolled the Milwaukee River. I held my breath as I approached the security checkpoint. Advertisement Almost instantly, I realized I had read the vibe all wrong. The law enforcement and volunteers working the entryway had me through a bag scan and a metal detector in seconds. The mood was not tenseit was almost chipper. Once inside, I was again surprised by the jubilance of the many conventiongoers. Red hats crowned smiling faces as attendees giddily rushed toward the arena and secured a place in line to get inside and escape the heat. The mood seemed to sour only when the line didnt move. Delegates and guests became disgruntled. Let us in! one shouted, as a security guard shrugged. He ignored her. I made conversation with a Missouri delegate while we waited. She raised her white jacket above her head, jokingly offering to block the sun for both of us. Im excited. Im encouraged. Everyone is pumped, she said of the energy inside the compound. Narrowing her gaze, she asked me whom I was voting for. I deflected, asking about the assassination attempt on Trump. She paused. I thought about Melania and how hard that would be for her, she said. It was a miracle that his head turned when it did. As I asked her about Bidens message to turn down the temperature, she scoffed: Why would we do that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, the doors flung open and the crowd flowed inside the arena. I followed and got the attention of another delegate, who had adorned a straw hat to represent his state of North Carolina. Im very excited for our party, he told me. Again, the assassination attempt didnt come up until I asked about it. It will definitely ramp up the energy level for Trump supporters, he said. I moved through the crowd, and the mood only got more jubilant. One man sported an elephant hat fitted with a long trunk that extended and stuck out over his head. I spotted a pair of golden Trump shoes, and several people wore shirts with photos of Trumps face printed all over them. One woman sported a large top hat with an image of Abraham Lincoln next to Trump pulling his shirt open to reveal a Superman S beneath it. Advertisement Brenda and Debbie, two excited delegates, shared their recent encounter with Vivek Ramaswamy. He thanked us for our support, Brenda beamed. When I tried to steer the conversation toward the assassination attempt, they reluctantly engaged. It made me angry, but it didnt surprise me, one offered. Nearby, Jodi Schwartz, a Palm Beach County Republican who wore a bedazzled Trump pin next to one that featured the state of Florida inside a stiletto heel, cheerfully described her experience at the convention so far. Disneyland for Republicans, she said. The comparison was apt. On my way out of the arena, I ran into Madison Cawthorn, the unseated former congressman. He was the only one I talked to who brought up the assassination attempt unprompted. First they tried to assassinate his character. Then they tried to assassinate his business. The only thing they had left was to try and assassinate the man himself, he told me, his media training evident. When things dont go the lefts way, they burn down cities, they loot, they rob, they riot. When our actual presidential nominee gets shot and lawfare happens against him, we get organized. As he went on his way, he asked where the interview would publish. I told him Slate. He smiled and said, Oh no! This is going to end up being a terrible interview! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the arena, I ran into the right-wing gadfly Jack Posobiec. Like Cawthorn, he blamed the left for Trumps assassination attempt, and he criticized Joe Bidens statement calling to de-escalate tensions. Id love to see some action behind his words, he said, suggesting that Biden arrange the release of Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon (political prisoners) as a gesture of goodwill. There was also Mike Lindell, who famously ran out of money after falling down the stolen election rabbit hole. I interrupted the uniformed police officers who took turns taking photos with him to ask him a few questions. Lindell told me his energy was up because I sleep on MyPillow and I get up feeling great but turned dark when I asked about the attempt on Trumps life. Ive been to 150 rallies. I know his security. And it was not secure, he said, implying that it had been intentional. Advertisement Advertisement There were more MAGA celebrities inbound, with gaggles of giddy convention attendees lined up to take selfies with them. And as I continued to navigate the convention on its first day, the excitement remained in the air. People dutifully condemned Democratswho were described as all-powerful but also somehow feeble and ineptand the shooting if I asked. But each time I got the slight sense I was ruining the vibe a little bit. More than once, people around me broke into chants of U-S-A! with laughter and the easy confidence of people who think they have this thing in the bag. Whatever horrors the weekend had brought, they were ready to party. The internet was immediately jammed with uncertain, emotional perspectives following the horrific assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Mainstream news outlets took care with their choice of words as facts from the scene were verifieda level of caution that led right-wing pundits to insist that they were downplaying the severity of the shooting. Conservative media soon pivoted to either boosting their hero (and that stunning fist-pump photo) as an icon of American fortitude or blaming liberals for supposedly escalating political violence through their (correct) denunciations of Trump and his antidemocratic bona fides. The MSM was quick to supplicate by temporarily muzzling opinion shows like Morning Joe and pausing Trump critiques, while Democrats pulled the Biden reelection campaigns ads from TV and appeared to resign themselves to another Trump term. This will be quoted in every political history of our era. Disgraces the entire party. https://t.co/q00B6VGK0V pic.twitter.com/h1AGXBNOog Zachary D. Carter (@zachdcarter) July 14, 2024 Advertisement It was striking to compare the reactions to the assassination attempt with the rights insensitive-at-best, conspiratorial-at-worst responses to events like the Capitol Hill mob that wanted to hang Mike Pence, the attack on Paul Pelosi, and the pipe bombs sent to prominent Democrats. Still, if traditional media confined itself to typical postures, there was still one place where it seemed as if no one held back their thoughts whatsoever, no matter how unhinged: the social media meme mines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As many observers noted, this was the nearest assassination attempt of a current or former president since John Hinckley Jr. shot and wounded Ronald Reagan in 1981. Which means that Trumps close call was the first such event to take place in the age of cyberspace, and the first of its kind for this particular era of the information age. Advertisement 9/11 was famously interpreted and dissected in real time on text-heavy message boards and slow-loading news blogs. The Trump-rally shooting, however, occurred against the backdrop of a fractured digital environs flooded with poorly regulated social networks, high-quality videos and livestreams, sophisticated disinformation operations, artificial intelligence slop, and easily edited, easily transmitted memes that were posted and reposted and reshared across Instagram, TikTok, X, Truth Social, and beyond. But it was also a moment of clarification. Oligarchs like Elon Musk and Bill Ackman, along with online retailers like Sticker Mule and Broken Bow Country, welcomed the chaos and brief moment of near-universal shock to publicly throw their hats in the ring for Trump. If youre still a 50 Cent fan, the rapper may have broken the news to you in Boston after he displayed a Photoshop of Trumps head over the iconic cover of Get Rich or Die Tryin and performing album track Many Men (Wish Death), transforming the early-2000s hit into an adopted MAGA anthem. Advertisement 50 Cent really performed "Many Men" with Trump in the background pic.twitter.com/W82oxRluIE The Eminem Bible (@Shadyind) July 14, 2024 Advertisement Its also not implausible that you or a loved one may have heard the news directly after receiving a copypasta text like this: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in the moments after the assassination attempts on Reagan and Gerald Ford, you likely didnt turn on the nearest TV or flee to the closest newsstand to get the lowdown.* You probably just pulled out your phone and scrolled your favorite platform. (If you did open a news app first and foremost, we from the embattled world of fact-based journalism thank you for your support.) And, chances are, your experience was something akin to this: Advertisement I note all these not to add to the long-tired article genre of meme listicle but to take heed of a more interesting phenomenon: the populace learning of, grappling with, and expressing its feelings about the assassination attempt on Trump in hyperfast real time, down to the second. Meta, despite its preemptive restrictions on the algorithmic boost of political content, could not suppress the wave of memeage that swarmed Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and WhatsApp. Nor could it hold at bay the tweet screenshots and TikTok reuploads that thundered its way. Before I knew anything elseabout the shooter, about Trumps condition, about the tragic fatalityI gauged how Trump was faring through an Instagram meme comparing his bleeding ear to a piercing gone wrong at Claires. When the commenters werent in awe of how quickly @whitepeoplehumor had prepped this (Brother this just happend; This is how I get my news), they were arguing, naturally, about whether the whole thing was staged asf or a wrestling-style false flag. And so the conspiracy cycle landed: Advertisement Advertisement I'm so glad Black Twitter know this shit was fraud cause I was about to be worried... but then I saw this former President trump reenactment pic.twitter.com/3bwfvEBZ63 Auntie (@denisegi) July 14, 2024 Its not bothsidesism to scope the way bad assumptions flew from left and right. The latter fell back upon its tried-and-tested tropes: Its because there are too many women agents in the Secret Service, who landed their positions and were held to lower standards because of DEI; actually, an Antifa member was identified as the suspect; it all goes back to MK Ultra. It was hard to tell just who was making dark jokeslike a link to Boeingor who actually bought into the nonsense before actual details began to surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we learned that the shooter was Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old registered Republican and gun enthusiast, the right went into overdrive, either dismissing his ideological affiliations or pointing out that hed appeared in a 2022 commercial from frequent conservative villain BlackRock. (The asset manager condemned the shooting and pulled down the footage, mentioning in a statement that Crooks had incidentally appeared in the background when the ad was filmed at his old high school.) Further reporting from the Associated Press defused the Secret Service DEI theory by confirming that a local police officer had noticed the shooter on the roof and backed away after Crooks had pointed a gun in his direction. Advertisement Of course, Adult Swims wildly popular Smiling Friends made an appearance after that: Advertisement cops when they have to do their job https://t.co/v3Rj3gJUix pic.twitter.com/MV3CvWcRF4 Keifer (@DannyVegito) July 14, 2024 But one right-wing meme beat them all. Just like last year, when Trump was photographed raising his fist outside Trump Tower en route to his Manhattan Criminal Court arraignment, the postassassination attempt fist pump ultimately won the day. On Truth Social (whose stock value earned quite the surge Monday morning), you could find that photograph filtered through the old Obama Hope poster colors, alongside Trump supplicants renditions of an angel blessing their president, a comic once again poking fun at Joe Bidens frailty, and a riff on the classic Pass It On posters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, this is just how political discourse moves and spreads now. The first 2024 presidential debate, a disaster for the incumbent, was also interpreted through the spread of memes attacking Trumps comments on Black jobs. Other debate moments were filtered through YouTube Poopstyle edits. The potential of Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic ticket is soundtracked to Kesha. Following Mondays Republican National Convention announcement that Trump had picked Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his vice presidential hopeful, a box of text from poster @hellcity_merriman made the following request, selectively censored to avoid the Meta police: If this is how you found out Trump picked JD Vance, Ohio Senator who said women should say in v**lent marriages and continue pregnancies caused by r*pe, as his Vice President on the Republican ticket, be honest. Its little wonder that after we learned the name of the firefighter who was tragically killed at the Trump rally, Corey Comperatore, internet sleuths went digging and found his very last tweet: a reply to Catturd. After JFK was murdered in 1963, the British broadcaster Jonathan Miller viewed the rolling postassassination TV news coverage and found that the medium had been forced into a brief maturity, tamping down the typical greedy squalling before the commercials came yapping back on Tuesday. No such rest and respite occurs now. When a countrys divisions, ideologies, and observations are all memeified bit by bit, its only ever greedy squalling. Michael Brown holds protest signs and yells out at the Board of Trustees of Uvalde CISD on Monday, July 18, 2022, at John H. Harrell Auditorium in Uvalde, Texas. The special meeting was held to offer the public a chance to comment and ask questions about the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Sam Owens/Staff photographer A mother and son solemnly pay a visit to the memorial at Robb Elementary School on the one-year anniversary of the shooting in which 19 students and two educators were killed. A Texas district court judge has ruled that the school district and sheriffs office in Uvalde must release their records and documents related to the shooting including police body camera footage, 911 calls and communications. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer The school district and sheriffs office in Uvalde must release records and documents related to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting including police body camera footage, 911 calls and communications, a Texas district court judge has ruled. A group of news organizations, including the Texas Tribune and the San Antonio Express-News, sued the city of Uvalde, the Uvalde County Sheriffs Office and the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District over access to the records after their open-records requests were repeatedly denied after the May 24, 2022, shooting. Lawyers representing the outlets on Monday announced the ruling by the 38th Judicial District Court of Uvalde County, lauding it as a victory for government transparency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nineteen children and two adults were killed by a teenage gunman in the shooting. The response to the shooting has been defined by a series of police failures of leadership and communication that resulted in surviving children being trapped with the gunman in two classrooms for more than an hour before law enforcement confronted and killed him. This ruling is a pivotal step towards ensuring transparency and accountability, said Laura Prather, a media law attorney with Haynes Boone who represents the news organizations. The public deserves to know the full details of the response to this tragic event, and the information could be critical in preventing future tragedies. The ruling by Judge Sid Harle, which was dated July 8, gives the sheriffs office and the school district 20 days, or until July 28, to release all responsive documents. A similar ruling by a Travis County state district judge last year ordered the Department of Public Safety to release law enforcement records. However, DPS has appealed that order and has not yet released the data related to its investigation. Ninety-one of the agencys troopers responded to the shooting, which drew a response from nearly 400 law enforcement officials. Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell had opposed the release of records to the news organizations, saying their release could harm her criminal investigation into the shooting response. Two weeks ago, Mitchell announced a grand jury had indicted the former school police chief and an officer on felony charges of child endangerment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jozef Petrik, CEO of temporary employment agency, talks about the challenges of the local labour market. Jozef Petrik with his son Pavol Petrik in the back. (Source: Courtesy of Europersonal) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share When Volvo opens its new plant producing fully electric cars in the Valaliky industrial park near Kosice in 2026, it is thought that many Slovaks from the east of the country who currently work in Bratislava could move back to their home regions to take up new jobs with the Swedish carmaker and its suppliers. This, in turn, would leave their current employers with a slew of vacancies that need to be filled quickly, and a potential headache for HR companies. More information about the Slovak labour market Please see our Career & Employment Guide. But Jozef Petrik, general director and chairman of the board of directors of EPF Group, and head of the Europersonal group, says that for his company such a situation would be a challenge to be embraced. We do not perceive situations like this negatively, as they force us to find new ways to get new workers for vacant positions, Petrik said. The Slovak Spectator spoke with Jozef Petrik about the current situation on the Slovak labour market, labour leasing, an ageing population, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. What is the current situation on the Slovak labour market? https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/brazil-summons-ambassador-to-argentina-amid-tensions-between-heads-of-states-1119390538.html Brazil Summons Ambassador to Argentina Amid Tensions Between Heads of States Brazil Summons Ambassador to Argentina Amid Tensions Between Heads of States Sputnik International The Brazilian government summoned Ambassador to Argentina Julio Bitelli to look at the future of their bilateral relations amid tensions between Argentine President Javier Milei and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Nacion newspaper reported, citing sources in the Brazilian Foreign Ministry. 2024-07-16T04:17+0000 2024-07-16T04:17+0000 2024-07-16T12:18+0000 americas javier milei jair bolsonaro argentina brazil brazilian foreign ministry latin america https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/05/1080371007_0:157:3083:1891_1920x0_80_0_0_17e3a5ed7aa66e5f3129a2e5af705735.jpg The move was not linked to the authorities' desire to express their disagreement or lodge a protest with Argentina, the newspaper wrote. On the contrary, the idea was to "to look for spaces in which we can work, in which the conflict between Lula and Milei is not an obstacle," the newspaper quoted sources in Brasilia as saying. On July 7, Milei went to Brazil, where he gave a critical speech on socialism at a conservative event hosted by Lula's long-time rival, former President Jair Bolsonaro. This adds to the fact that Milei has more than once criticized Lula personally, calling him corrupted. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240715/argentina-may-lose-its-place-in-global-trade-due-to-actions-of-government---lawmaker-1119380910.html americas argentina brazil 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 brazil, argentina, lula da silva, javier milei https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/everything-to-sabotage-the-negotiation-israels-smoke-and-mirrors-approach-to-ceasefire-talks-1119385336.html 'Everything to Sabotage the Negotiation': Israel's Smoke and Mirrors Approach to Ceasefire Talks 'Everything to Sabotage the Negotiation': Israel's Smoke and Mirrors Approach to Ceasefire Talks Sputnik International On Monday, Magnier joined Sputniks The Critical Hour to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas which will likely reach its anniversary of a year in October. 2024-07-16T05:15+0000 2024-07-16T05:15+0000 2024-07-16T05:15+0000 analysis benjamin netanyahu joe biden elijah j. magnier israel defense forces (idf) genocide ethnic cleansing civilian casualties killings of civilians mass killings https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119387023_0:178:3007:1869_1920x0_80_0_0_eeaf44305fe464e72b8cab4cfc021c2b.jpg In an article published on Sunday, the veteran Middle East War correspondent Elijah Magnier, reported on the recent speech made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following a hundred days of absence from the local press, the prime minister reaffirmed Israeli war efforts against Hamas and called for absolute victory, Magnier reported.On Monday, Magnier joined Sputniks The Critical Hour to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas which will likely reach its anniversary of a year in October. The death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached over 38,000, with the injury toll well over 88,000, the enclaves health ministry said.First of all, [Netanyahu] does not delegate any power to decision-making authority, like the head of the Moss, the head of the Shin Bet when they go to negotiate in Doha or in Cairo, he added. Secondly, when they return with a reasonable proposal from Hamas that Hamas agreed to more than once, then Netanyahu comes up with new ideas and blows everything up.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari openly admitted in late June that Hamas cannot be made to vanish, and the idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas is like throwing sand in the eyes of the public. Netanyahus office then corrected the spokesmans remarks with a blunt response, saying that the IDF is still committed to their war goals of destroying Hamas.Sputniks Garland Nixon then commented that Israel has come to the conclusion that former president Donald Trump is likely to win the upcoming US presidential election. And because of this, their government has become more critical of Biden.Not because Biden is withholding bombs from Netanyahu, because he has delivered more than 57,000 bombs to Israel and with help 3,500 of which 3,000 he has delivered after a few months, he added. But Israel is in a place where it has its own industry, an armament industry that is manufacturing bombs. So, at the end of the day, yes, Israel is using disproportionate firepower and this is why it needs a lot of bombs to drop on Gaza.So he has been extremely generous. The behavior of Netanyahu is only an intervention in the US elections because he wants a free hand and he wants a US president who will tell him exactly what Trump said - finish them off.On Sunday, it was reported that the US launched several rounds of strikes on Yemen over the past few days in its war against the Houthis in the Red Sea. The report added that since the US and the UK began their bombing in Yemen in January, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israel-associated shipping and other commercial shipping. The Houthis have maintained that they will stop their attacks if there is a ceasefire in Gaza.The US spokesperson at the White House and the State Department said there are too many civilians killed but nobody is effectively doing anything," he added. "Nothing so far has managed to stop the Israelis and make Netanyahu change his mind about his objective to destroy Gaza, to destroy the infrastructure, to destroy all the EU/UN institutions, to kill journalists - kill civilians, mainly." "But he's still facing a very harsh reaction from the resistance in Gaza and he's not managing to defeat them. So what he's doing is he's going [after] civilians and this is why the front from Lebanon is supporting the civilians of Gaza and will immediately stop the day Netanyahu ends this." Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg genocide, ethnic cleansing, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, indiscriminate shelling, indiscriminate killing, war crimes, sabotage master, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/fascists-must-be-destroyed-kremlin-condemns-azov-battalions-brutal-execution-of-russian-pow-1119388651.html Fascists Must Be Destroyed: Kremlin Condemns Azov Battalion's Brutal Execution of Russian PoW Fascists Must Be Destroyed: Kremlin Condemns Azov Battalion's Brutal Execution of Russian PoW Sputnik International Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the shooting of a Russian serviceman by Ukrainian neo-Nazi Azov Battalion* was committed by fascists that must be destroyed. 2024-07-16T09:29+0000 2024-07-16T09:29+0000 2024-07-16T10:29+0000 russia dmitry peskov ukraine russia azov battalion kremlin pow https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/15/1104501939_0:0:3153:1773_1920x0_80_0_0_9e28e00330fda2d5996663edbaa7f4a3.jpg On Monday, the Ukrainian Azov Battalion* posted a video in which a Russian serviceman was killed at close range. The Russian Investigative Committee stated that it is examining the details surrounding the shooting of a Russian soldier."The investigators of the Russian Investigative Committee will study... the circumstances of the shooting of a Russian serviceman," the statement said.The investigators will establish all the circumstances of the incident and the circle of persons involved in the crimes.There have been numerous videos posted online showing the abuse or execution of Russian soldiers. Additionally, returning prisoners of war have reported being tortured in Ukrainian captivity, including being shot in the legs during interrogations, having fingers cut off, and being beaten with rebar and electrocuted, according to the Investigative Committee's press service.The Russian Ministry of Defense has stated that the vast majority of Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine are beaten and denied contact with their families, with over half forced to appear in propaganda videos. Many return from captivity with injuries such as broken teeth, fractured bones, and other traumas.* Terrorist organization banned in Russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240706/kill-crazy-foreign-mercs-in-ukraine-bragged-about-murdering-russian-pows---report-1119264039.html ukraine 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, ukraine, azov battalion, pows, prisoners of war https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/india-summons-ukrainian-ambassador-over-zelenskys-remarks-on-modis-russia-trip-1119389733.html India Summons Ukrainian Ambassador Over Zelensky's Remarks on Modi's Russia Trip India Summons Ukrainian Ambassador Over Zelensky's Remarks on Modi's Russia Trip Sputnik International The Indian Foreign Ministry summoned Ukrainian Ambassador in New Delhi Oleksandr Polishchuk in connection with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, The Economic Times newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing sources. 2024-07-16T07:49+0000 2024-07-16T07:49+0000 2024-07-16T11:01+0000 world volodymyr zelensky vladimir putin narendra modi ukraine russia new delhi indian foreign ministry india https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119389572_0:74:2983:1752_1920x0_80_0_0_6d5e28cac352940529808a4a5131510c.jpg Zelensky criticized the meeting by saying that it was a "devastating blow to peace efforts," the newspaper wrote. Afterward, India also postponed a meeting of the two countries' working group on culture, the newspaper added, citing sources. Last week, Modi paid an official visit to Russia and met with President Vladimir Putin to discuss a wide spectrum of issues, including settling the conflict in Ukraine. Following the meeting between Putin and Modi, the leaders adopted a joint statement where they strongly emphasized the need for a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine via diplomacy and dialogue. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240709/putin-thanks-modi-for-efforts-towards-peaceful-resolution-of-ukrainian-crisis-1119309148.html ukraine russia new delhi 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 india, narendra modi, modi in russia, modi in moscow, modi meets putin, ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/lavrov-warns-of-us-misconceptions-on-global-war-impact-urges-concrete-steps-for-ukraine-1119392703.html Lavrov Warns of US Misconceptions on Global War Impact, Urges Concrete Steps for Ukraine Lavrov Warns of US Misconceptions on Global War Impact, Urges Concrete Steps for Ukraine Sputnik International Washington's belief that the United States will not suffer from a new global war and that the main actions will unfold on the European continent is a misconception, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. 2024-07-16T16:27+0000 2024-07-16T16:27+0000 2024-07-16T16:27+0000 world sergey lavrov ukraine russia vladimir putin john kirby kremlin un security council (unsc) us europe https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119393215_0:16:3586:2033_1920x0_80_0_0_ec48f20a6eec6c075b05f5d45d050b2f.jpg White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby earlier said that Washington does not want a war with Russia as it would affect the European continent."In Washington, they are convinced that a new global war will affect not the US, but their European allies. If this analysis forms the basis of the Biden administration's strategy, it is a very dangerous misconception, and Europeans should realize what a suicidal role has been assigned to them," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a UN Security Council meeting.Lavrov arrived in New York to chair open ministerial-level debates on July 16-17.Any resolution of the European crisis must include concrete steps to eliminate the threats to Russia that emanate from the West, the diplomat went on to say.He recalled that Moscow's conditions for establishing lasting peace in Ukraine have already been outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.Putin also noted that Zelensky's term has expired and his legitimacy cannot be restored by any means. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin does not rule out negotiations with Ukraine, as there are other legitimate authorities there.For his part, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is ready to seek a balance of interests to resolve the current crisis in Ukraine, taking into account new geostrategic realities on the Eurasian continent.Additionally, Russia's top diplomat urged all those interested in overcoming the Ukrainian crisis to consider the issue of national minorities."We urge all those who show a sincere interest in overcoming the crisis in Ukraine to consider in any of their proposals the key issue of the rights of national minorities. All without exception," Lavrov stated during the UN Security Council meeting on multilateral cooperation for a fairer, more democratic, and sustainable world order.He added that ignoring this issue devalues peace initiatives. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240713/ex-pentagon-analyst-calls-nato-declaration-document-of-contemptuous-global-war-1119359330.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/putins-peace-proposals-on-ukraine-are-golden-opportunity--lifeline-1118974919.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240614/scott-ritter-west-has-to-decide-whether-it-wants-peace-after-putins-ukraine-proposal-1118954410.html ukraine 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, us, ukraine, sergey lavrov, un security council, un https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/more-israeli-strikes-on-monday-following-a-weekend-of-violence-1119384162.html More Israeli Strikes on Monday Following a Weekend of Violence More Israeli Strikes on Monday Following a Weekend of Violence Sputnik International Medical officials also said they recovered 10 bodies of Palestinians in the eastern areas of the city killed by the IDF whose bodies had already begun to decompose. 2024-07-16T02:56+0000 2024-07-16T02:56+0000 2024-07-16T05:07+0000 world israel palestinians gaza strip israel defense forces (idf) hamas genocide ethnic cleansing palestine-israel conflict israeli-palestinian conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119386772_0:209:3072:1937_1920x0_80_0_0_4d5f92d006645257e1c03f6c29cfb7bd.jpg On Monday, Israel struck the southern and central Gaza Strip, shortly after a weekend strike from their military killed at least 90 Palestinians in an airstrike and hundreds of others were wounded in what was supposed to be a designated humanitarian zone.The weekend strike turned the al-Mawasi area, which is located near the Mediterranean coast, into a charred wasteland littered with burning cars and mangled bodies, Reuters reported. Those who survived a weekend of violence were displaced soon after."Where to go is what everybody asks, and no one has the answer."Further fighting took place on Monday in Rafah, residents reportedly said. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) blew up several homes in the western and central parts of the city. Medical officials also said they recovered 10 bodies of Palestinians in the eastern areas of the city killed by the IDF whose bodies had already begun to decompose.The IDF has also begun increasing their aerial and tank shelling in central Gaza in the Al-Bureij and Al-Maghazi refugee camps, said Reuters. And at least five Palestinians were killed in an IDF airstrike on a house in the Maghazi camps, said health officials.Also on Sunday, at least 22 Palestinians were killed and 100 were wounded in a separate strike on a UN-run school in central Gaza that was being used as a shelter, said the Palestinian health ministry. The IDF excused the attack saying that they had targeted a number of Hamas militants, however witnesses told BBC Arabic that there were no armed fighters there and that children were among the casualties. It was the fifth attack on or near a school in just eight days.One woman who experienced the strike on Abu Oraiban School in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp described the horror she had seen.I quickly ran out of the school. I found my aunt at the school gate, hugging her burnt young son. When I left the school, I saw many injured people lying on the ground and bodies torn to pieces.The IDF said they had been targeting a Hamas leader during their strikes over the weekend, but they have not been able to prove that Mohammed Deif was killed.On Saturday, two Egyptian security sources said that ceasefire talks, which seemed possible in recent weeks, have come to a halt after three days of intense negotiations failed to produce a viable outcome. The sources also accused Israeli mediators of behavior that revealed internal discord.The death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached over 38,000 since last October, while over 88,800 have been injured, according to the Palestinian enclave's health ministry's estimates. According to the UN, an estimated 1.9 million people - 90% of Gazas population - have been forced to leave their homes including some of those who have been displaced up to 10 times. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240715/at-least-90-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-airstrike-as-idf-targets-hamas-top-commander-1119374970.html israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg genocide, ethnic cleansing, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, indiscriminate shelling, indiscriminate killing, war crimes https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/russias-primorye-aims-to-boost-trade-with-china-to-11bln-in-2024-1119388208.html Russia's Primorye Aims to Boost Trade With China to $11Bln in 2024 Russia's Primorye Aims to Boost Trade With China to $11Bln in 2024 Sputnik International Authorities of Russia's region of Primorye, which borders China and North Korea, aim to boost trade with China up to $11 billion by the end of 2024, the regional government said on Tuesday. 2024-07-16T10:13+0000 2024-07-16T10:13+0000 2024-07-16T10:14+0000 economy china russia north korea trade bilateral trade economic cooperation https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105620/72/1056207242_0:161:3067:1886_1920x0_80_0_0_62e554fc5fb100feba932a2616e654c8.jpg The statement comes as the region hosts a delegation for the facilitation of international trade from China's northern Heilongjiang province, which shares a border with Russia. During the visit, the parties discussed trade prospects. The region's exports to China include seafood, forestry and agricultural products, including milk, corn, soybeans and honey, the minister added. "Now we can offer for export processed softwood and hardwood sawn timber and manufactured wood production. With stable demand, we are also ready to increase milk exports to 15,000 tonnes from 2027 and exports of organic Primorye honey to 12,000 tonnes," Blokhin said. He also invited Chinese partners to participate in the region's housing, tourism and infrastructure projects. The minister also extended an invitation for the Chinese delegation to attend the ninth Eastern Economic Forum, which will be held in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok in early September. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240509/russia-china-2024-trade-growth-overshadows-relevant-china-us-figures-1118348783.html china russia north korea 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's region of primorye, trade with china, trade with north korea, russia-china economic cooperation, russia-north korea economic cooperation https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/uk-early-prison-release-faces-challenges-thousands-of-prisoners-to-be-released-1119385610.html UK Early Prison Release Faces Challenges, Thousands of Prisoners to be Released UK Early Prison Release Faces Challenges, Thousands of Prisoners to be Released Sputnik International In an effort to combat overcrowding, the UK will plan to release thousands of prisoners at the start of September. 2024-07-16T05:34+0000 2024-07-16T05:34+0000 2024-07-16T05:34+0000 world united kingdom (uk) england prison prison bail prison sentence prison guard criminal wanted criminal https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119387256_0:158:3077:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_73a6cf296ebd2bda1bb667198bcd4144.jpg In an effort to combat overcrowding, the UK will plan to release thousands of prisoners at the start of September. UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her plan would allow some prisoners to be released after they have served just 40% of their sentence in England and Wales, rather than the current 50%.But the head of a prisons watchdog has warned that the early-release program could face a challenge, because a previous plan saw prisoners sent straight back to prison, Financial Times reported. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, warned ministers that they need to properly prepare prisoners before their release.Certainly, its always going to be a challenge when you introduce any sort of scheme like the government has introduced.But according to the report, Taylor admitted that an early release plan may be the best to tackle problems with overcrowding in prisons.For weeks leading up to the UKs recent general election, the UK government had been warned that overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales was reaching an operational breaking point, Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors Association told the Financial Times in early July.Wheatley also warned at the time that the UKs criminal justice system would likely grind to a halt if immediate changes were not implemented. According to Wheatley, the recent Conservative government had ignored repeated warnings about overcrowding. He explained that official data had shown jails would not be able to take in any more inmates within a week or two of the UK general election.Mahmood echoed Wheatleys sentiments, and also warned of the total collapse of the prison system and a total breakdown of law and order without urgent action to address prison overcrowding. The justice secretary accused Rishi Sunak and the former Conservative government of a disgraceful dereliction of duty for failing to address the issue.Mahmood said the first batch of prisoners released will be in the low thousands, and further releases will take place over the next 18 months. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) told BBC that they estimate up to 4,000 male prisoners and fewer than 1,000 female prisoners will be released under these new measures, BBC reported.Ex-Labour MP Harriet Harman spoke out about the number of women being locked up for non-violent crimes. She told the BBC that most women in prison have been victims of violence, and that 40% of female prisoners in UK jails are foreign nationals who should be serving their sentences in their own countries.Regarding the crimes of those being released: sentences for serious violent offenses of four years or more and sex offenses will be excluded from the change, as well as the early release of offenders in prison for domestic abuse-related crimes like stalking and choking.Mahmood acknowledged that the plan for early prison release may not be popular with some, but said she had been left with no choice at all due to the previous governments lack of action.The most recent statistics published by the Ministry of Justice on June 28 showed the prison population standing at 87,360, while the capacity (with assigning two prisoners to the same cell) is 88,818 in England and Wales. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240704/uk-prisons-could-reach-their-breaking-point-come-july-4-elections-1119237374.html united kingdom (uk) england Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg uk prisons, early release prisons, uk, uk politics, september, eu prisons, british criminals, criminal britain, unsafe in longin https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/ukraine-military-brigade-celebrated-trump-assassination-attempt---report-1119385755.html Ukraine Military Brigade Celebrated Trump Assassination Attempt - Report Ukraine Military Brigade Celebrated Trump Assassination Attempt - Report Sputnik International A prominent Ukrainian air unit responded with delight to the attempt on the former US presidents life. 2024-07-16T04:14+0000 2024-07-16T04:14+0000 2024-07-16T10:50+0000 mark sleboda donald trump ukraine russia sputnik ukrainian security service (sbu) shooting assassination attempt 2024 us presidential election us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/01/1107902174_0:0:1275:717_1920x0_80_0_0_bafed9f127b412de87700c0487ab2acf.jpg The social media channel of Ukraines 79th Air Assault Brigade celebrated the shooting of former US President Donald Trump Saturday, according to a Sputnik contributor, appearing to jokingly take credit for the assassination attempt.Security analyst Mark Sleboda made the revelation on Sputniks The Critical Hour program Monday.As soon as [the shooting] happened, the first thing that popped into my mind was, hmm, Mirotvorets, said host Garland Nixon, referring to the Ukrainian government-connected website that appears to endorse the killing of those it deems enemies of Ukraine. Was it crazy for me to think that it could have been Ukraine immediately without any information to suspect that Ukraine could have been behind it?A post on the Ukrainian 79th Air Assault Brigades Telegram channel appeared to satirically take credit for the assassination attempt, comparing it to the killing of Russian philosopher Aleksandr Dugins daughter Darya Dugina and the bombing of Russias Crimean Bridge.[The Ukrainian intelligence service] has made great progress in operations, the post read in Ukrainian. We should have looked for a better shooter. But this is not the end yet!Another post included an image of the dead would-be assassin, mocking him as an incel.They would have been quite happy to see Donald Trump assassinated, the international relations expert concluded.Sleboda also commented on the recent developments in the Western-backed Ukraine proxy war as Russia continues to gradually grind down Kievs forces.The neocon plan to fight their proxy war against Russia to the last Ukrainian seems to be nearing its goal as military age men drown as they flee certain death on the front lines, said host Garland Nixon, referring to reports of Ukrainian draft-age men dying while trying to escape to Romania.Previous articles in the Western media have also noticed that during the winter, Ukrainian men are dying of exposure in the mountains, trying to escape across the mountains, Sleboda noted. Ukraine has been a one big prison for its own male citizens since Russia's intervention in the Ukrainian civil conflict began in 2022. While initially millions of Ukrainian men escaped as soon as the borders with the EU were opened, once the conscription began very quickly those borders were sealed shut.And increasingly, European politicians are talking about how do they make Ukrainian men who are refugees in Europe go back and fight and die for them in Ukraine? They're continually talking about how to do this as the Kiev regime is running out of those Ukrainians to conscript.Nixon noted the antipathy towards the Zelensky regime of the more than half of Ukraines former citizens who supported the ousted Viktor Yanukovych government, which was overthrown in a Western-supported coup in 2014. Ukraine has moved to outlaw the Russian Orthodox Church, Eastern Ukrainian political parties and media outlets, and even the speaking of the Russian language in public since the US-backed putsch. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240715/ukraine-loses-up-to-585-soldiers-in-clashes-with-russias-zapad-battlegroup-1119380484.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240225/at-long-last-uk-media-blasts-wests-support-to-euromaidan-coup--ukraine-conflict-1116974378.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg ukraine celebrates trump shooting, ukrainian brigade takes credit for attempted assassination, ukraine 79th air assault brigade trump shooting, ukraine intelligence trump shooting, trump assassination, trump injured, attempt on his life, shooter missed, missed shot, trump survived, trump lives, trump fine, trump vs biden, biden vs trump Authorities identified a man shot and killed at West Side home on Saturday. Douglas Sacha/Getty Images Authorities identified a man who was shot and killed Saturday at a West Side home. Arturo Avila, 45, was killed at a home in the 1100 block of Boling Brook Drive, near Marbach Road. San Antonio police said his partner, a 40-year-old woman, shot him during a physical altercation. As of Monday afternoon, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office had not released the cause and manner of Avilas death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Coast Guard suspends search for boater missing after fatal collision with tanker near Port Aransas According to a preliminary police report, the woman shot Avila after he began physically assaulting her, a juvenile and another family member at the home. Officers responded to a call about a shooting around 9 a.m. and found Avila with a gunshot wound. Avila was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. San Antonio police said there were no arrests made or charges pending from the case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The New York Times on July 6 quoted Caspar Grosse, a German medic in the US-led Chosen Company allied with the Kiev, as saying that the unit on several occasions killed surrendering Russian soldiers and PoWs. Moscow The New York Times on July 6 quoted Caspar Grosse, a German medic in the US-led Chosen Company allied with the Kiev, as saying that the unit on several occasions killed surrendering Russian soldiers and PoWs. Moscow slammed the Western media's "ridiculous" months-long silence on Ukrainian military and mercs' war crimes Russian PoWs were used as Russian PoWs were used as human demining shields , being forced to walk in front of Ukrainian infantry on densely mined fields in the Zaporozhye region, last July, a Russian soldier codename Topaz who managed to escape told the press. In November 2022, a video, apparently shot in the settlement of Makeevka in the Lugansk People's Republic, showed In November 2022, a video, apparently shot in the settlement of Makeevka in the Lugansk People's Republic, showed 10 Russian PoWs being brutally killed by Ukrainian soldiers. In May 2022, Russian security forces discovered a Ukrainian torture chamber with a body of a man in a Russian military uniform In May 2022, Russian security forces discovered a Ukrainian torture chamber with a body of a man in a Russian military uniform with his legs cut off in the village of Zelenovka near the city of Kherson. On April 4, 2022, a video allegedly taken on March 30 near the village of Dmitrovka, the Kiev region, showed On April 4, 2022, a video allegedly taken on March 30 near the village of Dmitrovka, the Kiev region, showed Russian troops lying on the ground unarmed and bleeding with fighters from the Kiev-allied Georgian National Legion mocking them and killing one of them. The finest two and three-year-old trotters in Atlantic Canada will head to Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway for Governors Plate Week racing on Tuesday, July 16 for the P.E.I. Colt Stakes. The 11-dash Tuesday card starts off at 6 p.m., with Mile Hill Waylon starting off his career in the first $13,000 division in race two. The son of Mile Hill Willie has Gilles Barrieau set to drive from post three in his P.E.I. Colt Stakes two-year-old trot colt division for trainer Paul Morrison and owners John and Barbara Breau of Shediac Cape, N.B. His main rivals are Camco Thor (Myles Heffernan Sr.) and Marcus Down Ridge (Clare MacDonald). The other $13,000 two-year-old trot division in race seven features Fire The Rocket favoured for trainer Ashley Gamester and owner Donald MacRae of Orwell, P.E.I. Ken Murphy is listed to drive the E L Rocket colt. Other top entries are Dusty Lane Gus (Adam Merner) and West River Jet (Ken MacDonald). The $13,000 P.E.I. Colt Stakes two-year-old trot filly division is in race four. Supreme Rockette (Corey MacPherson) is the top choice from post one after winning her Atlantic Sires Stakes division at the Truro Raceway on July 5. Mike McGuigan trains the E L Rocket filly for owner Jamie Whalen of Avondale, P.E.I. Her stablemate, Oceanview Nikki (McGuigan), has post five after also winning her career debut. The P.E.I. Colt Stakes three-year-old colt trot division in race six carries a $13,000 purse. Gettin Lit (McGuigan) will leave from post three as the favourite for owner Whalen. His competition includes Camco Laraido (Ken Murphy) and W L Roseys Rocket (Campbell). Dusty Lane Darby is the top selection in race eight in a $13,000 three-year-old colt trot division for driver Merner, trainer Melissa Rennie and owners Herman McQuaid of Charlottetown and Jared Perrot of Stratford, P.E.I. Rocket Blast will loom the danger from post five with a win, a second and a third from three starts in 2024. Corey MacPherson will drive that son of E L Rocket for trainer Carl Bagnall. Oceanview Daisy (pictured above) has rail control in the lone three-year-old trot filly division for $13,000 in race three. Heffernan drives for trainer Myles Heffernan Jr., and owners Jackie Heffernan of Summerville and Barry MacLeod of Cardigan, P.E.I. The E L Rocket filly set a track record in her last start at Truro Raceway, winning in 1:59.1. She will face off with last years Atlantic Breeders Crown champ Dusty Lane Wee (Marc Campbell, who has post four. The official post position draw for the 56th edition of the Governors Plate, presented by Summerside Chrysler Dodge, will take place at 7 p.m. trackside. To view Tuesday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Tuesday Entries - Summerside Raceway. (Red Shores) Driver Aaron Merriman and trainer Chris Beaver teamed up to win two of the four $68,493 divisions in the Ohio Sires Stakes for two-year-old colt trotters on Monday evening, July 15 at MGM Northfield Park. The pair won the opener with Uncle Moneybags and the final division with Caviar Creek. Merriman took Uncle Moneybags (pictured above) to the lead off the gate and was making it look easy through the first half-mile with fractions of :29.4 and 1:00.3. As the field headed up the backstretch, Brett Miller pulled the favourite, Rose Run Ari, three-wide taking aim at the leader. Around the final turn, Rose Run Ari pulled even with Uncle Moneybags, but could not gain the lead. After fighting off the challenge from Rose Run Ari down the stretch, Uncle Moneybags held off a late-charging Silverton and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. to win by a length in 1:59.3. It was the first win in two starts for Uncle Moneybags. Beaver co-owns the Uncle Peter gelding with Barry Carter, VIP Internet Stables and Tim Homan. Silverton was second with Rose Run Ari third. In the final division of the night, Merriman raced Caviar Creek to the lead but yielded to 1-5 favourite Whats Shakin and Ronnie Gillespie, settling into the pocket. Whats Shakin cut fractions of :29, :59 and 1:28.3 through the first three-quarters. Around the final turn, Rose Run Arch and Wrenn swung wide to take a shot at the lead, but Merriman took Caviar Creek down the passing lane blowing by the Whats Shakin to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.4. It was the first win of the year from the son of Triumphant Caviar. Beaver co-owns the two-time starter with Steve Zeehandelar, Leo Fleming and Mark Schwartz. Rose Run Arch finished second while Whats Shakin faded to third. In the second division, Lt Loverboy and Kurt Sugg grabbed the lead off the gate but watched as Chris Page and Rose Run Alex went by after a :29.3 opening quarter. It wasn't long before Lt Loverboy retook the lead and never looked back, cruising to an easy 2-1/2-length win in 1:58.3. Lt Loverboy has hit the board in all three of his career starts, winning two. Daren Harvey trains the Long Tom gelding for Wayne Mast Jr. and Callam Racing. Rose Run Alex was second with What A Buckeye and Dan Noble finishing third. Quintuplet, with Wrenn, had an easy time in the third division as five of the seven starters made breaks. Quintuplet led by four lengths in 1:59.1 for his second win in as many starts. Rosy Weaver trains the son of What The Hill for Mark Martin and Patricia Jury. Seven Lick Tom finished second for Chris Lems with Dublins Angel recovering to finish third for Merriman. The Hanners brothers, Luke and Austin, each collected a win in the Buckeye Stallion Series action on Monday's card. The five $27,397 divisions of freshman pacing fillies closed out the first leg of the series. Luke Hanners set the winning standard in the third division by driving Maa Honey to victory. Not to be outdone by his younger brother, Austin guided Racin Like A Star to the winners circle after the fourth division. Maa Honey sat fifth, seven lengths off the lead at the half before moving into contention up the backstretch. The daughter of Well Said went three-wide around the final turn to grab the lead. At odds of 8-1, Maa Honey kept her momentum going, opening up to win in 1:56.3 by 2-1/2 lengths. Tyler Bates trains the filly for Sean Mcghee and Suzanne Bates. The victory was the fourth career win in five starts for Maa Honey. Big Bad Beachbunny and Kurt Sugg were second with Four Carat Rock and Noble finishing third. In the next division, Austin Hanners made it look easy, taking 1-2 favourite Racin Like A Star wire to wire for the win. The Racing Hill filly set fractions in :29, :58.4 and 1:28 before defeating brother Luke and Trunk Bay Hanover by a length in 1:57.2. It was the first career win in two attempts for Racin Like A Star, who is trained by Steve Carter and owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Adam Friedland and Hunter Holton. Trunk Bay Hanover was second while Rose Run Alexandra and Anthony MacDonald were third. Pink Jammies, with Hunter Myers, took the first division in 1:58.2. After an early miscue from the 1-5 favourite, Gorgeous Package, 12-1 shot Pink Jammies found herself in the lead for a brief moment. After settling into a pocket trip behind Whiskey Hill, the daughter of Fear The Dragon snuck into the passing lane to overtake her competitors in the final strides. It was the second win for Pink Jammies from four starts. Rosy Weaver trains and co-owns the filly alongside Heartland Acres. Gorgeous Package and MacDonald rallied for second with Whiskey Hill and Luke Ebersole fading to third. Maddies Delite raced to the lead out of the gate and never looked back in the second division. Driven by Noble, the 1-5 favourite fought off challenges down the backside to win in 1:56.2 by 2-1/2 lengths. It was the third win in four starts for the Lather Up filly. Carter trains for Scp Stable. It was a dead heat for second between Spinal Cracker, with Trevor Smith, and the Merriman-driven Lily Grace Hill. In the final division of the night, Cameron McCown worked 9-1 shot Guard The Fire through the field from sixth place on the backside. The daughter of Catch The Fire went four-wide around the final turn and charged down the stretch to win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:56.4. Guard The Fire was making her first career start for trainer Brian Brown. The filly is owned by Hutchison Harness LLC. Fear My Heart and Luke Hanners were second with Downbytheastside and Wrenn third. Ohio Sires Stakes action continues on Wednesday night at Northfield Park with the third leg for three-year-old filly trotters. Post time is 6 p.m. Meanwhile, the Buckeye Stallion Series continues on Tuesday night with the opening leg for two-year-old filly trotters at Eldorado Scioto Downs. First race post time at Scioto is 5:45 p.m. (With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association) A man barricaded himself inside a home near downtown after a woman was shot in the head Tuesday morning. Gabriella Ybarra A man barricaded himself inside a home near downtown after a woman was shot in the head Tuesday morning. Gabriella Ybarra San Antonio police and SWAT officers arrested a man accused of shooting his partner in the head during an early morning dispute at a home near downtown. Carlos Herrera, 35, was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a five-hour standoff. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of Taft Boulevard near U.S. 90 and Interstate 35. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Antonio police spokesperson Ricardo Guzman said police received a call about a shooting at the home. When officers arrived, they found the wounded woman, described as being in her mid-30s. She was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but is said to be stable. It was reported that Herrera pistol-whipped and then shot his significant other before entering the home. The woman told police that Herrera was inside the home, Guzman said. READ MORE: Medical examiner identifies man shot and killed at a San Antonio home Advertisement Article continues below this ad SWAT officers were called and got three people out of the house, all of whom were initially detained. But police later said the two men and one woman would not be facing any charges. Fujitsu announced a strategic partnership with Cohere Inc., a security and data privacy-focused enterprise AI company headquartered in Toronto and San Francisco. The strategic partnership will focus on developing and providing large language model (LLM) that enable enterprises to leverage industry-leading Japanese language capabilities that deliver improved experiences for customers and employees. In addition, Fujitsu has made a significant investment and entered into a strategic partnership between the two companies. As part of the partnership, Fujitsu will become the exclusive provider of jointly developed services on the global market. Fujitsu plans to provide the jointly developed AI technology to customers through Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS, a cloud-based all-in-one operation platform, and Fujitsu Uvance, a cross-industry business model to solve social issues. Additionally, the two companies will jointly develop Takane (tentative name), an advanced Japanese language model based on Coheres frontier enterprise-grade LLM. Fujitsu plans to start providing the AI model through Fujitsu Kozuchi, starting in September 2024. Takane (tentative name) will be offered for private environments, such as private clouds, to provide the best combination of outstanding AI services in a guaranteed secure environment for enterprise data. Takane (tentative name) is based on Coheres latest LLM, Command R+, which features enhanced retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) (1) capabilities to mitigate hallucinations. It is a multilingual model trained on proprietary data from scratch, ensuring safety and transparency. Takane (tentative name) leverages Fujitsus expertise in Japanese language training and fine-tuning technologies, and Coheres enterprise-specific technologies. Takane (tentative name) will focus on the critical needs of specific industries and businesses to boost productivity and efficiency. These models will be developed as a service that can be utilized in private clouds for customers that require high security, such as financial institutions, government agencies, and R&D units. In addition to its high performing generative AI models, Cohere also has best-in-class Embed (2) and Rerank (3)models to provide advanced enterprise search applications and RAG technology. These solutions enable companies to unlock real business value from their data. Fujitsu has years of experience with R&D of knowledge graphs, a knowledge processing technology, and has developed a knowledge graph extended RAG technology that converts a companys diverse and large-scale data into knowledge graphs that LLMs can reference, and generative AI auditing technology that achieves generative AI that is in compliance with corporate and legal regulations. Fujitsu plans to release a knowledge graph extended RAG technology from Fujitsu Kozuchi in July 2024, and generative AI auditing technology in September 2024. In addition, Fujitsus generative AI amalgamation technology, which it plans to offer from Fujitsu Kozuchi starting in August 2024, will be combined as a part of Takane (tentative name) models developed through this partnership and various models for specific domains and existing machine learning models. This model will power generative AI capabilities designed to meet the high standards required of enterprises. Through joint development, Fujitsu and Cohere will further promote the utilization of AI by companies, and accelerate digital transformation across global markets. Vivek Mahajan, Corporate Vice President, CTO, and CPO, Fujitsu Limited, said, We are very pleased to strengthen our generative AI for enterprises portfolio through this partnership with Cohere. Fujitsu has developed a knowledge graph extended RAG technology for logical inferences and a generative AI amalgamation technology for automatic generation of specialized generative AI models to meet the diverse needs of companies. Combining these with Coheres latest highly secure enterprise LLMs, we aim to provide businesses with powerful and adaptable AI solutions that address specific needs and accelerate the adoption of generative AI globally. Aidan Gomez, Co-founder and CEO, Cohere, said, We believe that this strategic partnership with Fujitsu is a truly important step in offering world-class LLM capabilities to one of the most important enterprise markets in the world. For AI technologies to reach their full potential, we need to be able to meet enterprises where they are, whether that means in their own cloud environment, or in the languages that they do business. We are incredibly excited that our work with Fujitsu will help to unlock the enormous potential of Coheres technology to power the next generation of Japanese businesses. (1) RAG :A mechanism through which the LLM acquires and utilizes knowledge outside of training, also referred to as retrieval augmented generation. (2) Embed :Embed is a model that converts items input into it, such as text, into vector representations. It can be used when checking whether or not texts are similar to each other.(3) Rerank :A model that allows for the close examination and highly accurate re-ranking of information obtained from a simple similarity search when the LLM is given a reference document. Hitachi Vantara launched its inaugural Partner Advisory Board for India and the SAARC region at its annual summit for channel partners, distributors, and alliances. The Partner Advisory Board serves as a platform for Hitachi Vantara to regularly convene with its partners, exchange industry best practices and actively listen to partner feedback, with the goal of fostering continuous improvement and excellence in the partner programs. Held from July 10 to 12 in Jaipur, the three-day summit themed Partnership Beyond Boundaries brought together close to 100 partners across India and the SAARC region to celebrate their role in driving revenue growth and unlocking business value for mutual customers with Hitachi Vantara over the last financial year. The top-performing partners were presented with awards for their achievements. As one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, India continues to be a pivotal contributor to our worldwide business. This success is largely driven by our partners who are essential in driving innovation and excellence for our customers, said Hemant Tiwari, managing director and vice president India and SAARC Region, Hitachi Vantara. The creation of the Partner Advisory Board exemplifies our commitment to actively listen to our partners feedback and engage in ongoing dialogue. This helps us consistently identify areas for improvement in our partner programs, fostering collaborative efforts to drive revenue growth and deliver unmatched value to our customers. Together, we will forge new paths, set higher benchmarks, and continue to transform the digital landscape for businesses in the years to come. Over the past year, Hitachi Vantara has significantly enhanced its partner support infrastructure. These improvements include advanced sales and presales tools, a virtual labs environment, streamlined partner event programs, expanded inside-sales capabilities, increased marketing resources, and a redesigned partner portal with personalized features. Additionally, Hitachi Vantara has introduced a sustainability credit feature and launched a new product demo experience website, reinforcing its commitment to supporting partners with innovation and resources. Hitachi Vantaras Partner Program focuses on empowering partners with the tools and support they need to lead their customers into a sustainable, data-driven future. Initiatives such as the Partner Advisory Board and Run To Win programs in India demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our partners have everything they need to drive their business forward, expand opportunities, and achieve profitability and growth, said KC Phua, senior director, strategic partners and alliances, APAC, Hitachi Vantara. Hitachi Vantara India Partner Summit Award Winners for Fiscal Year 2023: India Government North and East Region FY23 Breakthrough Partner of the Year (North) SISL Infotech Pvt. Ltd. FY23 Partner of the Region (North) Niveshan Technologies India Pvt. Ltd FY23 Value Added Distributor of the Region (North) Redington India Limited FY23 Best Upcountry Partner in the Region (North) Synergy Telematics Private Limited FY23 Emerging Partner of the Region (North) Techjockey Infotech Private Limited India South Region FY23 Breakthrough Partner of the Year (South) StarOne IT Solutions India Pvt Ltd FY23 Partner of the Region (South) Hitachi Systems India Private Limited FY23 Value Added Distributor of the Region (South) iValue InfoSolutions Pvt Ltd FY23 Best Upcountry Partner in the Region (South) SBA Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd. FY23 Emerging Partner of the Region (South) Giniminds Solutions Private Limited India West Region FY23 Breakthrough Partner of the Year (West) Team Computers Private Limited FY23 Partner of the Region (West) Wysetek Systems Technologists Pvt Ltd FY23 Value Added Distributor of the Region (West) RAH Infotech Pvt. Ltd FY23 Best Upcountry Partner in the Region (West) VarniTech Solution Pvt Ltd FY23 Emerging Partner of the Region (West) Smartnet Infotech & Services Pvt Ltd National Awards 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 Google parent Alphabet Inc. is in talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz Inc., according to a person familiar with the matter. A deal may be worth as much as $23 billion, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing nonpublic information. That would make it the tech giant's largest acquisition to date. An agreement hasn't been reached and talks could still end without one, the person said. A representative for Alphabet didn't respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Wiz declined to comment. Alphabet already owns the cybersecurity firm Mandiant, which it bought for $5.4 billion two years ago in its second-largest acquisition, topped only by its deal for Motorola Mobility Holdings LLC completed in 2012. An acquisition target as large as Wiz would be unusual for a big tech company like Alphabet and may draw even more scrutiny from antitrust regulators. Google already faces several antitrust challenges, including a lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department, accusing it of abusing its dominant position in online search and another one regarding its digital advertising tools. The Wiz talks, which were previously reported by the Wall Street Journal, come on the heels of Alphabet shelving efforts to acquire customer relationship management company HubSpot Inc., which Bloomberg News reported last week. Google shares, which have gained more than 33% this year, rose about 1% to $186.54 at 1 p.m. in New York. New York-based Wiz connects to cloud storage providers such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure and scans data stored there for security risks. The company, founded in 2020, was valued at $12 billion during a May funding round that drew investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Thrive Capital. The acquisition of Wiz could help Google catch up to Microsoft Corp. and Amazon.com Inc. in an increasingly competitive cloud market. Alphabet has been ramping up investment in its cloud customer business, including offering more generative artificial intelligence tools for clients. Though Google still lags behind Microsoft and Amazon in the market for cloud computing, the company reported that its cloud unit has been profitable in consecutive quarters, after years of the unit being a money-losing operation. Opportunities are growing in the space as more startups move their apps and data to the cloud, particularly for generative AI purposes. Artificial intelligence tools are trained off of enormous data sets and often require vast amounts of compute power to generate content such as images, marketing campaigns or software code. An Alphabet takeover of Wiz also stands to intensify Google's competition against Microsoft, the world's largest seller of cybersecurity products. Microsoft has been hit with a series of embarrassing hacks that have exposed corporate and government customers in recent years. A U.S. government report blasted the company earlier this year for its failure to stop hackers tied to the Chinese government from pilfering the email boxes of U.S. officials. Google has been betting Microsoft's very public cybersecurity failuresalong with deep discountswill persuade corporate and government customers to use the search giant's productivity software rather than Office. In May, it released a white paper highlighting its rival's security lapses, and was considering launching similarly-themed social-media and advertising campaigns. Google was also offering one free year to government agencies that switch 500 or more users to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus for three years and said they would be eligible for a "significant discount" for the rest of the contract. 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: A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in flight. Credit: Vlad Lazarenko/Wikimedia, CC BY-SA Helicopters draw a lot of attention with their almost magical ability to hover, fly in any direction and operate without runways. They also help save many lives, often dramatically, with their extensive use in all-weather military missions, ambulance duties and search-and-rescue roles. When things go wrong, dramatic images and news stories about helicopter accidents grab the public's attention. This is especially true when high-profile celebrities or government officials are involved. However, modern rotorcraft are safe. Each year, the U.S. commercial helicopter industry flies about 3 million flight hours. There were 0.77 fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours on average from 2018 to 2022. In comparison, general aviation, which refers to small fixed-wing aircraft and not jetliners, averaged 0.88 fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours over the same period. As an aeronautical engineer who specializes in rotorcraft and the director of a national vertical lift center of excellence, I have observed academic, government and industry efforts to improve helicopter safety. A lot of technology and training have gone into making helicopters safe. Long road to safety Rotary-wing aircraft were first developed over a century ago. The first that went into mass production was the autogiro, developed in 1923 by Juan de la Cierva in Spain. The pinwheel-like nature of the main lifting rotor avoided the dangers of stalling, which wrecked so many fixed-wing aircraft during that era. Stalling is when the angle of an airplane's wings relative to the airflow is too great, causing the plane to lose lift. Within 15 years, the first true helicopters with powered rotorscapable of hovering, low-speed flight and safe descent in the event of engine failurewere in the air in both Europe and the United States. Large-scale military and commercial production began just a few years later during the World War II. How helicopters fly. Today's helicopter operations are anchored on three main principles: comprehensive vehicle design, testing and manufacturing; well-trained flight crews; and thorough maintenance practices. Advanced technology plays a vital role in each of these pillars of helicopter safety. Safety fundamentals Helicopter safety begins with the fundamental capability of large-diameter rotors that can auto-rotate in the event of engine failure. With the engine off, the rotors spin freely, slowing the helicopter's decent and allowing parachute-like controlled landing. Reliable powertrainsengines, gear boxes and driveshaftslong-lived blades and low-vibration airframes have also paved the way for safer flights. Additionally, advanced autopilot and computer-controlled or assisted flight controls, terrain-avoidance radar and rotor blade deicing systems that enable all-weather flight have become common on modern helicopters. Decades of basic and applied research conducted in university, government and industry laboratories has yielded many advanced technologies. Today's helicopters typically have radar- and lidar-based collision avoidance systems, comprehensive digital terrain mapping databases and adaptive controls that help the pilot feel differences depending on flight conditions and aircraft characteristics such as payload. Rotorcraft do require specialized pilot training to master. Pilots often train on fixed-wing aircraft before transitioning to rotary-wing vehicles, much as you might learn to ride a bicycle before taking on a unicycle. Pilots spend many additional hours or even years of flight instruction to earn a helicopter license. Rotorcraft inherently feature more moving parts than fixed-wing aircraft, which makes careful design of bearings, gearboxes, shock absorbers, lubrication systems and other mechanical components critical. As with pilots, helicopter mechanics need additional training hours and skill sets. Indeed, for some complex military and rescue missions, mechanics fly along as integral members of the flight crew. These flight mechanics closely monitor critical systems using onboard temperature, vibration, noise and metal chip sensors, and can even troubleshoot and repair many mechanical, electrical and digital issues that arise. Advanced sensors and computer software make maintaining helicopters quicker and more thorough. Additionally, advanced design and manufacturing methods for rugged composite materials and specialized flexible polymers have dramatically improved the durability of dynamic components such as blades and rotors. Risks remain Even with all the advanced design, training and technology in place, accidents happen. The vast majority involve a complex chain of events. Pilot ormechanic error, typically associated with unusual circumstances, is a primary cause of many crashes. Bad weather often contributes. Many essential flight operations such as search and rescue, firefighting and military transport necessarily occur in sandy, snowy, smoky or stormy environments. These "edge of the envelope" conditions raise the risk factor, despite the best technology and training doctrines. Even the intense and realistic training exercises for these missions can be inherently more dangerous than standard flight. John Goglia, a former member of the National Transportation Safety Board, explains safety factors of helicopters in light of high-profile crashes. Advanced technologies New technologies continue to improve flight safety under these difficult conditions. These include more effective, reliable and lower power rotor blade deicing or anti-icing systems; improved weather forecasting models; and even onboard ice-cloud detection systems. Researchers are developing artificial intelligence-enabled expert systems that help pilots decide when and if it's safe to fly. I expect advanced technologies to enable reliability and safety statistics to continue to improve, and operating costs to drop, as thousands of aerospace engineers around the world bring life-saving, time-saving and security-enhancing improvements to these remarkable vehicles. 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: Students working with the mobile optical communications network TeraNet 3. Credit: ICRAR The University of Western Australia's "TeraNet," a network of optical ground stations specializing in high-speed space communications, has successfully received laser signals from a German satellite in low Earth orbit. This breakthrough paves the way for a 1,000-fold increase in communication bandwidth between space and Earth. The TeraNet team, led by Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy from the UWA node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), received laser signals from OSIRISv1, a laser communication payload from the Institute of Communications and Navigation of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). OSIRISv1 is installed on the University of Stuttgart's Flying Laptop satellite. The signals were detected using two of the TeraNet optical ground stations during flybys of the satellite last Thursday. "This demonstration is the critical first step in establishing a next-generation space communications network across Western Australia. The next steps include joining this network to other optical ground stations currently being developed in Australia and across the world," Associate Professor Schediwy said. The TeraNet ground stations use lasers, instead of traditional wireless radio signals, to transfer data between satellites in space and users on Earth. Lasers can potentially transfer data at thousands of gigabits per second, because lasers operate at much higher frequencies than radio, so much more data can be packed into every second. Wireless radio technology has been used to communicate from space since the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik 1, nearly 70 years ago, and the technology has remained relatively unchanged since then. As the number of satellites in space has grown, with each new satellite capable of generating more data, there is now a critical space bottleneck in getting data back to Earth. TeraNet 1, the WA Optical Ground Station at UWA. Credit: Danail Obreschkow, International Space Centre Laser communication is perfectly suited to solving this problem, but the downside is that laser signals can be interrupted by clouds and rain. The TeraNet team is mitigating this downside by establishing a network of three ground stations spread across Western Australia. This means that if it's cloudy at one ground station site, the satellite can download its data to another site with clear skies. In addition, one of the two TeraNet ground stations that received the satellite laser signal is built on the back of a custom-built Jeep truck. This means it can be rapidly deployed to sites that need ultra-fast space communications, such as remote communities where traditional communications links have been cut off due to natural disasters. High-speed laser communication from space will revolutionize data transfer for Earth observation satellites, significantly enhance and secure military communication networks, and bolster secure remote operations for sectors such as autonomous mining operations, as well as national disaster planning and responses. TeraNet will support multiple international space missions operating between low Earth orbit and the moon, using both proven conventional optical communications standards and more advanced optical technologies, including deep-space communication, ultra-high-speed coherent communications, quantum-secured communications, and optical positioning and timing. The network includes a ground station at UWA, a second ground station at the Mingenew Space Precinct 300 km north of Perth, and a mobile ground station that is being commissioned at the European Space Agency's New Norcia facility. Provided by International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research 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 Dallas-based telecommunications company AT&T revealed its second data breach of the year on Friday morning, a leak that affects more than 100 million U.S. customers. The cause of the breach was not a breakdown of company servers, the company said, but a malicious actor who illegally broke into an AT&T workspace from a remote platform. The data compromised contains communication records from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2022, as well as on Jan. 2, 2023. The concerned data was not taken on those dates, but from those dates after the fact. The company's first data breach of the year occurred roughly a month before the larger breach was uncovered. Nearly 73 million current and former AT&T companies had social security numbers and names leaked onto the dark web, opening them up to potential identity fraud and other dangers. The data breaches could pose serious risks to those affected and open up users to becoming victims of identity fraud. However, there are some steps AT&T account holders can take right now and in the future to prevent the impact from becoming worse. "In today's day and age, third parties have your data. It's just a fact of life that we all have to live with," said Mitch Thornton, executive director of the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity at Southern Methodist University. "All you can do is protect yourself, your systems and your access to third-party accounts." AT&T said it will notify users who have been affected through mail or email. The company has also said it has begun an investigation to determine what the cause of the data breach was and is offering affected customers complimentary identity theft and credit monitoring services. But, in the meantime, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your private information. The basics Criminals who steal private data often sneak small purchases in between larger bills in the hopes users won't notice it, Thornton said. Checking credit should be the first step most people will need to take, he said. "Monitor your credit for suspicious activity. Don't just pay your credit card bills and whatnot without going through your transactions," Thornton said. "Oftentimes, these criminals will make a small purchase just to test if you're monitoring your accounts. You'd be surprised at the kinds of stuff you might find." Resetting passwords and applying two-factor authentication, a security system that requires two different forms of identification, should always be in place to be the most well protected. But if users haven't already, doing both is crucial at a time like this. Resetting a password every six months, while time-consuming, could save individuals a headache down the road, Thornton said. "A lot of people choose not to do either of them, because it's an inconvenience. Every time you log in, you have to do more work and people could forget passwords," he said. "But in cases like this, it could help you because the adversaries have your password, but they may not have your cellphone so they might not be able authenticate you fully." Though it might be a pain, applying credit freezes and locks could also be helpful. Though they both block individuals who have not been authorized to have access to credit reports, their main differences are in cost and how quickly it goes into effect. Credit locks are typically services that cost users between $10 to $25 and can be applied instantly, while credit freezes are usually free but can take longer to go into effectsometimes up to five business days. For users who are especially concerned, purchasing and using security software, while too late in the case of protecting data that AT&T stored, could prove to be helpful in the future, Thornton said. "No matter what security software you have on your end systems at home, it wouldn't have helped here because they didn't attack you, they attacked your data that's held by a third party," he said. "However, I would always tell people for their home systems that they should use security software." What might come next? AT&T account holders will need to watch their email inboxes and their mailboxes. However, there's still a chance that cybercriminals will take advantage of that too, Thornton said. "If someone calls you up, or sends you an email that says, 'Hey, we think you're one of the people who have been affected. You need to authenticate information so send us your password,' don't do that," he said. "You can always say you can provide it, but contact AT&T separately and ask them to verify that they're actually the ones contacting you." With private information out on the dark web, the stakes are raised for affected individuals and they need to take precautionary steps, Thornton said. "Your data is already out and available on the dark web. Usually, that is sold from one criminal to another and the threat of identity fraud is much higher," he said. "I know it's time-consuming, but I highly suggest taking steps to protect yourself." 2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Craig Wright has claimed since 2016 to be bitcoin's purported creator "Satoshi Nakamoto" A UK judge said Tuesday he will ask prosecutors to consider perjury and forgery charges against an Australian computer scientist who falsely claimed to be "Satoshi Nakamoto", the pseudonym used by the creator of the cryptocurrency bitcoin. James Mellor ruled at the High Court in London in March that 53-year-old Craig Wright was not the mythical figure credited with first launching the cryptocurrency in 2008, following a five-week trial. The Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), a non-profit organization set up to keep cryptocurrency technology free from patents, had sued Wright. He has claimed since 2016 that he was Satoshi Nakamoto and insisted he was the author of a white paper that unveiled what would grow to be the world's most popular cryptocurrency. Now, in a further ruling, Mellor said he will refer "relevant" papers in the civil legal action to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider whether criminal charges should be filed against Wright. "In advancing his false claim to be Satoshi through multiple legal actions, Dr. Wright committed 'a most serious abuse' of the process of the courts of the UK, Norway and the U.S.," he stated. The judge had "no doubt" the CPS should consider charges for "perjury and forgery of documents and/or whether a warrant for his arrest should be issued and/or whether his extradition should be sought from wherever he now is". "All those matters are to be decided by the CPS," Mellor noted. The CPS, a public body that decides on criminal charges in England and Wales, declined to comment. It is understood the agency had noted the judge's remarks and could ask police to investigate further if prosecutors believe offences may have occurred. In Mellor's March decision, he comprehensively dismissed Wright's claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, calling the evidence against him "overwhelming". In Tuesday's ruling, the judge granted two injunctions against Wright preventing him from threatening or commencing legal action of a similar type. He also said that Wright should publicize the details of the ruling made against him "in order further to dispel residual uncertainty". Wright will have to display a notice on the homepage of his website for six months, with the same notice pinned to his profile on X, and his Slack channels for three months. 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: Holistic approach of HyFiT fuels. The approach comprises the fuel design and LCA of HyFiT fuels to validate their potential as possible diesel substitutes. Credit: Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01581-z Researchers from RWTH, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, and ETH Zurich have made considerable advancements in synthetic fuels. Their study, which has the potential to revolutionize clean transportation, has been published in Nature Energy, titled "Towards Carbon-Neutral and Clean Propulsion in Heavy-Duty Transportation with Hydroformylated Fischer-Tropsch Fuels." The shift towards sustainable transportation necessitates the development of energy carriers that meet the stringent requirements of modern applications. Synthetic fuels have emerged as a highly promising solution for transporting heavy goods. HyFiT fuels, as presented in this study, address the central challenges faced by current synthetic fuels. Closing the carbon cycle: HyFiT fuels offer a flexible solution for closing the carbon cycle by utilizing either biomass or carbon dioxide as raw materials. This process employs scalable and mature technologies, ensuring a sustainable and versatile approach to fuel production. Compliance with fuel standards: Experimental results validate that HyFiT fuels comply with global fuel standards and are compatible with existing vehicle infrastructure. Their compatibility with established sealing materials enables seamless integration into the current vehicle fleet, paving the way for immediate and broad adoption. Reduction of pollutants: Testing on a light commercial vehicle revealed that HyFiT fuels produce significantly fewer particles and nitrogen oxides during combustion than conventional diesel. This marks a significant step toward reducing vehicular emissions and improving air quality. Net-zero emissions: A well-to-wheel life cycle assessment demonstrated that HyFiT fuels can achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and have a favorable environmental profile in various parameters. This makes them a solid complement to electrification, especially for heavy-duty long-distance transport. This pioneering development in synthetic fuels is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. It results from the innovative "Fuel Design Process," created at RWTH's "Fuel Science Center" Cluster of Excellence, and underscores the potential of collaboration in achieving sustainable energy solutions. More information: Simon Voelker et al, Towards carbon-neutral and clean propulsion in heavy-duty transportation with hydroformylated FischerTropsch fuels, Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01581-z Journal information: Nature Energy Provided by RWTH After listening to concerns from citizens, College Station Mayor John Nichols submitted a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration to ask it prioritize noise mitigation before allowing any increased frequencies. During a June 27 College Station City Council meeting, councilors agreed to draft their own response to the FAA during their open comment period. City staff agreed they were grateful to Amazon Prime for partnering with the city, but needed to consider citizens frustrations with current noise levels and the current frequency of deliveries. Nichols submitted his official letter on July 11 on behalf of the city council and College Station released a copy of the letter Monday. In the letter, Nichols wrote the city was grateful for Amazon Prime Air and excited to have Amazon Prime Air as one of two cities nationwide to offer the new technology. Being home to the only drone delivery service for Amazon in the country is noteworthy. The City is thankful that Amazon Prime Air chose College Station, a community that has and continues to embrace innovation and technology, he said in the letter. Nichols also acknowledged the complaints citizens have with the frequency and noise of drone delivery in adjacent neighborhoods. While the City is supportive of Amazon Prime Airs efforts, we do not support their request in its entirety, he wrote. Since locating in College Station, residents in neighborhoods adjacent to Amazon Prime Airs facility have expressed concern to the City Council regarding drone noise levels, particularly during take-off and landing, as well as in some delivery operations. Due to the level of concern from residents, the City would ask to delay the increase in service levels relating to the number of deliveries, as well as the expanded operation days and hours, until additional noise mitigation efforts are implemented by Amazon Prime Air. In addition, the current zoning on the property has a base of Suburban Commercial, which is intended to provide for limited commercial uses that are compatible with nearby neighborhoods. The increase in their proposed service levels could exceed the intent of said zoning district. Amazon spokesperson Sam Stephenson released a statement to The Eagle last month regarding the council meeting. We appreciate the community of College Station and believe it necessary to clear up some misconceptions related to Prime Air, the statement said. The public comment period for the environmental assessment is specifically to replace our existing drone with the new MK30, which was designed to reduce the drones perceived noise by almost half. Our intention has always been to reduce the volume of the sound of our drone bringing the MK30 to communities as soon as possible is a major step in this effort. The MK30 drone, according to Amazon, would double the operating distance packages to around 7 miles, reduce noise levels by almost half, carry packages up to 5 pounds and could deliver packages in one hour or less. Nichols acknowledged the MK30 drone in his letter and said it could be a positive step forward for Amazon if the new drone truly mitigates noise levels. With respect to Amazon Prime Airs request for bringing the new MK30 drone into service, our understanding is that this new drone will be 40% quieter than the current drone and will allow Amazon Prime Air to deliver packages further than their current drone. The City is supportive of Amazon Prime Airs request for the new quieter drone. If the MK30 drone is quieter, it should have a positive effect on the current noise levels, he said. Public comments to the FAA regarding Amazons application closed July 12. The FAA has not released any information on when a formal decision will be made. Abbott has made people think about the border crisis not as a crisis at the border, but more a crisis in the interior of the country, Chishti said. The sentiment is changing even as immigration experts say Abbotts crackdown has done little to deter migrants. Just a few years ago, as Trump left office, voters were divided on finishing a border wall and staunchly opposed to his push to separate migrant families. Now, even Democrats are pushing restrictions to the asylum system Biden campaigned on rebuilding in 2020, and polling shows a majority of voters are open to much more radical ideas, including mass deportations. The governor has long shot down questions about seeking higher office. But he has laid down a road map for a national bid, showing its hard to lose on immigration enforcement in the current political climate. In politics now, especially where the Republican Party is, you only get one bite at the apple, and he has to make it count, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. He is a national figure in many regards. But it hasnt translated to real political power, at least outside the state lines. Abbotts appeal will be tested this week like never before as he seeks to translate his policy victories at the border to a broader Republican audience, who will be focused on immigration Tuesday with the RNCs planned Make America Safe Again theme. The governor, who was expected to address the convention Wednesday night, is not known for being a charismatic speaker and has not always been warmly welcomed by ultraconservative voters. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks alongside former President Donald Trump during a tour to an unfinished section of the border wall on June 30, 2021 in Pharr, Texas. The barrage has catapulted the third-term governor, 66, into the national spotlight at a moment when Republicans are feeling hopeful about their chance to retake the presidency in November and eyeing who could one day pick up the torch after Trump. Immigration is a familiar target for Republicans, especially when a Democrat is in the White House. But Abbott has taken it to new levels, leveraging billions of state dollars on a militarized crackdown, arresting and detaining thousands of migrants, busing many more to Democratic-led cities and attempting to seize deportation duties from the federal government. He is effectively acting as the Trump administration in exile, said Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. As Donald Trump claims the GOPs nomination this week in Milwaukee, no Republican has done more than Abbott to keep the former presidents signature issue top of mind for voters across the nation. And in the process, hes tethered himself to the partys ascendant right wing. For three years now, Abbott has delivered a near daily version of the same indictment, hounding President Joe Biden on immigration in news conferences, on social media, in Fox News appearances and trips to South Texas. And the federal government and the Biden administration does not care about it, the governor said in June 2021. Children were afraid to play outside. Ranches were being destroyed. Neighborhoods were overrun by drugs, human smuggling and gun-wielding immigrants. Keep pushing the line further In Texas, Abbott has benefited from Republican voters near-endless appetite for border security. State GOP voters, primarily older and white, consistently say the border is the most important issue facing the state, that the country allows too many people to immigrate legally and that more should be done to secure the border regardless of what the crossing trends, state spending or current policies may be. When all of your voters are telling you what the No. 1 issue is, poll after poll, year after year and theres almost nothing you can do thats going to cross any sort of red line, at least with your voters then the only thing to do is essentially keep pushing the line further and further, Blank said. Thats what weve seen here. Abbott began calling for troops at the border as far back as his first run for attorney general, more than two decades ago adopting a popular GOP proposal in the wake of 9/11. But the border crackdown now underway is likely beyond anything the younger, more moderate state Supreme Court judge foresaw. In 2002, Abbott balked at criticism of his calls to send soldiers to South Texas as an attempt to militarize the border. Now hes boasting of a permanent armed presence, with Texas opening a National Guard base in Eagle Pass, where miles of razor wire lining the Rio Grande already give it the feel of a war zone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Border Patrol agents search for people attempting to cross the US/Mexico border in Eagle Pass, TX as seen from Piedras Negras, MX on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The biggest shift, however, has been his declaration of a migrant invasion. In his first run for governor, Abbotts campaign reportedly warned other Republicans on the ticket against using such inflammatory language, fearing it could turn off Latino voters, an increasingly powerful voter bloc in Texas politics Abbott was bent on winning over. His campaign launched a Spanish-language website and ads and regularly emphasized his personal connection to the community by noting his wife, Cecilia, would be the first Hispanic first lady of Texas. At the state GOP convention, he addressed the crowd in Spanish. Juntos somos una familia, Abbott told the crowd. Together, we are one family. As Abbott moved into the governors mansion at the beginning of 2015, he faced a party transformed after years of Tea Party activism. Business-minded immigration policies once championed by the GOP, such as work permits and tuition for undocumented students, were out of favor, seen as amnesty by immigration hard-liners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas was also becoming an epicenter of immigration after years of California and Arizona bearing the brunt of it. The Rio Grande Valley began to emerge as a top corridor as smugglers identified train routes there that could more easily carry asylum-seeking families into the country. Abbott ratcheted up restrictions, signing a show-me-your papers law in 2017 that critics warned would lead to racial profiling. He also made Texas the first state to refuse to resettle refugees and banned so-called sanctuary cities, where law enforcement is discouraged from disclosing a persons immigration status. After Biden took office, the governor started a crowd fundraiser to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Yet Abbott was under pressure to do more as he approached the end of his second term. When challenged in 2021 by far-right gubernatorial candidates who called his approach to the border weak, he declared on Tucker Carlsons Fox News program that he had assigned thousands of National Guard troops to South Texas who were laying down razor wire at that very moment. Joe Biden believes in open border policies, Abbott said on the segment. That leaves it to the states now to step up and do everything we can to hold onto the United States of America until Republicans can regain control of Congress and the presidency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad National Guard stand for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Even in the face of a rare political misstep, Abbott has been undeterred. After he levied new safety inspections on trucks coming into Texas from Mexico, cross-border trade ground to a near-halt with vehicles backed up for hours waiting to get into the state. He quickly eased the inspections amid bipartisan backlash and after getting agreements from all four of the Mexican governors whose states share borders with Texas to do more immigration patrols south of the Rio Grande. A week later, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called the program despicable and Abbott threatened to reinstate the inspections. The governors office declined to make him available for this story. Those who have worked with Abbott say its not his views that have shifted, but the reality on the border. Crossings reached historic levels during Bidens time in the White House, centered more than ever on Texas border towns strained by the unprecedented migration. I think the evolution there is natural in the respect that any observer cannot look at that situation and say we dont have a problem, said John Colyandro, a lobbyist and former policy director for Abbott. Abbott has always had a knack for reading the Republican tea leaves. While he may not deliver the folksy, charismatic speeches of his predecessor Rick Perry, he has shown repeatedly he knows how to stay on top of what voters want. Abbott has never come close to losing an election. Abbotts a quick study, said Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University. Over time, Jillson said, Abbott has evolved from a steady, studious policymaker to more of a political gunslinger. His public rhetoric about the border has grown increasingly dark since 2020, according to a Hearst Newspapers analysis, which tracked and measured his documented remarks over the past two decades. And he has hammered it more than ever since Biden took office, in more and more negative terms. Loading... Critics have warned that politicians inflammatory rhetoric has dangerous consequences, and point to the mass shooting in El Paso 2019, when a gunman killed 23 people after allegedly posting a hate-filled screed railing against a Hispanic invasion of Texas. Abbott began calling migration at the border an invasion in 2022, after fending off two right-wing primary challengers and resisting calls from former Trump officials to declare one. The governor argued the Constitution allows states to defend themselves in the face of an invasion, and declared the massive uptick in crossings amounted to just that. In January of this year, Abbott drew headlines when he said Texas was doing everything to stop migrants short of shooting them. The only thing that were not doing is were not shooting people who come across the border because of course the Biden administration would charge us with murder, he said. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump points to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as he speaks at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press MILWAUKEE If Gov. Greg Abbott is going to run for president in 2028, it starts now. With the Republican National Convention underway this week, Abbott is carrying a newfound national profile and is well-positioned to make an even bigger splash among the GOP activists from every state who have descended upon Milwaukee. The governor is one of six Texans given a sought-after speaking role at the convention. Abbott skipped the first days of the event to survey Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts in Houston but said he will speak at the convention on Wednesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While his get-tough border policies have played an outsized role in that climb to national prominence, so too has the monster fundraising network hes built in Texas, his lopsided victories at the ballot box in primaries and general elections and a deepening relationship with President Donald Trump. Hes done a great job, Trump said in a visit to Texas earlier this year, when asked if Abbott was on the short list of possible running mates. Yeah, certainly he would be somebody that I would very much consider. Its all helped make Abbott as well known among the GOP activist base as any Republican, and insiders are suggesting a good convention week could plant him more firmly on the 2028 presidential horizon. The convention comes days after Trump survived an assassination attempt, which attendees say has only strengthened the partys resolve to reelect the former president and to promote fellow Republicans. NATIONAL STAGE: How Greg Abbott made the Texas border America's problem Theres no question hes been able to build a national name, said Ford OConnell, a veteran GOP strategist with Texas roots who has worked on presidential campaigns. You know youre starting to get in that sweet spot when Donald Trump starts mentioning your name on a regular basis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Just two years ago, public polling found Abbott was not as well known nationally compared to other big state governors like California's Gavin Newson or Floridas Ron DeSantis, despite doing the job longer. Since then, Abbott elevated his profile by stepping up an unprecedented state-led border crackdown, which has landed him more national television interviews beyond just traditional Fox News. Earlier this year he was featured on CBS's 60 Minutes and did primary election night interviews with NBC. Later the New York Republican Party called on Abbott to be their keynote speaker at a GOP gala in Manhattan in April. Abbott has also built up his foreign policy resume with trips to Israel late last year and India earlier this year. He just returned this weekend from a swing through Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to meet with world leaders. When governors start traveling the world, its a sure sign they are trying to build up their credentials on a national political stage, said Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Another sign? National conventions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While most people think of conventions as wall-to-wall political speeches, they are much more. Beyond the arena where the prime-time speeches are delivered, thousands of activists are spread throughout the city and region attending policy discussions, fundraising receptions and less formal speeches at dozens of hotel ballrooms. Its the biggest gathering of movers and shakers within the Republican Party, OConnell said. And it's only held once every four years. If you're somebody who has national aspirations or maybe statewide aspirations you have kind of got to be there. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the traditional convention in 2020, and in 2016 Abbott suffered an injury while on a family vacation that prevented him from going to Cleveland. This time, the governor is primed for a top speaking slot because of his growing alliance with Trump. On Saturday, the RNC announced Abbott would be among six governors invited to speak at the formal convention. There are all sorts of ways for up-and-coming GOP stars to make their mark at presidential conventions, said Darryl Paulson, a University of South Florida political science professor. He said in 2012 in Tampa, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio and Trump all attended official and unofficial events, setting the stage for their clash during the 2016 presidential election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These can make or break political careers, he said. And not just for Republicans. In 2004, Barack Obama then an Illinois state senator delivered a convention speech that put him on the national radar for the first time. In 2008 at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, a young San Francisco district attorney named Kamala Harris and the mayor of Newark, Corey Booker, were the featured speakers in one conference center far from the official convention speech lineup. Both would become U.S. Senators and ran for president in 2020. Abbott's speech comes at a perfect time to introduce himself to national Republicans on a more personal level. Expect Abbott to talk about the 40th anniversary of the life-threatening accident that put him a wheelchair. Hes already been telling the story in fundraising appeals leading up to the convention. Our lives are not defined by our challenges but by how we respond to them, Abbott said in the messages that include a picture of him in his hospital bed in July 1984, after a tree fell on him while he was jogging through a Houston neighborhood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott has mostly kept his national ambitions under wraps. But he also hasnt ruled out running for the White House someday. Earlier this year Abbott made clear he wasnt interested in being Trumps vice president and was filing for re-election as governor in 2026. Last year, as GOP contenders for the White House were making the rounds in early-voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire to test their appeal, Abbott stayed in Texas. When asked during a Fox News interview if he had ruled out running for president, hecorrected the interviewer. I think a more accurate way to say it is it's not something Im ruling in right now. Im focused on Texas, period, Abbott said. REPUBLICANS TO WATCH: These are the key Texas Republicans to watch at the RNC in Milwaukee Abbotts longtime campaign advisor Dave Carney joked earlier this year that being governor of Texas automatically gets you included in the presidential chatter, whether you want to be or not. Clearly, theres some constitutional amendment that voters supported back in the day that says, If youre a governor of Texas, you must consider running for president, he told the Associated Press earlier this year. If that is in the cards for Abbott, his chance to be on the national stage in Milwaukee with other potential GOP contenders like Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Ted Cruz and Rubio will only help. O'Connell said there's no shortage of power brokers in the party that Abbott will have a chance to build relationships with. Sunshine and humidity in South Texas will make temperatures feel hotter than normal on Tuesday. Pivotal Prepare for scorching temperatures across Texas this week as the heat dome produced by a system of high atmospheric pressure shifts towards the Southern Rockies. This heat dome is responsible for producing the all-time hottest temperature in Las Vegas of 120 degrees and sending the daily high just across the state line in Death Valley, California, to 129 degrees. After enjoying a weekend of scattered thunderstorms and temperatures in the 80s across Alamo City, we are now under the influence of that ridge of high pressure. This is causing daily temperatures to rise above our normal mid-July range of 75 degrees to 95 degrees. Tuesdays projected afternoon highs will be in the upper 90s, and humidity-driven heat index readings will reach 100 to 104 degrees. On Monday, the humidity was manageable, but on Tuesday it will become much more noticeable with dew point temperatures reaching the upper 60s, according to the National Weather Service. Any dew point above 65 degrees will have the air feeling muggy and sticky. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The increase in humidity is because of south-to-southeasterly winds coming in from the Gulf of Mexico. Expect more clouds late at night and early in the morning through Thursday, although no rain is in the forecast. Temperatures will climb close to 100 degrees, with heat index values above 105 degrees. We suspect (heat index values) a few spots along and east of Interstate 35 could briefly climb over 108 to reach advisory criteria, but for not enough time or percentage of the area to issue the alert product, the National Weather Service office in New Braunfels said Monday, referring to heat advisories the weather service issues when it believes the public is more at risk for heat-related illnesses. But given that, its mid-July, and these temperature values are quite typical. Just as quick as we settle back into typical summer across the Lone Star State, well welcome a pattern change to wetter and cooler weather through the weekend. The boundary of a weak front will move south with its initial showers and thunderstorms developing on Thursday afternoon and evening. As the front stalls out, more scattered rain and thunderstorms will develop on Friday and linger into the weekend. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While rain totals will be limited, with most locations only picking up a quarter-inch of rain at the high end, it will offer some pockets of heavy rainfall and enough cloudiness to drop temperatures into the low to mid-90s. Temperatures the next few days will be close to the century mark but clouds and rain later in the week will drop temperatures to the lower half of the 90s. WeatherBell An Giang province officials disciplined for violations By Quang Minh Tue, July 16, 2024 | 10:17 pm GMT+7 The Communist Party of Vietnams Central Inspection Commission has taken disciplinary action against several sitting and retired officials of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang for their wrongdoings as the anti-corruption campaign shows no signal of slowing down. At its meeting in Hanoi on Monday and Tuesday, the commission concluded that the Party steering board of the provincial Peoples Committee violated the principle of democratic centralism and working regulations; showed lax responsibility and loosened leadership, leading to the committee and several organizations and individuals violating the Partys regulations and state laws on the management and use of natural resources and minerals. The Central Inspection Commission holds its 43rd meeting in Hanoi on July 15, 2024. Photo courtesy of the commission. The violations have resulted in several officials and Party members being disciplined and facing criminal proceedings. Among them, Nguyen Thanh Binh, former Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of An Giang province, was expelled from the Party in January for violations related to the country's largest illegal sand mining scam. He was arrested pending further police investigation. The commission also concluded that the violations caused serious consequences, potential state budget losses, and triggered bad public opinion. It decided to give warnings to the Party steering boards of the provincial Peoples Committees in the 2016-2021 and 2021-2026 terms; Vuong Binh Thanh, former Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee; Nguyen Trong Thanh, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment; and Dinh Minh Hoang, Deputy Director of the provincial Center for Trade and Investment Promotion. The commission also reprimanded the Party delegation of the provincial People's Council in the 2016-2021 tenure and several officials: Le Van Nung, permanent Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial Peoples Council; Le Van Phuoc, permanent Deputy Chairman of the provincial People's Committee; and two others. The commission proposed that competent authorities consider and impose discipline against the standing board of the provincial Party Committees in the 2015-2020 and 2020-2025 tenures. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Deputy State President, was Secretary of the provincial Party Committee from October 2015 to April 2021. The commission also decided to expel Le Thanh Van, a standing member of the National Assemblys Finance and Budget Committee and a member of the legislature, from the Party for his degradation in political ideology, ethics, and lifestyle, violation of the Partys regulation and States law on corruption prevention, and abuse of position and power for personal gain that caused serious consequences. Van was arrested on July 10 pending further police investigation. Japanese retailer Aeon ready to open its first central Vietnam mall in Sept By Tri Duc Tue, July 16, 2024 | 10:47 am GMT+7 Japanese retailer Aeon is set to launch a mall in Thua Thien Hue province, its first in central Vietnam and seventh in the country, on September 16. A delegation of the projects contractors made the statement to Phan Quy Phuong, Vice Chairman of Thua Thien Hue province, while Phuong conducted an on-site visit to check the projects progress on Monday. Thua Thien Hue Vice Chairman Phan Quy Phuong (center) makes an on-site check at Aeon Mall Hue, in Thua Thien Hue province, central Vietnam, on July 15, 2024. Photo courtesy of Aeon Mall Vietnam. At the construction site, Phuong hailed the projects progress and asked relevant authorities to facilitate the investors to fulfill tasks related to fire prevention, licenses for shops within the mall, and others. The construction of the facility, called Aeon Mall Hue, with an investment of VND3,916 billion ($167 million), kicked off in February 2023. The mall, located in Hue town, covers 8.6 hectares. This will become the biggest service and trade center in Vietnam's central region, adding values to Hue as a top tourist attraction. Aeon is operating six malls in the country - two in Hanoi, one in Hai Phong city, two in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in nearby Binh Duong province. Aeon earned an operating income of JPY1,332 million ($8.44 million) in Vietnam in the first quarter of its fiscal year 2024 (March-May 2024), up 21.9% year-on-year. The retailer recorded operating revenues of JPY4,013 million ($25.42 million) in the three-month period, up 13.8% year-on-year. An F-35 fighter jet crashed near the Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon, and the pilot was seriously injured, officials said. Per reports, a U.S. Air Force pilot was delivering the F-35 from maker Lockheed Martin's facility at the Naval Air Reserve Station in Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California, and had stopped at Kirtland AFB just southeast of the Sunport to refuel at around 1 p.m. The aircraft had just taken off from Kirtland when the crash occurred, along University Boulevard near Rio Bravo Boulevard. Traffic in the area was blocked as firefighters worked at the scene. An F-35 Fighter jet has crashed into a hillside in New Mexico. The fighter jet went down near International Sunport in Albuquerque while travelling to an Air Force base in California. The pilot, survived the crash but was seriously injured, according to officials. pic.twitter.com/HvUFfknFbe Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) May 29, 2024 Albuquerque Fire Rescue spokesperson Lt. Jason Fejer said in a video posted on social media that multiple agencies responded to the crash shortly before 2 p.m. The pilot was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Two civilians in the area of the crash were assessed at the scene, and did not require transport to the hospital. "Grateful for the rapid action of the first responders who arrived to the scene. Praying for the pilot," Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Fejer said Kirtland AFB would be taking over the investigation. --with reporting by TMX Even a peep of news about a new flu pandemic is enough to set scientists clucking about eggs. They worried about them in 2005, and in 2009, and theyre worrying now. Thats because millions of fertilized hen eggs are still the main ingredient in making vaccines that, hopefully, will protect people against the outbreak of a new flu strain. Its almost comical to be using a 1940s technology for a 21st-century pandemic, said Rick Bright, who led the Health and Human Services Departments Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority during the Trump administration. Its not so funny, he said, when the currently stockpiled formulation against the H5N1 bird flu virus requires two shots and a whopping 90 micrograms of antigen, yet provides just middling immunity. For the U.S. alone, it would take hens laying 900,000 eggs every single day for nine months, Bright said. And thats only if the chickens dont get infected. The spread of an avian flu virus has decimated flocks of birds (and killed barn cats and other mammals). Cattle in at least nine states and at least three people in the U.S. have been infected, enough to bring public health attention once again to the potential for a global pandemic. As of May 30, the only confirmed human cases of infection were dairy workers in Texas and Michigan, who experienced eye irritation. Two quickly recovered, while the third developed respiratory symptoms and was being treated with an antiviral drug at home. The viruss spread into multiple species over a vast geographic area, however, raises the threat that further mutations could create a virus that spreads from human to human through airborne transmission. If they do, prevention starts with the egg. To make raw material for an influenza vaccine, virus is grown in millions of fertilized eggs. Sometimes it doesnt grow well, or it mutates to a degree that the vaccine product stimulates antibodies that dont neutralize the virus or the wild virus mutates to an extent that the vaccine doesnt work against it. And theres always the frightening prospect that wild birds could carry the virus into the henhouses needed in vaccine production. Once those roosters and hens go down, you have no vaccine, Bright said. Since 2009, when an H1N1 swine flu pandemic swept around the world before vaccine production could get off the ground, researchers and governments have been looking for alternatives. Billions of dollars have been invested into vaccines produced in mammalian and insect cell lines that dont pose the same risks as egg-based shots. Everyone knows the cell-based vaccines are better, more immunogenic, and offer better production, said Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Health Security. But they are handicapped because of the clout of egg-based manufacturing. The companies that make the cell-based influenza vaccines, CSL Seqirus and Sanofi, also have billions invested in egg-based production lines that they arent eager to replace. And its hard to blame them, said Nicole Lurie, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response under President Barack Obama who is now an executive director of CEPI, the global epidemic-fighting nonprofit. Most vaccine companies that responded to an epidemic Ebola, Zika, COVID ended up losing a lot of money on it, Lurie said. Exceptions were the mRNA vaccines created for covid, although even Pfizer and Moderna have had to destroy hundreds of millions of doses of unwanted vaccine as public interest waned. Pfizer and Moderna are testing seasonal influenza vaccines made with mRNA, and the government is soliciting bids for mRNA pandemic flu vaccines, said David Boucher, director of infectious disease preparedness at HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Bright, whose agency invested a billion dollars in a cell-based flu vaccine factory in Holly Springs, North Carolina, said theres no way in hell we can fight an H5N1 pandemic with an egg-based vaccine. But for now, theres little choice. BARDA has stockpiled hundreds of thousands of doses of an H5N1-strain vaccine that stimulates the creation of antibodies that appear to neutralize the virus now circulating. It could produce millions more doses of the vaccine within weeks and up to 100 million doses in five months, Boucher told KFF Health News. But the vaccines currently in the national stockpile are not a perfect match for the strain in question. Even with two shots containing six times as much vaccine substance as typical flu shots, the stockpiled vaccines were only partly effective against strains of the virus that circulated when those vaccines were made, Adalja said. However, BARDA is currently supporting two clinical trials with a candidate vaccine virus that is a good match for what weve found in cows, Boucher said. Flu vaccine makers are just starting to prepare this falls shots but, eventually, the federal government could request production be switched to a pandemic-targeted strain. We dont have the capacity to do both, Adalja said. Rowan Universitys growing international program continues to attract a large continent from Central America, with nearly 60 top Panamanian students arriving on campus this summer. Dr. Gokhan Alkanat, associate provost for International Education, said groups of Panamanian students, which began arriving last summer, are coming in increasingly larger numbers. In 2023, roughly 45 Panamanian students attended Rowan, with about two thirds taking just English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and the rest studying ESL ahead of matriculation into a major. In May, 57 Panamanian ESL students arrived for a six-month program and another 27 will start later this summer for a five-year program, one year in ESL with the remaining four years devoted to earning their undergraduate degree, Alkanat said. Instituto para la Formacion y Aprovechamiento de Recursos Humanos (IFARHU), a Panamanian government organization, administers the scholarship program. IFARHU covers all expenses, Alkanat said. They pay for tuition, fees, room and board, health insurance, textbooks, flights, airport pickup, even pocket money. He said many of the students who come to Rowan as part of the five-year program are among Panamas best and brightest, carrying a GPA of 4.0 or better out of high school. And, though they have good enough grades to study almost anywhere, Alkanat said both the students whove arrived so far and representatives of the Panamanian government have fallen for Rowan. This year Panama has virtually doubled the number of students theyre sending here, Alkanat said. We have the right programs, a convenient location and affordable education. Plus, they know their students will be safe here, that we take care of them. Alkanat said the International Students program has virtually exploded since 2017, expanding from 131 students to more than 1,200 today. Students are drawn to a variety of majors, but Computer Science and Engineering are among the most popular, he said. While Rowan draws many applicants through partnerships with South and Central American nations, Alkanat said its draw is truly international, as students arrive individually and through partnerships with governments and universities in an array of nations including India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, China, Japan and Turkey. And, Alkanat said, while international students gain much from their immersive experience on an American campus, U.S.-born students benefit as well. Rowan has about 16,000 undergraduate students and, of them, only about 200 study abroad (each year), he said. For the rest, we bring international students in. Theyre the students sitting next to you in class and across the table in the dining hall. Those interactions add language and cultural diverseness to campus in a way that few if any other programs can, he said. For U.S.-born students, that experience opens their eyes, and they often see theres another way of doing things, he said. Were hoping that an increased presence of international students on campus and the recently launched study abroad scholarship for those who may otherwise not be able to afford it will encourage our domestic students to experience what its like to travel overseas as well. He said Rowans efforts are getting noticed. The university was honored in 2023 as Service Exporter of the Year by the New Jersey District Export Council. Rowan has excellent programs and resources, as well as the capacity, which allow us to continue expanding our global network and initiatives, he said. The EUs inadequate response to breaches of its principles has given rise to a new group of frustrated former Polish europhiles the eurodisappointed. From LSE. According to the V-Dem Institute, Poland, under its Law and Justice government (2015-2023), became the fastest country in the world to backslide into authoritarianism. In response, the EU triggered its nuclear option, the Article 7 procedure that allows the EU to sanction member states for violating the EUs core values. Yet the fact this procedure relies on unanimity among member states rendered it toothless, with the Polish and Hungarian governments forming a backsliding coalition to block sanctions. European Court of Justice judgments on the incompatibility of Polish reforms with EU law, as well as its calls for the immediate suspension of new legislation, also failed to protect the rule of law. The Public Response This failure has been explained by the so-called authoritarian equilibrium. According to this theory, the weakness of the EU party system protects autocrats from EU interventions, while EU funding and the emigration of dissatisfied citizens made possible by EU free movement help keep these regimes in power. What is less well understood is the impact of the EUs inadequate response on individual attitudes toward the EU. Although Polish society stands out as one of the most pro-European within the EU, there has been growing pessimism among some former europhiles in Poland regarding the essence, fundamental values, and implementation of EU procedures by Brussels. This implementation has been viewed as being hesitant, sluggish, and ineffective in dealing with politicians and governments that clearly violate fundamental EU values, particularly in the domain of the rule of law. The phenomenon is not yet widespread, but the disappointment is already visible and has given rise to a complicated love-hate relationship with the EU that we term self-limiting euroenthusiasm. We now see a new category of individuals who were previously strong supporters of integration but who are now disillusioned with the EUs slow response to rule-of-law violations. We call this group of individuals the eurodisappointed. We argue this phenomenon is distinct from traditional euroskepticism, as the eurodisappointed express neither contingent or qualified nor outright and unqualified opposition to the process of European integration. Features of the Eurodisappointed We assume the eurodisappointed are deeply rooted to the general idea of the EU and its core values. However, they temporarily refrain from unconditional appreciation of the EU, mainly in their view because of its perceived political malfunctioning. We believe the eurodisappointed consciously self-limit their appreciation and future expectations of the EU. Thus, eurodisappointment can be defined as the self-limitation of enthusiasm for European integration due to the EUs proceduralpolitical malfunctioning resulting in an inadequate defense of the rule of law and human rights. There are two underlying assumptions in this definition. First, only supporters of European integration can belong to the eurodisappointed. Second, eurodisappointment is directly linked to the EUs sluggish reaction to the dismantling of the rule of law and democratic principles in EU member states. Based on original survey data collected in Poland from April 2020 to May 2021, we find that eurodisappointment is more prevalent among women, supporters of the liberal democratic camp, and those dissatisfied with the functioning of democracy in Poland (see Figure 1). Regarding gender, this phenomenon may be unique to Poland due to the strong anti-abortion stance of the Law and Justice government and a high-profile anti-abortion ruling by the Constitutional Court in October 2020. Figure 1: Factors explaining eurodisappointment in Poland Data from 2021. There is a significant positive or negative association with being eurodisappointed if the horizontal line does not cross the vertical 0 line. We also tentatively suggest that at least part of the recent decline in pro-EU sentiment in Poland can be attributed to a decrease in support for integration among those social profiles most disappointed with the EUs inadequate response to violations of the rule of law and human rights (see Figure 2). Figure 2: Evolution of support for European integration by social profile in Poland Evolution of support for European integration by social profile in Poland. Data from 20202021. We do not claim that this phenomenon is universally present in the EU. Future research is needed to test its prevalence in other countries facing backsliding (Hungary) and the more established democracies of Western Europe. Can, for instance, certain minorities (e.g. LGBTIQ+) concerned with the lack of defense of their rights in other EU countries become eurodisappointed too? For now, eurodisappointment may be a marginal phenomenon affecting specific groups and with limited political impact. However, it could potentially develop into a significant constraint and a challenge for the future of the EU. Radoslaw Markowski is a professor at SWPS University in Poland. Piotr Zagorski is an assistant professor at SWPS University. This article was originally published on the website of EUROPP European Politics and Policy, a publication of the London School of Economics. A Comorian-flagged oil tanker has capsized 25 nautical miles southeast of Oman's Ras Madrakah in Duqm port town, Omani News Agency (ONA) reported on Monday, citing the sultanate's Maritime Security Centre. The centre said a search-and-rescue operation was activated in coordination with authorities. Duqm has a prime geographical position at the heart of the Arabian Sea and stands at the crossroads between Asia and Africa. Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation, has entered into a training agreement with the Saudi Logistics Academy (SLA) to enhance employment opportunities and skill development in the maritime logistics sector. Under the terms of the two-year agreement, SLA will train and qualify a number of Saudi candidates in various specialisations for placement across Bahris business units. Through a structured 12-month programme, participants will gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge tailored to meet Bahri's specific job requirements. This initiative not only fosters career growth for aspiring professionals but also contributes to the sustainability of the logistics sector by nurturing a skilled national workforce capable of driving innovation and industry excellence. Thriving ecosystem Hisham AlKhaldi, Chief Support Officer at Bahri, said: "Our agreement with SLA stems from a desire to enrich Bahri with highly-trained young specialists and create greater synergy between national training organisation, educational institutions, and the increasingly competitive Saudi job market. By leveraging our combined expertise, we aim to establish a thriving ecosystem for the students, fresh graduates, and early careerists who will become tomorrows industry leaders. Dr Abdullah Alabdulkarim, CEO of SLA, said: "With more international talent present within the kingdom than ever before, providing the Saudi workforce with ample opportunities for upskilling and career development is essential to enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth. At SLA, we eagerly anticipate our partnership with Bahri, which will see us train nearly a dozen Saudi talents to assume leading roles within one of the kingdoms most vital sectors."--TradeArabia News Service Intelligent power management company Eaton, has launched the innovative Eaton Asset Manager application to help the commercial and construction industries ensure the use of genuine electrical products. This application is designed to enhance safety and compliance by providing a reliable means to authenticate genuine, tested, and safe electrical protection devices. The sale of counterfeit goods is a significant global issue. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the global trade in counterfeit goods reached $509 billion in 2019, accounting for 3.3% of global trade, and this continues to be a significant and growing threat today. Europol's 2021 report highlights that counterfeiting is increasingly linked to organised crime, underscoring the severe risks and damages caused by these illegal activities. Counterfeit goods Counterfeit goods also threaten markets across the Middle East, but authorities are persistently tackling this issue. According to the Global Organised Crime Index 2023, in Kuwait, authorities frequently make large-scale seizures of counterfeit goods, including electrical items, which makes it essential for consumers to authenticate these goods. In addition, according to a recent report, Dubai Polices Economic Crimes Department seized counterfeit goods worth approximately AED8.7 billion ($2.3 billion) between 2019 to 2024, whereas Saudi Arabia has seized over 41 million counterfeit items. Qasem Noureddin, Managing Director of Eaton Middle East, stated: "Counterfeiting is a crime that endangers lives and properties. At Eaton, we are deeply committed to the fight against counterfeit products to protect our customers and their investments. We urge all stakeholders to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions." Counterfeit electrical products, often made from substandard materials and lacking essential safety components, pose severe risks including fire, electrocution, and potentially loss of life. Businesses involved in selling or using counterfeit products risk their reputation and face legal consequences including prosecution and imprisonment. Powerful tool The Eaton Asset Manager mobile app is a powerful tool designed to help users authenticate genuine Eaton products. By scanning a product's QR code or using the app's search functionalities, users can access product information, manage their products, and ensure they are using safe, genuine Eaton components. Simon T Bircham, Brand Protection Manager for Eaton EMEA, remarked: "The Eaton Asset Manager app empowers users to verify the authenticity of our products easily, ensuring that they are protected against the dangers of counterfeit electrical components."--TradeArabia News Service Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Toyota Tsusho for the delivery of four vessels consisting of two ASD Tugs 2813, a Pushy Cat 1004 and a Stan Pilot 1905. The vessels will be provided to the Ministry of Transport Angola as part of a Japanese Government funded port development project in Namibe. Damen will deliver the vessels in Q1 2025. The relative speed of the delivery is facilitated by Damens practice of building its proven, standard vessels in series for stock. Vessel construction The shipbuilder had already commenced construction of the vessels at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, the Netherlands (Pushy Cat 1004), Damen Shipyards Antalya, Turkey (Stan Pilot 1905) and Damen Song Cam Shipyard, Vietnam (ASD Tugs 2813), prior to receiving the order. Toyota Tsusho is a first-time client for Damen. The large Japanese trading house has a global presence with a diverse portfolio. In addition to supporting the business activities of Toyota Motors, the company is also active in industrial, commercial and consumer sectors. Toyota Tsusho frequently collaborates with the Japanese Government on infrastructure projects around the world. The port development project enables an increase in vessel traffic in Namibe, said Hiroumi Ohara, General Manager Africa Power & Infrastructure Department of Toyota Tsusho. To facilitate this, the port requires a number of new, high-quality workboats. We approached Damen, being aware of the companys reputation for the fast delivery of proven, high performing vessels. We are looking forward to cooperating with Damen during the construction of these new vessels, which will play an important role in giving a boost to the Angolan economy in the coming years. New client Thomas Rowekamp, Regional Sales Director Asia Pacific at Damen, said: Working with a new client for the first time is always a proud moment. Given the nature of this contract, which holds significant potential for Angola, we are particularly pleased to have been selected by Toyota Tsusho. We are looking forward to cooperating together on the delivery of these four vessels, and to building a close relationship for the long-term. The port development project is Toyota Tsushos first such project in the African nation and commenced in early 2019. The company has, however, a long history in Angola, having exported its cars to the country since 1966. The project includes, amongst other measures, the expansion of the Namibe container terminal and construction of a new terminal. This will allow larger vessels to call at the port, thereby diversifying the materials it is able to handle. As a result, the port development project is anticipated to provide wider employment opportunities in Angola, while also providing the country with full independence in import activities, reducing the costs of freight transportation and boosting the national economy.--TradeArabia News Service A jury found New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez guilty on all 16 counts Tuesday following deliberations that spanned parts of three days in a high-profile bribery trial. Menendez remained defiant after the verdict. "I have never violated my public oath," Menendez said outside of courthouse while promising to file an appeal. During the two-month trial in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors successfully argued the 70-year-old Democratic congressman "put his power up for sale" in accepting cash, gold bars, luxury wristwatches, and other perks from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for official favors that benefited the businessmen as well as the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Shortly after the verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Menendez to "do what is right" and resign. In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign. Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 16, 2024 "It wasn't enough for him to be one of the most powerful people in Washington," prosecutor Paul Monteleoni said in his closing statement, according to ABC News. "Robert Menendez wanted all that power and he also wanted to use it to pile up riches for himself and his wife." Menendez, a career politician, denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent and obstruction. He declined to testify in his defense. While prosecutors accused the lawmaker of "corruption on a massive scale," Menendez's attorney Adam Fee argued he "was doing his job, and he was doing it well," NBC News reported. During a raid of Menendez's New Jersey home in 2022, officers recovered $480,000 in cash, while another $70,000 was found in his wife, Nadine Menendez's, safety deposit box. Nadine's corruption trial has been postponed indefinitely while she battles grade 3 breast cancer. This is not the senator's first brush with legal trouble. In 2015, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and making false statements. The case ended in a mistrial and all charges were dropped, however, the Senate Ethics Committee "severely admonished" Menendez for his actions. Menendez announced last month he plans to run for re-election as an independent. Sentencing for the conviction will be held on Oct. 29, just days before the election. Beyon was announced as the winner of three awards at the recent MEA Business Technology Achievement Awards which took place in Dubai. The annual awards organised by MEA Business recognises organisations for their exceptional innovation, leadership, and excellence in technology in the Middle East and Africa region. Beyon was awarded the ESG Excellence Achievement Award for its numerous sustainability milestones which are being implemented across the group. Meanwhile, Batelco, part of the Beyon group, and Bahrains leading telecommunications company, received a Groundbreaking Products & Services Achievement Award for its innovative Contactless Fingerprint technology and an Exceptional Products & Services Achievement Award for its fixed Broadband services. Celebratory event A celebratory event was held at Beyon Headquarters to mark the occasion, with Batelco CEO Maitham Abdulla, Beyon Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer Shaikh Bader bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Batelco General Manager Consumer Aseel Mattar and Batelco Chief Technology Officer Rashid Mohamed in attendance, joined by members of their teams. Beyons efforts across a number of key sustainability areas led to its recognition for Sustainability Excellence. The key milestones supporting the award include a significant reduction in carbon footprint achieved by Beyons Solar Park through powering one of the companys Tier III Data Centres, and the introduction of dry robotic cleaning for over 6,300 solar panels daily, with no need for human intervention. Also contributing to ESG excellent is the companys off-grid mobile sites, the region's first, which are powered exclusively by solar and wind energy, and the implementation of Recycle it Right a new campaign which tackles office equipment waste. Contactless Fingerprint innovation The Groundbreaking Products & Services Achievement Award in the Technology category was awarded to Batelco for its Contactless Fingerprint innovation. The first of its kind service in Bahrain and the GCC enables customers to get a new Batelco mobile line in just one minute by leveraging innovative technology to verify a customers fingerprint information instantly. Batelco was also recognised for its significant contribution to the evolution of fixed Broadband services. The companys investment in enhancing its fixed Broadband experience with several initiatives implemented, played a crucial role in taking home the Exceptional Products & Services Achievement Award in the Telecoms category.--TradeArabia News Service TAQA and WellsX have reached an agreement aimed at reshaping the energy sector by combining the expertise of TAQA with the innovative technologies of WellsX. This partnership seeks to drive unprecedented efficiency, sustainability and growth in the oil and gas industry. The collaboration will leverage WellsXs cutting-edge digital ECO solutions and TAQAs decades of experience in providing top-tier services to the energy sector. Together, they will provide and implement advanced technologies to optimise operations, enhance safety measures, and minimise environmental impact across the entire value chain. We are thrilled to join forces with WellsX to pioneer the next generation of energy solutions, said Rayed Al Eskandrani, Vice President of North Middle East at TAQA. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation and sustainability, as we work together to address the evolving needs of the industry. We view it as a strategic initiative aimed at advancing sustainable clean energy development through the utilisation of AI and WellsXs digital ECO system solution suite. The partnership embodies synergy, enabling the delivery of unmatched digital drilling and well construction solutions to clients across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader Mena region. Positive change Teaming up with TAQA presents an incredible opportunity to drive positive change in the energy sector, said Dr Khaydar Valiullin, Vice President Drilling and Engineering at WellsX. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, we aim to unlock new levels of efficiency and performance, while also advancing the industrys transition towards a more sustainable future and continuously leveraging local talents. Through this collaboration, TAQA and WellsX are poised to deliver game-changing solutions that will optimise asset performance, streamline and automate operations, and enhance decision-making capabilities for oil and gas companies worldwide.--TradeArabia News Service Infinity Power, the largest African renewable energy provider, has signed an MoU with the Cameroon West Regional Council to develop up to 4GW of renewable energy across a range of technologies by 2035. The projects in Cameroon join Infinity Powers existing operations and future plans to build renewable capacity in Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana and Mauritania. The company already has 1.3GW of renewables in operation and a target of 10GW in operation by 2030. The individual projects, which will be located across the Western Region of Cameroon, will be developed in phases and are likely to include solar, battery storage, wind, hydro and biomass plants. These initiatives aim to generate clean, renewable power for domestic consumption in the Republic of Cameroon, addressing the country's critical power needs. Consumption increase Cameroon has seen a 27% increase in electricity consumption per capita over the last two decades, but its energy demands are currently primarily met by gas and hydro power. The MoU was signed by Infinity Power Deputy CEO, Ahmed Mulla and the President of the Cameroon West Regional Council, Dr Jules Hilaire Focka Focka. The signing was also attended by Dr Vincent Kitio, Lead of Urban Energy Solutions, UN-Habitat. UN-Habitat will play an essential role in the development of the projects. This will include providing technical assistance, participating in feasibility studies, developing a governance system for energy generation and distribution, creating programs for the productive use of energy, and ensuring that communities benefit from the energy generated to improve their living conditions. Range of technologies Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Chairman, Infinity Power, added: "We are excited to announce this new 4GW project in Cameroon. Its always amazing to invest in facilities in a new country, which feeds into our long-term ambition to operate in every country in Africa, and its especially important to be doing this on such a large site which could potentially use a range of technologies. Nayer Fouad, CEO, Infinity Power, said: "Here at Infinity Power, we are always looking for new opportunities to build projects in new countries. This impressive facility, which will utilise wind and solar power amongst other technologies, has the potential to transform energy provision in the area, help bolster Cameroons economy, and deliver huge benefits to local communities. Mulla stated: "This partnership with the Cameroon West Regional Council and UN-Habitat represents a significant step towards addressing the energy needs of Cameroon through sustainable and renewable solutions. Infinity Power is dedicated to delivering world-class renewable energy projects that will not only provide clean power but also contribute to the economic and social development of the communities we serve. We have a clear goal to light up Africa and are excited to add this work in Cameroon to our existing operations and plans in several countries across the continent." Top priority Dr Focka said: During the preparation of the Western Region Strategic Development Plan, the business community requested that energy generation should be the top priority as it will stimulate industrial development. The region experiences daily power rationings that are major barrier to social and economic development. Western region of Cameroon is endowed with enormous energy potentials, human and natural resources. The transformation of these resources could bring the must needed development of the region. Our strategic develop plan includes the creation of a dried port and railways system that will connect the region to the port. We need energy to power the electric train and our industry. We are grateful to Infinity Power to making this dream a reality. Dr Vincent Kitio, Lead of Urban Energy Solutions, UN-Habitat, added: The Western region of Cameroon has an abundant renewable energy potential exceeding 6 GW. The region receives only 100 MW of electricity from the national grid for a population of over 2 million people energy, resulting in a huge energy deficit. UN-Habitat welcomes this transformative energy project that will set the region toward a real socio-economic development and impact the lives of over 5 million Cameroonians. The coming-in of Infinity Power with new power generation plants is a game changer that will transform the huge potentials into wealth, and fight poverty. This will address not only the rampant poverty among 40% of Cameroonian population, but also mitigate climate change. UN-Habitat is honoured to be part of this journey and will bring its expertise to ensure that new settlements that will be developed along the new power plants are planned properly and receive adequate urban basic services. UN-Habitat will also ensure that the energy generated is used in an efficient and effective manner. The MoU marks a milestone in Infinity Power's mission to expand its renewable energy footprint across Africa and to support the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. This announcement follows the recent signing of a Land Access Agreement for a 10GW onshore wind project with the Egyptian Government, which will be one of the worlds largest renewable energy projects once constructed.--TradeArabia News Service EOS-X SPACE, the pioneering European space exploration firm of Spanish origin, plans to launch space flights in Abu Dhabi in 2025. Founder and CEO Kemel Kharbachi's company will begin operating space flights around the third quarter of 2025 in Abu Dhabi, as well as in Seville, Spain. In addition to completing the development of the Spaceship One manned capsules, EOS-X SPACE will soon conduct essential validation tests with military pilots in collaboration with Spain's prestigious National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). The firm is gearing up for a decisive second half of 2024 to finalise its launch in this emerging industry, which currently boasts a market worth over $9 billion in revenue. Most ambitious complex Abu Dhabi will host the company's most ambitious complex globally. This facility, located in the capital of the UAE, will feature not only the shuttle and the spaceport but also the most significant hotel complex, situated on Yas Island. The third facility is planned for Tulum, Mexico, and is expected to be operational by 2026. Capsules reaching the stratosphere Founded in 2020, EOS-X SPACE stands apart from other companies, which rely on rockets for space flights that cost passengers around a million dollars for a brief experience requiring extensive training and physical fitness. In contrast, EOS-X SPACEs pressurised capsules, accommodating up to eight people (including a pilot), are lifted by an eco-friendly helium balloon. These capsules reach the stratosphere's edge at an altitude of 40,000 metres, allowing space tourists to enjoy breathtaking views of space, the blue halo, and Earth's curvature during a five-hour trip (compared to Blue Origin's 11-minute rocket flight). This comfortable journey requires no arduous preparation and includes a personalised week-long programme featuring cultural, gastronomic, regenerative medicine, and wellness experiences. The cost per passenger ranges between 150,000 and 200,000, depending on the chosen package. Total investment exceeds $230 million The planned investment for the Abu Dhabi and Seville complexes will surpass $230 million in engineering and development. Currently, the company is in the midst of a 115 million Series D investment round led by US investment bank FTI Capital Advisor. Given the potential of this novel tourism approach within a current $9 billion market EOS-X SPACE has robust scalability forecasts and anticipates a revenue growth of 220% over five years, ensuring solid profitability from the first year of operations. Kharbachi and his management team estimate that in its launch year, 2025, combined revenues from Spain and Abu Dhabi could reach $353 million, with a gross profit margin of 19%. By 2029, the company aims to achieve a turnover of $1.127 billion and a gross profit of $324 million, marking a profit growth of 23.3% compared to the previous year. Overall, profits are expected to increase by 220% between 2025 and 2029. As Kharbachi explains: "The development of space tourism offers investment prospects as vast and promising as human curiosity. There will come a time, similar to the aviation industry, when this way of seeing the world becomes much more accessible. For now, we are offering an ultra-luxury product aimed at a very specific clientele, namely HNW communities, with around 20 million potential customers worldwide. These 'ultra-rich' individuals, along with affluent people capable of spending between 150,000 and 200,000 for an unparalleled experience, are our target market."--TradeArabia News Service Recent articles about the Wyoming Outdoor Council and our efforts to prevent development in critical wildlife habitat have caused quite the stir in the media lately. In addition to lone industry perspectives and speculation about our motivations, weve also been accused of waging a war on the middle class of Wyoming. While the industry-driven media rhetoric is inflammatory, the solutions to the issues on the ground dont have to be. Almost all Wyomingites know the story of how nearly 50% of the Sublette herd perished during the winter of 2023 dropping from an estimated 43,000 animals to 24,000. Thats why we were alarmed last July, when the state offered a development lease directly in this incredibly sensitive habitat for pronghorn, a bottleneck portion of the herds migratory pathway. After raising our concerns with state leadership, the auction went forward with the tract, parcel 194, included without any stipulations in place to protect migratory pronghorn. Left with no other options and the threat of future development in this sensitive habitat, we decided to participate in the Office of State Lands and Investments oil and gas lease auction. We did not take this action lightly nor is it a standard practice for WOC. In our eyes, our bid was an effort to demonstrate that we could still produce revenue for our state while also preserving important wildlife habitat. Though we were not the high bidder and the state outright failed to protect this important habitat, we believe the story of parcel 194 helps paint a picture of the primary issue with leasing of state lands; There is no clear alternative to protect key habitat or other values from development, while also respecting the revenue-generating model of state lands. Given there is great interest from the public in how state lands are used (think Casper Mountain or Munger Mountain), we hope our state leaders are listening and will commit to solving this very real problem. The state can, and should, do better. Specifically, the State Board of Land Commissioners, led by the Governor, has a lot of flexibility to solve this issue. It brings into question how the Board is making decisions about optimizing revenue and the authority they have to withdraw some lands from being leased. Take for example that according to testimony from OSLI in a February 2024 legislative committee hearing, only 27 percent of state land oil and gas leases ever make it to production. Does that sound like a system that is fulfilling the Boards constitutional charge of optimizing revenue? It would seem as though the recent changes through HB 141 to define qualified bidders in oil and gas lease sales would actually do the opposite. The Board also has full discretion on their duty to protect and care for all state lands, including the ability to withdraw lands to protect economic or environmental interests. In addition to what conservation groups may be willing to pay for protecting a parcel, what is the long-term value of protecting the most sensitive habitat for pronghorn or other iconic species? Why cant state leaders protect even one small tract of land that is so important to thousands of migrating animals? To Wyomingites who care about our wildlife resources, our efforts to protect 640 acres out of an 88,033-acre oil and gas lease sale, seem rational, even innovative. Further, there was real money on the table to uphold the constitutional mandate for supporting the states beneficiaries. Oil and gas production on state lands is undoubtedly a primary driver of revenue for our schools and other public institutions, and we respect that. But that shouldnt preclude us from discovering new avenues to conserve important habitat on state lands and monetize them in a sustainable manner. Now more than ever, as a state, we have a great opportunity to think about the future of our state lands. Rest assured, were committed to helping find those solutions, and well keep advocating for conservation of the things that make Wyoming such a special place. We invite anyone who cares about healthy landscapes, clean air, clean water, and wildlife to join us in those efforts. TRINIDAD Petroleum Holdings Limited (TPHL) has put the matter of Patriotic Energy Services Company Limited submitting allegedly fraudulent documents in its bid to acquire the former Petrotrin refinery in the hands of its legal team. The claim, first made by Energy Minister Stuart Young during the budget debate last Friday, was again denied yesterday by Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) president Ancel Roget. TPHL stated in a media release yesterday that it had received a document submitted by Patriotic Energies in its non-binding offer for the refinery, which specifically identified as evidence a wire transfer of US$1.5 billion into a local bank, and which document identified Patriotic Energies as the beneficiary. Buckingham Palace has revealed that King Charles III wrote a private letter to Donald Trump following the shocking incident at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The monarch, 75, reached out to the former president after he survived an attempted assassination on Saturday. Officials from Buckingham are not releasing the content of the king's letter but stated that it's in line with the comments made by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The letter was delivered through Britain's embassy in Washington, according to Newsweek. Starmer took to social media platform X to write: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally, and we send him and his family our best wishes. "Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack." It's usually common for British monarchs to extend supportive letters at times of national crisis or disaster, but in most cases, the text of the letter is made public by the palace. The US presidential election campaign adds a specific context for the attempt on Trump's life that may set an awkward backdrop for the palace. Given the seriousness of the situation, it is expected that the king would intervene. An assassination attempt on Trump took place at the start of his speech at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, during which a bullet grazed his right ear. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Pennsylvania, was shot and killed at the scene by Secret Service agents. Officials have yet to reveal a motive. I am a resident of Princes Town, and I want to grab the attention of the Ministry of Educati MSNBC reportedly preempted its long-running "Morning Joe" talk show on Monday to prevent guests from saying something inappropriate about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. A person familiar with the matter said executives at the liberal news outlet were concerned that an out-of-bounds remark made during the live telecast could be used against the program or the network, CNN reported late Sunday. The decision to preempt "Morning Joe" was reportedly made by the chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, Cesar Conde, after consulting with MSNBC president Rashida Jones and hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. A network spokesperson "emphatically" denied the CNN report, the Washington Post reported Monday. The spokesperson said the move was instead part of a broader strategy to cover the deadly sniper attack on Trump's campaign rally Saturday with a unified feed of video from NBC News, MSNBC and the online NBC News NOW streaming network. A "Morning Joe" staffer told the New York Times that its producers and hosts were told over the weekend that MSNBC's shows would be replaced by NBC News programming. But staffers were surprised when NBC News NOW replaced "Morning Joe" on Monday instead of NBC's "Today" show, which wasn't preempted, the source told the Times. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writers: A small group of committed people can indeed create change. It may take decades, but it can happen and did happen here in the case of our streetcar. It happened because that small group grew to a large and diverse group throughout the region. Ultimately, it takes all of us. Here is our story. In 1983, Gene Caywood and Dick Guthrie, along with a dozen others, founded Old Pueblo Trolley, an all-volunteer heritage streetcar line which began operation on Fourth Avenue and Main Gate in 1993, becoming a precursor to a wider rail system. In 2001, public artist Steve Farley, attorneys Clague Van Slyke III and Joy Herr-Cardillo, Caywood, father of Amtrak Tony Haswell, physician Ron Spark, and strategic planner Bob Cook founded Tucsonans for Sensible Transportation (TST) to advocate for better transit, alternative modes and light rail. After a year of community presentations TST membership grew to more than 1,600 Tucsonans. With the tireless work of volunteers like Nikki Pistacchio and Camille Kershner and a Bombardier light rail vehicle demonstration in downtown Tucson, TST gathered more than 18,000 Tucson voter signatures for a multimodal transportation ballot initiative in 2003. Despite an energizing campaign, TSTs lack of political experience and opposition money raised by car dealers and homebuilders spelled a hard election defeat in November 2003. This was not a group easily discouraged. A week after the defeat Farley met TSTs recent opponent, the Southern Arizona Homebuilders, and started a dialogue about how to work together. This helped lead to the eventual Regional Transportation Authority (RTA.) Farley also noticed that there had been strong voter support for the TST plan in the central city. This led the group in early 2004 to advocate a modern streetcar route in that area and gain support from former opponents. A 35-member region-wide citizen committee for the newly proposed RTA worked for ten months to develop a consensus plan and adopted the motion of Steve Christy one of the car dealers who had worked to defeat the TST plan in 2003 to include the local funding for the Modern Streetcar. In May 2006, a unifying community-wide campaign for the RTA led to Tucsons first transportation plan victory in four decades. With help from the RTA, the City of Tucson launched a citizen-driven community liaison group to develop the details of the streetcar route, urban planning, and equipment. Meanwhile Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup, a streetcar champion, worked hard with City and RTA staff and our congressional delegation to obtain the federal funds necessary to complete the financing. Congress members Raul Grijalva, Gabby Giffords, and Ed Pastor delivered and US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood presented Tucson a $63 million matching TIGER grant largest in the country. The streetcar was a done deal at last. Since the streetcar opened for service ten years ago, ridership has increased dramatically, and today the streetcar is the busiest transit route carrying 1.67 million passengers annually. This service has greatly benefited both users and businesses along the route. Students and visitors to Tucson, now more than ever, enjoy the convenience of public transit. And the Streetcar has attracted a lively Mercado District, Downtown, and Main Gate scene and spurred new housing construction throughout Tucsons Center. As you ride Tucsons Modern Streetcar and consider the unprecedented investment and thousands of newly created jobs near the four-mile route, imagine where we can go next if we do it together. We, as core members of the original Tucsonans for Sensible Transportation, applaud the efforts of the many more people in the past decade who have joined this vision and continue to build our region-wide multimodal system of mobility and access. Our greatly expanded electric powered system will take us all where we want to go and be an economic engine to support Tucson through this challenging 21st Century. Come celebrate the 10-year anniversary on July 20th! Vietnamese carrier Pacific Airlines on Monday received one more Airbus A321 from Vietnam Airlines (VNA) to serve summer flyers. Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper the same day, a leader from Pacific Airlines said that this is the second out of the three Airbus A321s that it leased from VNA amid the peak summer travel season. This aircraft, registered under Vietnamese nationality, features 203 seats, including eight business class ones. Pacific Airlines planned to operate 1,000 flights, equivalent to 180,000 seats, this summer. This carrier has experienced so many fluctuations in its operations. It temporarily ceased operations from March 16, returning all of the leased A320s to its lessors to wipe off US$220 million of its debt. It resumed air services late last month, using only one aircraft provided by the national flag carrier VNA and looking to expand its fleet in the upcoming time. Global airlines are on a massive hiring spree to serve summer travelers, making efforts to hire an adequate number of aircraft quite hard. Several Vietnamese airlines pursued various strategies to lease aircraft from international lessors and introduce new air routes to accommodate the summer travel surge. Early this month, VNA received an Airbus A320neo, while Bamboo Airways, another local airline, wet-leased an aircraft from Royal Air Philippines. A 'wet lease' is a short-term leasing arrangement whereby one carrier provides an aircraft, a complete crew, maintenance, and insurance for another. Luong Hoai Nam, general director at Bamboo Airways, said that the airline hired three A320s during the first half of 2024, sending its fleet to eight. Bamboo is working to expand the fleet to 12 by the end of the year and 18 by 2025, Nam added. Bamboo Airways and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), one of the global leaders in development and production of military and commercial aerospace and defense systems, signed a contract worth US$36 million last week. As per the deal, IAI will provide maintenance services for six CFM56-5B engines installed on Bamboo Airways A321 aircraft in the 2024-25 period. The major Israeli aerospace and aviation manufacturer will also lease another engine to Bamboo Airways for two years, starting from 2024. Industry experts lauded Vietnamese carriers huge efforts to hire additional aircraft amid a global shortfall of jets caused by manufacturers recalling a large number of jet engines. The shortage has resulted in soaring aircraft rentals. A local carrier revealed that rental prices for an Airbus A321 rose twofold, from $48,000-50,000 per month in 2019 to $80,000-100,000 per month now. The current lease rate for a Boeing B-78 is $370,000 compared to $160,000 per month in 2022. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Many hidden cameras have been discovered in Vietnam, sparking public outrage and causing fears for victims as they were afraid that their sensitive images could be spread on social media. Various kinds of candia cameras are put up for sale publicly. When Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters searched for hidden cameras or disguised cameras on social media, many groups offering such products turned up. The reporters contacted a camera store in Hanoi. An employee of the store introduced cameras under the disguise of many utensils, such as sockets, light bulbs, phone chargers, and pens. The cameras in these items are small and hard to be detected. Users can connect the cameras to their phones and directly see the recorded images. Their prices vary based on image quality and camouflage level, ranging from VND 1.2 million (US$47) to VND 1.6 million (US$62.4) each. According to the employee, cameras hidden in light bulbs and sockets are the best-sellers. The public sale of spy cameras has paved the way for evildoers to use recorded images and videos for illicit purposes. A camera is hidden in a socket. Photo: T.A. / Tuoi Tre Violating privacy Vo Do Thang, director of Athena, a local cybersecurity training center, explained that people use invisible cameras for two main reasons: to indulge in their perverted hobbies or to make money by uploading the footage to foreign websites and embedding it in gambling and betting ads. Regarding the consequences, Thang stated that these actions seriously violate the victims' privacy. If the images are publicized on social media, victims may suffer from depression or even attempt suicide. He advised that everyone should remain vigilant to protect themselves. Upon arriving in new places, people should carefully inspect smoke detectors, light bulbs, TVs, and sockets. If they find anything suspicious, they should leave immediately or report it to local authorities. Thang also recommended bringing equipment to scan for spy cameras. Stringent penalties Lawyer Dang Van Cuong from the Hanoi Bar Association told Tuoi Tre that it is illegal to collect personal information and record or photograph others without their permission. Those who install hidden cameras face fines of VND 3-30 million ($117-1,169) or criminal charges. Recently, many disguised cameras have been found in hotels and boarding houses, causing public concern. Pham Van Hoa, a National Assembly (NA) deputy and member of the NA Committee on Legal Affairs, criticized these actions, noting they represent a deviation and perversion in thinking and actions, as well as a violation of the law. The online sale of such candid cameras is rampant, making it easy for people to buy and use them to illegally collect private information. Hoa mentioned that Vietnam has regulations to punish violators. However, many spy cameras are only discovered after residents report them or victims' images are shared on social media. Therefore, authorities need to continue imposing strict penalties on violators to prevent similar incidents. Hoa suggested that local authorities and police should inspect motels and boarding houses, requiring their owners to be committed to not installing hidden cameras. Those who fail to comply should be held responsible and severely punished. A screenshot of a way to find spy cameras. How to discover candid cameras? Le Tran Ha, director of the technical service and warranty center at FPT Shop, a Vietnamese chain selling phones, laptops, and electronic products, said tiny cameras are flooding the local market. They are placed in various items and there are many ways to detect them. People can turn off lights and use the flashlight of their phones to scan suspicious areas. It is important to check items such as clocks, photo frames, mirrors, books, and electronic devices. Polarized glasses can help detect light from cameras, Ha noted. There are apps to detect hidden cameras, including Hidden Camera Detector, Fing, and Glint Finder. Checking devices connected to Wi-Fi is also a solution as invisible cameras often need the Internet for image and video transmission. The boarding house in Ha Dong District, Hanoi, where hidden cameras were found. Photo: D.X. / Tuoi Tre Late last month, Vietnamese fashionista Chau Bui reported to the Ho Chi Minh City police department that she had discovered a hidden camera in a restroom of a local studio where she changed clothes. She wrote on her Facebook page that the camera was secretly fitted in a watch covered with a towel at the corner of the restroom. The suspect is a male employee of the studio who later admitted to having put the recording device there. Several boarding houses in Hanoi have also been found to have discreetly placed cameras in rooms whose lessees are women. In April this year, N., the owner of a boarding house in the Vietnamese capital city, was fined VND12.5 million ($487.4) for installing cameras in several bathrooms. At the police station, N. admitted that in June 2023, he bought three hidden cameras online and planted them in the bathrooms of rooms rented by women to watch them bathing. Police in Ha Dong District, Hanoi accused him of illegally collecting personal information. On July 3, police in Cau Giay District, Hanoi announced they were investigating a case where the owner of a local boarding house was accused of secretly filming female students bathing. Two girls had previously discovered a camera hidden in a socket facing their bathroom. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Boston lawyer once named a "most eligible bachelor" by People Magazine was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after he was convicted in the rape of an intoxicated 21-year-old woman while she slept. Gary Zerola, a 52-year-old former prosecutor, was previously accused of sexual assault by nearly a dozen women dating back to 1996, but was never convicted until last month, according to court records, The Boston Globe reported. Assistant District Attorney Ian Polumbaum read a victim impact statement at Zerola's sentencing Monday. "Even today, I still have nightmares of someone breaking into my apartment and trying to assault me," Polumbaum read, according to WCVB-TV. "Since he committed this crime, I have experienced an extreme sense of paranoia. Every time I am in my apartment my door is deadbolted, and I live in constant fear that someone will enter without my permission and hurt me again." Invesigators said in January 2021, the victim was drinking with Zerola and his girlfriend. The victim became drunk and Zerola helped her into her apartment, only to return later to rape her while she lay unconscious. Zerola's defense attorney argued for a lesser sentence, claiming his client grew up in a "house of horrors" where he was abused by his parents. "This is the background that Gary Zerola comes from," attorney Joseph Krowski Jr. said, according to WBTS-TV. "The fact that he was able to put a life together is nothing short of remarkable." Zerola was acquitted of aggravated rape and burglary in the case. He will spend a minimum of five years behind bars. A three-year-old baby from Gia Lai Province in Vietnams Central Highlands region died of rabies on Monday after he was bitten by a cat about one month ago, a local health official confirmed the same day. The boy, named K.K. and residing in Chu Se District, was taken to a private medical facility on Sunday where he underwent ultrasound scanning and got prescribed medicine for vomiting, the official of the Gia Lai Center for Disease Control said. Since his health condition then worsened, he was rushed to the Chu Se Medical Center at 1:34 pm on Sunday before being transferred to the Gia Lai Childrens Hospital to receive further treatment on the same day. He was diagnosed with rabies, gastrointestinal infection, and dehydration. His family said that the boy was bitten on the left hand by a cat one month ago but he did not receive treatment for the wound nor was he vaccinated against rabies due to the family's financial difficulties. After being briefed on his incurable condition, the family brought him home, where he developed many symptoms such as screaming; eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties; drooling; a fear of light, wind, and water; and headaches. The boy died on Monday morning. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know today in Vietnam: Society -- Eleven crew members of a Vietnamese fishing ship have returned to their homeland after being jailed in neighboring Cambodia for 55 days on reported charges of illegal border crossing, a Vietnamese official said on Monday. -- Japanese rescue forces on Monday saved two Vietnamese women who sent a distress signal while climbing Mount Biei, located in Japans northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, on Sunday as they got exhausted. -- The Hanoi Peoples Court on Monday handed down a six-year jail term on a Vietnamese-Taiwanese woman for smuggling gold worth nearly VND1 billion (US$39,151) from Taiwan to Vietnam. -- Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam will see its annual capacity increase to 13 million passengers by 2030 and 18 million by 2050 from the current two million, according to the airport planning that Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang has approved. -- All nine pedestrian bridges connecting elevated stations along the first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City are projected to be completed by September this year, the municipal Management Authority for Urban Railways reported on Monday. Business -- Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast on Monday broke ground on its EV assembly plant in Subang, West Java, Indonesia. The plant represents an initial investment of around $200 million and will have an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles. -- Vietnamese carrier Pacific Airlines has received the second aircraft among the three aircraft it sought to lease from national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines for operations this summer, a Pacific Airlines leader told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday. Lifestyle -- Hoi An, a famed tourist city in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, was ranked fourth on a list of the worlds 25 best cities in 2024 compiled by American travel magazine Travel + Leisure. World News -- Apple's shares rose 2.5% to a record high on Monday after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the iPhone maker's shares and designated the stock as a 'top pick,' citing the company's AI efforts as a boost to device sales, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The administration in Tay Ho District, Hanoi plans to relocate and enlarge the memorial for late U.S. Senator John McCain, currently located on the edge of Truc Bach Lake. The planned relocation and expansion aim to preserve historic and cultural values while creating a suitable space to enhance the spiritual life of local residents. The district plans to move the memorial back close to the handrail of Truc Bach Lake to make the space in front of it larger, thus facilitating the organization of events. The memorial will also be made bigger, with its foundation including a space to put flowers. The district will repave the area surrounding the memorial to separate its vicinity from sidewalks, rearrange tree pots, and add an information board together with a lighting system. The project requires an estimated investment of over VND1.9 trillion (US$74,303), sourced from the coffers of Tay Ho District. On October 26, 1967, Vietnams military forces shot McCains plane down during the American war in Vietnam. McCain parachuted from the plane and landed near Truc Bach Lake before being captured there. The memorial was erected to commemorate the event. Senator McCain died of brain cancer on August 25, 2018, at the age of 81. At the time, many residents in Hanoi paid tribute to McCain and laid flowers at Truc Bach Lake. During his 60 years of political career, McCain spent nearly three decades contributing to the normalization and development of the Vietnam- U.S. relations. He claimed that Vietnam had greatly influenced his life and given him some of the most important lessons. After the war, he returned to Vietnam on multiple occasions, saying that he increasingly loved the people and landscapes there. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications is seeking approval to allow only identified social network accounts to make comments, Lam Dinh Thang, director of the department, told the 17th sitting of the municipal Peoples Council on Tuesday. The proposal is aimed at tightening control over fake news dispersion. Cross-border social media account holders will be required to follow Vietnams laws, he said. Thang mentioned the proposal at the sitting to reply to a query about rampant anti-state accounts, and how to manage information on the Internet and these accounts. Information on the Internet mainly originates from licensed local organizations and individuals, but some comes from websites without a clear origin, he elaborated. These websites, despite using Vietnamese, showcase foreign domain names, while their servers are placed outside of Vietnam, Thang added. Fake news has mainly been spread via cross-border apps and websites, he explained. It is tough to handle fake news on cross-border social networks as many foreign social media service suppliers do not have a legal representative in Vietnam. Lam Dinh Thang, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications, speaks at a sitting of the municipal Peoples Council, July 16, 2024. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre The municipal department has teamed up with the Ministry of Information and Communications and other localities to stringently handle violators in cyberspace. The department reported 24 cases showing signs of criminal violations to the municipal Department of Public Security in 2023. Since the start of 2024, 18 cases suspected to violate cyberspace regulations have been reported to police officers. The department also introduced cyberspace regulations to residents in a bid to fight fake news. Apart from proposing allowing only verified social media accounts to comment, the Department of Information and Communications is working to establish a division to particularly deal with fake news. The division, which will be located at the Ho Chi Minh City Media Center, will be in charge of joining hands with the Vietnam Anti-Fake News Center to promptly detect and clamp down on fake news. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Small home-shaped boxes placed or hung at various public sites have recently become popular in Nha Trang, the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam, as they are used to collect waste batteries. This is an effort launched by the local women's association to make it more convenient to gather and properly dispose of used batteries. Doan Thi Mien, 59, arrives at house number 8 on Thong Nhat Street in Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang. She takes out some dead batteries from her bag and throws them into a box hanging on the wall. Mien, like other residents in the community, has not thrown away used batteries since the home-shaped box was set up. Ever since, they have become more comfortable bringing old batteries to this collection site. "Before, many people often discarded dead batteries without thinking about environmental pollution," Mien said. "When they became more aware of the problem, they know how to sort out waste and keep an eye on protecting the environment as well." According to Luong Thi Thanh Nu, head of the Van Thanh Ward Women's Association, the effort has been expended since October 2023, raising awareness among its key members and encouraging local participation. Accordingly, used batteries would be collected and treated properly, ensuring that all safety and environmental criteria are met. Along with Van Thanh Ward, the 'Home for Dealing with Spent Batteries' model has been implemented in Tan Lap Ward at locations such as alley 120 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Bac Thanh Church, Ngo Gia Tu Apartment Building, Tan Lap 1 Elementary School, and Tran Quoc Toan Middle School. A home-shaped box is painted blue to captivates everyone who comes to place used batteries in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Chuong / Tuoi Tre According to Nguyen Ly Duong Trung, secretary of the Tan Lap Ward Youth Union, the initiative's 'homes' are built of aluminum and painted blue. On its surface is a noteworthy message: "Each old battery dumped into the environment pollutes 500 liters of water with mercury." On average, each of the homes gathers between 20 and 30kg of spent batteries. The Tan Lap Ward Youth Union intends to build these home-shaped boxes out of steel, which will allow them to hold more used batteries while also being more weather-resistant. "Dead batteries are taken to a collecting center before being transported to be processed at a factory in Quang Nam Province, [central Vietnam]," Trung told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. "The Youth Union of Tan Lap Ward and a few donors fund the transportation costs. "We've collected approximately 250kg of outdated batteries since the beginning of the year. "What makes us happiest is that the locals are becoming more environmentally conscious. "To encourage more people to join the initiative, our ward plans to hold an event in August where used batteries will be traded for trees." Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! The construction and installation of a 5.6-kilometer-long water pipe system for the big-ticket Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam is 95 percent complete. Work on the pipeline construction and installation started on May 6, with a total capital of nearly VND46 billion (US$1.8 million). The pipeline, whose investor is Dong Nai Water JSC, runs across Long An and Long Phuoc Communes in Long Thanh District. Water from the Dong Nai River will be treated at Thien Tan Water Plant before flowing through the pipeline to Long Thanh International Airport, which is under construction, said the investor. During the first phase, the pipeline will provide the airport with some 10,000 cubic meters of clean water daily. The daily capacity will be raised to 36,000 cubic meters of water in the next phase. The pipeline is expected to supply 10,000 cubic meters of clean water daily to Long Thanh International Airport in the first phase. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre Hoang Quoc Phuong, a representative of Dong Nai Water JSC, stated that the firm views the pipeline system as a key project so it has collaborated with the contractor, relevant units, and local authorities to expedite the project's completion. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, from TNG Investment and Construction JSC, the contractor of the project, affirmed that the pipeline construction and installation is now 95 percent complete after 2.5 months of implementation. The project was set to be conducted within 60 days, but unfavorable weather conditions such as rains and delayed land clearance have prolonged its completion deadline. The completion of the package will be extended to August 31, Anh said. The Long Thanh International Airport project spans 5,000 hectares and carries a VND336.63 trillion ($13.3 billion) price tag. Once finished, the airport will be the largest in the nation with an annual capacity of 100 million passengers and five million metric tons of cargo. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! National Film and Sound Archives on-demand platform NFSA Player, which launched in June 2023, has added new true crime and mystery, compelling postwar stories and early film and several TV documentaries. 34 titles are available to rent individually featuring introductions and commentary by critic Wenlei Ma and filmmaker and broadcaster Patrick Abboud. Pricing ranges between $2.99 $4.99 per title. There is so much incredible content in the national audiovisual collection, and NFSA Player is an important new way to help get whole titles out there as opposed to the popular clip-based content on our website, said Patrick McIntyre, the NFSAs CEO. This new release includes films going back to the mid 50s and early 70s, as well as more recent content, and they paint a fascinating picture of the way our nation has changed and continues to. Theyre entertaining, surprising and inspiring, but also offer great opportunities to reflect on how far weve come and perhaps how far we have to go. There are definitely some conversation starters in there. NFSA Player explores some of Australias most intriguing creative minds, with the Hugo Weaving-narrated portrait of author Tim Winton, The Edge of the World (2008), the powerful two-header documentary An Unstoppable Force Betty Churcher with John Ohlsen (2008) and the acclaimed documentary about musician and composer Anne Boyds battle to save her university music department Facing the Music (2001). NFSA Player also dives into the lives of postwar Australian migrants, with Australian Diary: Tomorrows Australians, which looks at the education and training provided by the government to new Australians, Mike and Stefani, a moving 1951 docudrama about a young Ukrainian couple making their way to Australia from a refugee camp, and The Helping Hand, a documentary about the Good Neighbour Movement, which welcomed migrants to Australia. Other highlights of the new content offer include a true crime/mystery strand featuring investigative factual titles such as The Prime Minister is Missing about the disappearance of Harold Holt, Unfolding Florence, Gillian Armstrongs exploration of the mysterious death of designer Florence Broadhurst, and the hit 2006 documentary Who Killed Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler? A young Charles Bud Tingwell features with Chips Rafferty and future Hollywood star Rod Taylor in the gripping drama King of the Coral Sea while Peter Weirs early directorial feature Michael is part of the acclaimed 1971 3 to Go series, comprising three mini-films about young Australians on the brink of life changes. Audiences can enjoy a historical perspective on the construction of two Sydney icons: The Fifth Facade (1973) shines a light on the construction of the Sydney Opera House and is narrated by architect Jrn Utzon and actor Sam Wanamaker, while Constructing Australia: The Bridge (2006) examines the personal conflicts and the political intrigue behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And Their Ghosts May be Heard (1975) casts a dramatic lens on the true story of 200 Australian workers who sailed to Paraguay in 1893 to establish utopia. 2008s extraordinary Roller Derby Dolls is the story of women with a dream, who inspire others to strap on the skates. Selected titles from NFSA Players 2023 launch collection Buwindja will remain on the platform. Content pricing is $2.99 / $4.99 per title. Audiences can view their content as many times as they want in a 30-day window following rental. For those watching Amazing Railway Adventures: Nick Knowles, a second season will begin this week in a new Saturday timeslot. This is a five part travel series. Nick Knowles sets off on a series of globe-trotting trips by train through incredible landscapes. In series 2 he visits Italy, hopping from volcano to volcano on an epic train trip from Naples to Sicily. In Transylvania, he follows in the footsteps of Vlad the Impaler. Then theres a tale of three beautiful cities Prague, Bratislava and Budapest. Nick finds the fastest and greenest trains in this series in Morocco, riding the rails from Tangier to Marrakech, before heading to Slovenia and Croatia where he glories in the Roman ruins at Split. Season Two, Episode One: Nicks journey begins in Prague, where he learns about the citys remarkable 600-year-old astronomical clock from its keeper. Nicks second train takes him across the border into Hungary, where he discovers how Swabian culture is being preserved. Then in Budapest, Nick takes a journey on a steam railway. At just over seven miles long its the worlds longest railway run by children (under adult supervision). Discovering these impressive young ticket sellers, guards and their colleagues makes for an enchanting adventure. Saturday, 20 July at 7.30pm on SBS. Foreign Correspondent returns on Thursday with an episode looking at Australians living stateside, in the lead up to the US election. Over the coming weeks well take you to Norway where a tussle for power between Russia and NATO nations is playing out in the Arctic; we go to Africa where Islamic extremists are creating upheaval in former democratic nations; well follow the flower industry in the Netherlands to uncover the true cost of a rose and well meet the Monk police in Thailand who are trying to stamp out the increasingly bad behaviour amongst Buddhist monks. Episode One: America is no stranger to political violence but the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump has shocked the nation, which includes around a hundred thousand Australians who call the US home. Over several months Foreign Correspondent has been filming with some of these Australians in the lead up to the presidential election. As they live their lives, they witness the US becoming more febrile, gun violence is always on the agenda, and now there is even talk of civil war. Some are horrified by the state of affairs, others hail Donald Trump as a hero with lessons for Australia. Their experiences reflect the deep divisions in America, and as political tensions escalate, some are asking the question, should they stay or should they go? Thursday 18 July at 8:00pm on ABC. Readers have been asking about timeslot changes to Britains Got Talent, which has moved from Thursday to Tuesdays as of tonight. Semi Final Two screens tonight and the series continues in Tuesdays, no doubt due to the Olympics. As the semi-finals continue, acts compete against one another to land themselves a valuable place in the grand final. In its place on Thursday is another UK talent show, Starstruck. 7:30pm tonight on Seven. The Texas Department of Public Safety announced the seizure of more than 242 pounds of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop on Saturday. A DPS trooper stopped a 2020 Kia Sportage on Interstate 40 near Vega, about 35 miles west of Amarillo in northern Texas, at around 1:50 p.m. for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered three large duffel bags filled with 100 bricks of plastic-wrapped cocaine, authorities said. DPS special agents and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agents were called in to assist, and the DEA took over the investigation, DPS said. Ezequiel Canela-Cabrera, 29, from Kissimmee, Fla., was arrested and booked into the Randall County Jail on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. The drugs were allegedly being transported from Las Vegas, Nev., to Boston, Mass., authorities said. -With TMX Upfronts season is likely to look a lot different this year. It comes as a surprise to nobody that networks are doing it tough. sacking staff, axing shows, and the high cost of the Olympics for Nine. Im also hearing from producers that commissioning of shows is also way down with some networks not returning calls or emails. Which leaves us to the annual Upfronts season, anytime from September. The AFR this week suggested networks big annual parties arent a good look this year. It claimed 10 would be first cab off the rank this year, with its annual showcase in mid September. Last year 10 had a series of presentations in several cities, with execs and key talent schmoozing advertisers and media in what was doubtless a cheaper tab than flying everybody to Sydney. Foxtel, which transported everybody to Cockatoo Island last year, will hold an event on October 17. Nine, which threw a lavish party at Hordern Pavilion / RHI ahead of its Olympic year, is expected on October 24 or thereabouts. Seven, which has also sacked around 150 staff, is still contemplating its plans. Last year it staged a glitzy affair at ICC Darling Harbour as part of their SXSW partnership. SBS, which always turns on the best lunches, held an event at Sydney Town Hall and is planning another lunch for later in the year, likely in November. It remains to be seen how many of the networks will stage a grand affair which costs a few million to stage, or whether they may pivot to a virtual affair, as occurred during the height of the pandemic. Time will tell but I guess the first challenge is having enough sexy new local content to spruik? By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Britain's new trade minister said on Tuesday he was optimistic some trade barriers with the European Union can be removed, but the mechanism to arbitrate any disputes would be subject to negotiation. The Labour Party won a July 4 election, and while it has pledged not to reopen the core pieces of Britain's deal to leave the European Union, it is aiming for a new food and veterinary agreement to reduce border checks on animal products. Critics say that will mean accepting oversight from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), a red flag to Brexit campaigners who see it as an infringement of British sovereignty. Speaking in Italy where he had attended a meeting of fellow Group of Seven (G7) trade ministers, Britain's newly installed secretary of state for business and trade, Jonathan Reynolds, said that he believed there was "space" for a deal and did not rule out having to turn to the ECJ for eventual arbitration. "How you resolve any dispute is always something that will be a part of the negotiation you are having," he told Reuters, speaking by telephone from the southern region of Calabria. "Of course this is one facet of a deal that we hope will cover a whole range of issues, not just economic but also relating to defence and security as well," he said. He also confirmed that he wanted to secure the mutual recognition of certain professional qualifications with the 27-nation EU bloc, and easier access for musicians on tour. Reynolds said during his brief trip to Italy he had discussed with European colleagues an EU move to impose tariffs on the imports of China-built electric vehicles to counter what Brussels believes are unfair subsidies for Chinese firms. However, he sounded cautious about the prospects of Britain following suit, saying the domestic auto sector was export-driven and that British firms had not complained about China. "I am not ruling anything out, but if you have a very much export-orientated industry, the decision you take (has to be) the right one for that sector," he said. RESUMING INDIA TALKS The previous British government pursued a range of trade deals since it left the European Union, but talks with Canada stalled in January, while talks with Delhi were put on hold this year ahead of the Indian elections. Reynolds said he had "an excellent meeting" with the Canadian delegation at the G7 meeting, but added: "We have not, at this stage, formally agreed to reopen talks." India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal also attended the G7 conference and invited Reynolds to visit India. No date had been set, but the British minister said he hoped to resume negotiations with India "as soon as possible". Story continues Reynolds acknowledged that Britain was unlikely to secure a bilateral trade deal with the United States any time soon, but predicted that relations would remain warm whoever won presidential elections in November. "The U.S. will always be a key relationship for the U.K. regardless of the political leadership of these countries," he said. (Additional reporting by Alistair Smout in London; Editing by Keith Weir) BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania cannot afford to raise taxes in 2025 and should focus on curbing tax evasion to rein in its budget deficit, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu told small business owners on Tuesday. The country, which holds national and presidential elections late this year, saw its budget deficit widen to 3.4% of economic output by the end of May, putting the ruling coalition government's full-year target of 5.0% of GDP out of reach. The European Commission sees Romania's deficit rising to 6.9% of gross domestic product by the end of 2024, and further still, to 7% of GDP in 2025 -- the bloc's highest levels. Ratings agencies, analysts and investors have all said they expected tax hikes from 2025. "I keep hearing of increases in the value-added tax, that is out of the question," Ciolacu told a conference of small and medium-sized companies. "It is the simplest approach a government can take." "I don't think Romania can afford to raise taxes next year. Romania must conduct an analysis and continue fiscal reform in the exemptions areas." He said the tax agency must target tax evasion as well as continue digitalization efforts. The budget gap surged more than expected at the start of the year due to high spending on defence as well as rises in pensions and some state sector wages before national and presidential elections in November and December respectively. Romania has been under the EU's excessive deficit procedure since 2020 - whereby it must present the European Commission with a multi-year plan to reduce the deficit back within the bloc's ceiling of 3% of GDP. Its tax revenue amounts to less than 30% of GDP versus the EU average of 41%. The country initially committed to bringing its budget deficit below the EU's 3% ceiling by 2024. However, it currently expects to meet that target only by 2027, assuming it does not change its tax system. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Susan Fenton) Kosovo tribunal to rule in war crimes case against former KLA member Kosovo tribunal to rule in war crimes case against former KLA member AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Judges at the Kosovo tribunal in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) member Pjeter Shala on Tuesday to 18 years in prison for war crimes committed during the 1998-99 Kosovo uprising against Serbian troops. Shala was convicted of war crimes including torture, murder and arbitrary detention, committed as he ran a makeshift prison where people were abused and at least one man was killed. Shala maintained his innocence throughout his trial. His lawyers argued that he was not present when crimes were committed nor had he participated in them. The judges, however, ruled that he was "beyond reasonable doubt" part of a criminal group that detained and severely mistreated at least 18 people it considered to be spies or collaborators with Serbs. More than 13,000 people are believed to have died during the 1998-99 Kosovo uprising against Serbian troops led by then-President Slobodan Milosevic. The former Serbian province eventually declared independence in 2008, which Belgrade does not recognise. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, a war crimes court seated in the Netherlands and staffed by international judges and lawyers, was set up in 2015 to handle cases under Kosovo law against fighters of the KLA. It is separate from a U.N. tribunal, also located in The Hague, which prosecuted nationals from the former Yugoslavia over the 1990s Balkans wars, including several Serb officials and one former KLA member for crimes committed in the Kosovo conflict. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Stephanie van den BergEditing by Peter Graff) U.S. President Trump meets with Hungary's Prime Minister Orban at the White House in Washington By Andrew Gray and Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) -A top European Union official rebuked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday after he launched a self-styled Ukraine "peace mission" that included talks with Donald Trump and the leaders of Russia and China without EU backing. Orban told fellow leaders of the 27-nation bloc in a letter that Trump, the U.S. Republican presidential candidate, is ready to act "immediately" as a peace broker in the Russia-Ukraine war if he is elected in November. Many European officials fear Trump could cut U.S. support for Kyiv and push Ukraine into peace talks that would give Moscow a substantial slice of Ukraine and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue further military adventures. Hungary - which has maintained close ties to Russia since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine - took on the EU's rotating six-month presidency at the start of this month. But in a reply to Orban's letter, Charles Michel, the chair of the European Council of the EU's national leaders, told the Hungarian premier he had no EU mandate for talks on the war. "The rotating Presidency of the Council has no role in representing the Union on the international stage and received no European Council mandate to engage on behalf of the Union," Michel told Orban in a letter seen by Reuters. Michel, a former Belgian prime minister, also rejected Orban's assertion that the EU had pursued a "pro-war" policy in Ukraine. "It is quite the opposite," Michel wrote. "Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim exercising its legitimate right to self-defence." Nationalist leader Orban, a long-time Trump supporter, followed a trip to Kyiv with surprise visits to Moscow and Beijing before attending a NATO summit in Washington last week and holding talks with Trump in Florida. In his letter, Orban said Trump, in the event of his victory in the U.S. election in November, would not wait until his inauguration but would "be ready to act as a peace broker immediately. He has detailed and well-founded plans for this". EU FURY Orban's actions have sparked fury among many EU governments and officials. The European Commission on Monday took the unprecedented step of barring EU Commissioners from attending meetings held in Hungary under the country's EU presidency. Some EU governments also plan to send only top civil servants, rather than government ministers, to ministerial meetings in Hungary and 63 European Parliament lawmakers have asked the EU to suspend Budapest's voting rights in the bloc. In his letter, Orban also said that U.S. President Joe Biden was "not capable of modifying the current U.S. pro-war policy". Orban has long criticised European military support for Ukraine, in contrast to most EU members which have provided large amounts of military aid for Kyiv's war effort. He said a Trump victory would change the burden between the United States and the EU when it comes to financial support for Ukraine, to the disadvantage of the Europeans. "Our European strategy in the name of transatlantic unity has copied the pro-war policy of the U.S. We have not had a sovereign and independent European strategy or political action plan up to now," he said. Orban suggested "reopening direct lines of diplomatic communication with Russia" while maintaining high-level contacts with Kyiv as well as conducting talks with China "on the modalities of the next peace conference". In his reply, Michel said "no discussion about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine" and said the EU had "consistently sought to build broad international support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace". "The Union has spared no effort to reach out to all partners in this regard, including China," Michel added. (Reporting by ReutersEditing by Keith Weir, Angus MacSwan and Gareth Jones) Woman cools 1-year-old daughter in a bathroom sink on an extremely hot day during power cuts in Kyiv Woman cools 1-year-old daughter in a bathroom sink on an extremely hot day during power cuts in Kyiv By Yurii Kovalenko and Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey KYIV (Reuters) - On some evenings, Ukrainian mother Margaryta Zakharchuk wanders around her neighbourhood in the sweltering heat waiting for the electricity to come back on so she can take the lift to her 12th-floor apartment. "We walk around outside until 10 o'clock so we don't need to climb up with two kids," she said. Zakharchuk, 43, is among the millions of Ukrainians struggling amid a record heat wave compounded by regular power cuts that make household appliances like air conditioning units and refrigerators useless. Regular Russian air strikes have ravaged the country's energy system, leading to hours-long rolling blackouts that have forced residents and businesses to adapt in the extreme heat. The Central Geophysical Observatory said on Tuesday it had clocked a record-high 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit (34.2 degrees Celsius) in Kyiv for July 15. Temperatures on Tuesday were expected to reach even higher. Zakharchuk, for instance, is limited in what she can cook for her family of four because food spoils quicker, she said. Like many other Ukrainians, her daily life is divided into blocks of time when electricity is available. "The light comes on and you begin doing everything: washing, ironing, cooking, charging all your devices," she said while splashing down her one-year-old daughter Vasilisa in the sink. Zakharchuk added that her family had considered leaving town, but that options to do so were unavailable. At a nearby corner store, shopkeeper Vika said she has begun ordering fewer dairy products like milk and butter. Prices have also gone up to cover the cost of running the generator. "These are all expenses," said the 37-year-old, who said power at her store is out for around six to eight hours per day. The extreme heat is also taking a broader toll on Ukraine's economy, with state weather forecasters saying on Tuesday the harvest of late crops could decline by up to 30% in central, southern and eastern regions. Grid operator Ukrenergo announced on Tuesday new emergency electricity shutdowns for some consumers in seven regions - but not including the capital - due to the heatwave following a failure of power equipment. "Last night there was an equipment failure at one of the energy facilities. The energy deficit in the system increased," it said on the Telegram messaging app. The energy ministry has urged consumers to conserve energy and minimise the use of powerful electrical appliances to preserve the stability of the power grid. Standing outside her building holding her infant, Zakharchuk lamented that hauling a pram up to her apartment was not an option. "Now it's a long road up back home." (Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Tom Balmforth, Alexandra Hudson) Singapore varsity announces 3rd Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced its prestigious "Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award for the year 2024 Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:43 PM , ummid.com News Network Aligarh: The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced its prestigious "Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award for the year 2024. The university had instituted the awrad in the year 2022 in memory of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, renowned Indian social reformer and founder of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The third consecutive award has been given to Ms Ananya Mathur, a student of NUS. The first and second awards were given to Ms Archana D Bala and Ms Karimi Zara Nayab Ahmed, respectively for the year 2022 and 2023. Ananya Mathur was selected for the award for standing First with Highest Distinctions in Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics with honours from National University of Singapore and for her overall extraordinary academic performance. It may be noted that the Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award had been instituted by the AMU Alumni Association, Singapore at the National University of Singapore, to honour the academic merit of the students who have demonstrated academic excellence and reflected a strong interest in the study and culture of South Asia. The founding President of the AMU Alumni Association, Singapore and a J.N. Medical College pass-out, Dr Babr Nazir said that the credit for the institution of the Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award goes to George Abraham, a Singapore-born senior AMU alumnus and the Patron of the AMU Alumni Association, who conceived the idea of starting an award in Sir Syeds name as a tribute to his great contributions and as a way to return to his Alma Mater. Dr Nazir also informed that the AMU Alumni Association, Singapore recently organized a Singapore Summer Camp 2024 for 10 AMU students who participated in a two-week Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS) organized by the National University of Singapore College (NUSC) and themed as Interconnected Communities. He said that the symposium aimed at bringing together undergraduates from Asian regions, with a special focus on ASEAN participants, for cultural exchange, networking, and capacity building. He added that George Abraham liaised an understanding with the National University of Singapore to sponsor fully-funded trip of 10 meritorious AMU undergraduate students including Akash Gupta, Arooj A. Wani, Genis J. Doyle, Hajra Bari, Khizer A. Khan, Maryam Hameeda, Mohammad Saim, Sania Arif, Sheeza Jamshed and Syed A. Abdullah, who engaged with domain experts, trained in project proposal writing, and collaborated with each other to propose projects based upon one of their chosen problem statements. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Akin to terrorist attack: Asad Owaisi on Kolhapur Mosque vandalisation Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament and President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), termed an incident similar to terrorist attack the vandalisation of mosque in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra Sunday Tuesday July 16, 2024 7:01 PM , ummid.com News Network Mumbai/Hyderabad: Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament and President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), termed an incident similar to terrorist attack the vandalisation of mosque in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra Sunday. The Hyderabad MP also equated the incident with the demolition of Babri Masjid by right-wing Hindutva extremist groups on December 06, 1992. This is akin to terrorist attacks and a continuation of December 06, he said talking to the media. 'Govt behind the attacks' Owaisi also held responsible Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the attacks on mosques. Maharashtra state is under the Shinde-Fadnavis BJP government and the mosques are being targeted at the governments behest, he said. Mosques are being targeted, Holy Quran is desecrated and homes of Muslims living nearby are being looted, he said. 'Police defunct, inactive' Talking with the media persons, Asad Owaisi also slammed the police inaction. All these crimes are perpetrated and the state police remain a mute spectator and silently watch, he said. All these attacks are being encouraged, directly or indirectly, by the BJP government in the state, he said. There are repeated targeting of mosques in Maharashtra in the last eight months. What action the government has taken? How many people have you arrested? he asked. 'Unfit for to be a Vishwa Guru' In a direct reference to PM Modis aim of making India a world power and one of the largest economies in the world, Owaisi said the attacks on places of worship and the Muslims do not fit with such big ideas. Is this how we will make India a Vishwa Guru? We aim to become vishwa guru and demolish mosque. We intent to become the third largest economy and then barge into a mosque and burn Holy Quran, he said. What kind of vishwa guru? These are clear cases of deliberate targeting of Muslims, he said. 'Video footage' Asaduddin Owaisis remarks came after a mob chanting slogans hailing Hindu gods vandalized a mosque in Gajapur village of Kolhapur. The incident is reported on Sunday night when, what is billed as an anti-encroachment campaign named after former MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, turned violent. In the video footage which surfaced after the incident a large number of people, some in saffron cloth, are seen damaging the mosque identified as Raza Jama Masjid. In Maharashtra's Kolhapur, mobs on Sunday climbed on the top of a mosque, planted a saffron flag and started destroying it when a rally against the illegal encroachment turned violent. pic.twitter.com/i8HkwYfoVg Waquar Hasan (@WaqarHasan1231) July 15, 2024 In a viral video, a group of slogan shouting men carrying sticks, hammers, and also saffron flag, are seen damaging the dome, minaret and windows of the mosque. There are also reports of Muslims living in the nearby areas of being attacked by the same mob. Slamming the attack on mosque, Samajwadi Party Maharashtra President and Member of Legislative Assembly Abu Asim Azmi said it was the job of the local administration to clear encroachments. If there was any encroachment, it was the job of the local administration and a set procedure to clear it, he said. Azmi also appealed the Maharashtra government to take action against those who are trying to vitiate the harmony in the state. 'Suspects traced' Talking to media, the local police said some suspects have been identified and the necessary action would be taken against those found guilty. We are reviewing the CC TV footage and have identified some suspects. We will take strict action against those responsible and ensure that justice is served, a senior police officer said. Meanwhile, Kolhapur Police has issued an advisory on its X handle, requesting people not to share on social media posts hurting religious sentiments. Strict legal action will be taken against those not following the rules of law, the Police said. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Co gai tam su voi Thanh Tam chi uoc mong bo me co eu co mat trong am cuoi cua minh. Mot uoc mong gian di ma oi voi co, no lai qua xa voi A prominent, senior North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba has defected to the South in the highest-ranking escape in years. Seoul's spy agency confirmed to the BBC that he defected in November of 2023. Details surrounding defections from North Korea can take months before being made public. South Korea reportedly requires defectors to take courses on South Korean society before they are officially integrated. The defector was a counselor overseeing political affairs at the North Korean embassy in Cuba, according to South Korean media reports. The former diplomat has been identified as 52-year-old Ri Il-gyu. Speaking with the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, Il-gyu stated the reason he chose to defect was because of "disillusionment with the North Korean regime and a bleak future." His work allegedly involved blocking Havana from forging official diplomatic ties with Seoul; however, in February, the two governments did establish official relations, a major blow to Pyongyang. "Every North Korean thinks at least once about living in South Korea," he said. The last high-profile defection to the South was by Tae Yong-ho, North Korea's former deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, in 2016. HCM CITY Experts believe that positive changes in real estate laws and the policies of the Government will increasingly attract many foreign investors, helping to orient the market to develop in a more healthy manner. Tran Ngoc Liem, director of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry's HCM City branch, said the real estate market is one of the pillars of the country's economy. Not only that, it also helps attract foreign investment, opening up many new cooperation opportunities for the domestic business community. In many localities, real estate makes a large contribution to the Government budget and accounts for a significant proportion of the regional economy. The Land Law, Housing Law and Real Estate Business Law are expected to take effect from next month. The rapid implementation of these laws will create conditions for the market to recover quickly and remove bottlenecks, Liem added. These changes will be a major turning point, opening up many new opportunities for the real estate sector in particular and the economy in general. In addition, these laws are also expected to resolve outstanding problems, free up resources for new projects, and make the real estate market more transparent. From there, they will contribute to improving the efficiency of State land management, Liem continued. These positive changes will also help the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market which is expected to recover in the second half of this year, with significant transactions predicted across a variety of industries. The number of M&A deals in the first half of 2024 decreased slightly, but the transaction value increased by nearly 9 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. In the first six months of 2024, foreign direct investment (FDI) registered in the real estate sector in Viet Nam skyrocketed 61.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. Viet Nam's real estate market is attractive to foreign investors such as those from the US, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea through both M&A and FDI thanks to the potential for stable economic growth. Industrial real estate near highways, border gates, seaports and airports, and retail real estate in central areas of major provinces and cities continue to attract the attention of investors. In addition, foreign investors tend to seek and acquire residential real estate projects or large land funds in suburban areas or provinces and cities neighbouring large urban areas such as Ha Noi and HCM City to develop housing projects. These projects comply with green and sustainable development criteria and are popular products with many investors. In the coming time, many comprehensive changes in regulations will make it easier for investors to compensate residents and clear land. Accordingly, land prices will increase, both creating benefits for land owners and helping to reduce difficulties for investors in the compensation process for projects. Land Law 2024 will add more benefits for foreign investors such as receiving transfer of land use rights in industrial parks, industrial clusters and high-tech zones, and expanding the methods of receiving land use rights for foreign invested enterprises. VNS HA NOI The view that it is necessary to tax gold purchases so that people 'love' gold less, according to experts, needs to be done in a calculated way, not to tax arbitrarily, to avoid a tax on tax. Taxes are not the universal key To reduce the attractiveness of gold, some experts recommend reconsidering taxing gold purchases. Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Mui, a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, proposed that the State Bank of Vietnam should soon propose to the Ministry of Finance to develop tax policies for gold. According to Mui, the tax solution will contribute to reducing the demand for gold of certain investors, affecting consumer psychology and causing them to switch to other investment channels, thereby helping to control gold prices. Tax is also a management tool to ensure fairness in production and business activities in general. Currently, the securities and real estate sectors are regulated by personal income tax, so it is also necessary to consider appropriate solutions for gold, according to Mui. However, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Federation of Accountants and Auditors and former Deputy Director of the finance ministrys Tax Policy Department Nguyen Van Phung said that the current tax policy on gold now is extremely clear. Consideration should be given when applying additional taxes to gold because taxes are not the universal key. There are currently two main types of gold on the market, including foreign exchange gold managed by the State Bank of Vietnam and jewellery gold. For foreign exchange gold (imported exclusively by the State Bank to increase foreign exchange reserves), a zero per cent tax is applied because gold in this case is money. As for gold jewellery - a conditional business - import tax is less than 3 per cent and value-added tax is applied like normal goods at 10 per cent. Currently, gold businesses must pay value-added tax and corporate income tax. "I think that this way of tax management is good, transparent and clear. For small business households, the level of predetermined revenue may still be problematic, not reflecting true revenue, but the tax industry is promoting the use of electronic invoices, through which data will be more accurate and tax collection will be more accurate," Phung said. Taxing gold buyers is a tax-on-tax The gold fever that has taken place since the beginning of the year has raised concerns about 'goldenisation' of the economy. To reduce people's rush to hold physical gold, many experts suggest taxing gold transactions, just like taxing real estate transfers and securities transfers. However, other experts say that the government should be cautious with this proposal. According to Phung, people own gold as a type of personal property. The habit of hoarding gold and buying gold as a dowry for weddings has become a habit of Vietnamese people. That is a legitimate need. For a long time, the act of selling gold to gold businesses and converting it into money has not been taxed. Sharing a similar opinion, Pham Xuan Hoe, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking Strategy, said that people buy gold to store with their income. They have worked and had to pay taxes many times. The current tax policy on gold is adequate. If we continue to tax the total value of people's gold purchases - that is tax people's personal assets - it means tax on tax, said Mui. According to some experts, taxation - no matter any item - must have an economic basis, must come from production and business activities and cannot be taxed arbitrarily. In fact, according to experts, the current tax policy on gold is relatively adequate. The long-standing problem with the gold market is tax evasion. Therefore, it is necessary to have strict management of the gold market by enhancing statistics and better tax collection. For people to stop hoarding gold, experts suggested that the Government should have solutions to stabilise the macroeconomy, ensure the value of Vietnamese ong and stimulate production and business development. So that cash flows into production, business and other investment channels, instead of flowing into gold. VNS Two Americans were among six people confirmed dead at a luxury hotel in Bangkok. Four Vietnamese nationals and two Vietnamese Americans were found dead with no sign of a struggle in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel on Tuesday. A seventh guest was included in the original booking but has yet to be located. The victims were found foaming at the mouth and police were concerned they may have been poisoned. They were checking for any substances that could have been added to the group's drinking glasses. Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, addressed a crowd of journalists and confirmed that the six victims were found in a room at the Grand Hyatt. A police officer said the victims were three men and three women. Housekeeping happened upon their bodies after they failed to check out. According to the officer, "suspicious substances" were found at the bottoms of glasses found in the hotel room, and authorities are focusing on a "toxic substance." Channel News Asia posted two photos of the crime scene. HA NOI With the domestic urea fertiliser market saturated, large fertiliser producers are stepping up to increase their market share in the NPK fertiliser market, making the competitiveness in the business segment more intense. Phu My Fertiliser Company (stock code DPM) and Ca Mau Fertiliser Company (stock code DCM) have recently moved to increase their market share in the NPK fertiliser segment. Ca Mau Fertiliser Company is emerging as a big competitor in the NPK market after acquiring the Korean - Vietnamese Fertiliser Factory with a charter capital of more than VN2 trillion and a capacity of 360,000 tonnes of NPK per year. The acquisition has helped almost double the Ca Mau Fertiliser Company 's NPK output, to around 660,000 tonnes per year. With a strategic geographical location and large warehouse, the Korean - Vietnamese Fertiliser Factory is expected to help Ca Mau Fertiliser Company penetrate deeply into large potential NPK markets in the Southeast, Central Highland and Central regions. Before the acquisition of the factory, Ca Mau Fertiliser Company 's NPK factories mainly served the south west, where the company accounts for 61 per cent of the market share and the Cambodian market. As for Phu My Fertiliser Company, the factory's NPK segment recovered and gained a gross profit margin of 5 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, after recording gross losses in the previous four consecutive quarters. According to experts, Phu My Fertiliser Company and Ca Mau Fertiliser Company have great advantages in the market thanks to their modern technologies, which will help them cut production costs. According to data from Viet Dagon Securities Company (VDSC), the Vietnamese NPK market is currently fragmented with small producers accounting for 52 per cent of the market share. The countrys two largest NPK producers, named Binh ien Fertiliser Joint Stock Company (stock code BFC) and Lam Thao Super Phosphate and Chemical Joint Stock Company (stock code LAS), account for only 15 per cent and 19 per cent of the market share, respectively. Among the main types of fertilisers, Viet Nam has become self-sufficient in the production of urea fertiliser, NPK and phosphate fertiliser. The country only has to fully import kali fertiliser because it has no source of potash ore. NPK fertiliser accounts for 35 per cent of Viet Nam's total annual fertiliser demand because it is a synthetic fertiliser and is considered more economical, as it contains all three ingredients of nitrogen, phosphorus and kali. Urea and phosphate fertilisers account for 28 per cent and 17 per cent of the countrys total annual fertiliser demand, respectively. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese electronics businesses participate in the supply chain but with unstable order positions which are low and small in the chain, with too few opportunities. That was the remark made by Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Electronics Business Association o Thi Thuy Huong at a roundtable discussion, within the framework of the 2024 Summer Economic Forum on July 15. In the first five months of 2024, the contribution of Viet Nam's electronic businesses to export turnover reached 31.61 per cent, equivalent to US$49 billion. The industry had a trade surplus of more than $5 billion. These are telling numbers, showing the huge role of the electronics industry. Viet Nam's electronics industry also exports to large markets with consumer capacity. Viet Nam's electronics industry is in a valuable export position globally, ranking second in mobile phone exports and fifth in computer and component exports, said Huong. However, due to weak global consumption, the last months of 2023 and especially the first five months of 2024, Viet Nam's electronics industry faced many difficulties. According to Huong, the main products of exported electronics are mainly consumer goods, so many Vietnamese electronics enterprises had to cut labour by up to 70 per cent, forcing them to lay off long-time and skilled workers. Many businesses have tried to find new orders, but the proportion of the value of new orders is not equal to old orders. Along with that comes uncertainty and instability," Huong said. Also according to Huong, in the supply chain, Vietnamese electronics businesses are being squeezed for orders. With the same number of orders, FDI enterprises are always given priority. When there are orders, they are also the 'most skeletal' orders, payment terms and payment requirements are also stricter than FDI enterprises. "This is a disadvantage for Vietnamese businesses," said Huong. Vietnamese businesses participate in the supply chain with precarious and unstable order positions. The position of Vietnamese businesses in the supply chain is too low and small, with too few opportunities." She explained that the Vietnamese electronics industry included mainly small and medium enterprises, lacking skilled labour and capital and advanced technologies. They also had many difficulties in accessing loans and grants. Also at the event, the Deputy Regional Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council Vu Tu Thanh said that although Vietnamese electronics businesses had a lower position than FDI enterprises, they still had the opportunity to make strategic products such as light drones (close-range drones) and security cameras. According to Thanh, there are not many countries in the world that can produce this product, other than China. The global close-range drone market in 2023 is worth more than $63 billion, of which China accounts for 80 per cent. We know that 80 per cent in the future will not be exported to the US or other countries that feel it is a sensitive product and needs control. That would be an opportunity for Viet Nam. Vietnamese engineers and Vietnamese businesses can fully design and produce this product. There are even businesses that can produce without depending on China's supply chain, completely meeting US's NDAA standards, that is, the US's National Defense Act," said Thanh. In addition to China, only the US, Israel, Russia, Turkey and Iran can produce drones. As for security cameras integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), Thanh said that Vietnamese electronics businesses were completely capable of producing and filling in the vacant land left by China after several countries refused to import this product. "These are some examples where we can create new growth space," said Thanh. The 2024 Summer Economic Forum was organised by the Central Economic Committee together with Vietnam Economic Magazine. With the theme 'Expanding growth space in the new context', the forum was an opportunity for experts to discuss mid-year economic issues and propose recommendations for the future. VNS HA NAM The People's Committee of Ha Nam Province and the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) on July 15 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishing a strategic cooperation framework on smart urban area and hi-tech zone projects in the northern province. Accordingly, local relevant units will provide information and necessary documents, conduct on-site visits and surveys, and organise regular meetings to evaluate progress and solve problems that arise in cooperation projects. KIND, as the main implementing unit, will mobilise financial and technical resources to develop plans and provide regular updates on progress and results for relevant stakeholders. Besides, it will support Ha Nam Province in attracting investors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to realise set goals. KIND President and CEO Lee Kang Hoon highlighted KIND's experience in urban infrastructure planning and development. He said the corporation is implementing many projects in Viet Nam. Chairman of the Ha Nam People's Committee Truong Quoc Huy said that the province has been making efforts to attract investment for socio-economic development, particularly smart urban and high-tech zone development. Huy asked KIND to closely coordinate with departments, sectors and localities of Ha Nam province to implement the agreed cooperation contents effectively. VNS Accessing global media outlets has never been easier for Vietnamese companies, as several global newswire service providers have entered the Southeast Asian market. This development marks a significant opportunity for local businesses seeking to expand their reach beyond local borders. However, selecting the right service provider remains challenging for those new to leveraging this effective promotional tool. A strategic communication tool A press release is an official statement issued to the media, typically by a company, organization, or individual, to announce news or provide information about an event, product launch, achievement, or other noteworthy developments. Its purpose is to generate publicity and coverage in news outlets such as newspapers, magazines, websites, and TV/radio stations. Moreover, many companies issue press releases to demonstrate their transparency, thereby building trust with potential customers and investors. They also use press releases to convey official messages to the public and control misinformation during communication crises. Furthermore, when a company's press release is featured on reputable news sites, it can enhance its websites Search Engine Optimization (SEO), potentially increasing web traffic and brand visibility. Growing demand in Viet Nam Press releases have long been a cornerstone of communication strategies for businesses, particularly those aiming to strengthen connections with media outlets, customers, and investors. Initially focused on domestic markets, major companies in Viet Nam like Vin Group, Sun Group, Masan, Vietjet, VP Bank, Vinamilk, and FPT are increasingly turning to the international market, leading to a rise in demand for global press release distribution. Notably, the demand has significantly increased following the entry of major global newswire service providers. Choosing the right service provider Selecting an experienced and reputable service provider is key to the success of any communication campaign. Viet Nam News, as the country's premier English-language daily and exclusive partner of Media OutReach Newswire, stands out for its reliability and industry expertise. We have entrusted Viet Nam News with our international press release distribution since 2019, given its prestigious status and partnership with Media OutReach Newswire," said a spokesperson from a major Vietnamese corporation. Founded in 2009 in Hong Kong, Media OutReach Newswire has established itself as a leading provider of press release distribution across Asia Pacific and globally. With an extensive network spanning 26 countries and territories and partnerships with over 1,500 real news outlets worldwide, including Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, Yahoo! Finance, AFP, AP, AsiaOne, Yahoo!, and Markets Insider, Media OutReach Newswire ensures unparalleled reach and visibility for its clients' news releases. Therefore, as the exclusive partner of Media OutReach Newswire in Vietnam, Viet Nam News is able to provide clients with access to media coverage that is hard to find elsewhere. This collaboration underscores the newspaper's commitment to facilitating seamless access to global media exposure for local businesses. With over 30 years of experience in the Vietnamese mass media, Viet Nam News offers clients not only reliable distribution services but also expert advice and regular campaign performance reports. This proactive approach allows businesses to monitor the impact of their communications efforts and make informed adjustments as necessary. Additionally, with one print newspaper and three online platforms, including the prestigious news site (https://www.vietnamnews.vn), Viet Nam News can provide comprehensive media support to clients utilizing its press release distribution service. The partnership between Viet Nam News and Media OutReach Newswire presents Vietnamese businesses with a robust platform to amplify their global presence through effective press release distribution. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of international markets, leveraging these services becomes increasingly crucial in driving visibility, credibility, and growth on a global scale./. HCM CITY Viet Nam expects a strong investment wave from South Korea amounting to tens of billions of dollars soon, according to the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Speaking at the 2024 Viet Nam-Korea Plus Partnership Week in HCM City on Tuesday, o Nhat Hoang, Director of the FIA, said South Korea had been one of the leading countries investing in Viet Nam. As of June it had invested nearly US$87.5 billion in more than 10,000 projects, with manufacturing accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the amount, he said. He appreciated South Korean firms for their quick implementation of projects, high quality and technology, exhibiting social responsibility and care for employees, and strict compliance with the law. In terms of official development assistance too, South Korea is a big contributor, with Viet Nam accounting for 20 per cent of its total ODA, mainly with loans to fund urban transport infrastructure, education - training, environment, clean energy, and information technology, according to the official. Korean investment is expected to zoom in the wake of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to South Korea in July. The Prime Minister had met with the chiefs of 14 leading Korean companies that plan to invest billions of dollars in Viet Nam. Viet Nam is now more selective about FDI, with an increased focus on quality, efficiency and sustainability and priority for investment in electronics, semiconductors, renewable energy, digital economy - digital transformation, high-tech agriculture, financial centres, innovation, and research and development. Viet Nam also wants foreign investors to link up with domestic businesses. To attract FDI, the country has worked hard to stabilise its economy, speeded up institutional and investment environment reforms, developed infrastructure and high-quality human resources, readied unencumbered lands to meet investors needs, and promoted supporting industries and has policies to support new investors. It also promotes digital, green and energy transformation and innovation, develops information technology infrastructure and holds regular dialogues with investors to help overcome their difficulties. Lee Ji Hyung, Head of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agencys international trade & economic collaboration division, said since they established diplomatic relations in 1992, ties between Viet Nam and South Korea had flourished in many areas, including investment and trade. Bilateral trade increased by 162 times from $490 million in 1992 to $79.42 billion in 2023, he pointed out. Viet Nam was in fact South Koreas third largest trading partner last year after China and the US, and also the third largest investment destination in 1980-2023, he said. Organised by KOTRA, the 2024 Korea-Viet Nam Plus Partnership Week also features a Viet Nam-Korea Co-operation Forum in promising future fields (smart industries) on July 16, a B2B matching programme for smart industries, a seminar introducing prospective ODA projects on July 17, and a Korea Shopping Festival from July 17 to 21, he said. I hope this will be a good opportunity for Korean enterprises with technological capabilities to participate in key infrastructure projects that Viet Nam is implementing such as subways, highways, LNG plants. At the Viet Nam-Korea Co-operation Forum on promising future fields in HCM City on Tuesday, 150 delegates, including from the Government and businesses in the two countries, presented opportunities and solutions to promote bilateral co-operation in the future. Vietnamese and South Korean businesses signed two MOUs for co-operation. VNS HA NOI Riverfront Financial Centre, the epitome of modern office buildings in Saigon, has officially opened its doors. With its prime location and iconic design, Riverfront Financial Centre aims to become the hub for top domestic and international financial institutions. Situated on Ton uc Thang Street, in the heart of District 1, Riverfront Financial Centre boasts the distinction of being the most prestigious tower in the area. It is poised to become a symbol of financial prowess in HCM City. The building offers panoramic views of the Saigon River, providing a constant source of positive energy and abundant vitality, fostering sustainable prosperity and value creation. Boasting a prime location, Riverfront Financial Centre enjoys seamless connectivity to commercial buildings, large offices, embassies, government agencies and bustling neighbouring districts like District 2, District 3, and District 4. In the near future, the operational Metro Line No 1 (Metro Ben Thanh Suoi Tien) will further enhance transportation links between inner-city routes, Thu uc City, and Di An City (in Binh Duong Province), making commuting more convenient than ever. This development serves as a powerful catalyst for financial institutions and banks, fostering increased connections, facilitating transactions, driving investments and delivering comprehensive financial services. Riverfront Financial Centre stands out with its distinctive and modern architecture, encompassing 26 floors, one ground floor, and five basement parking levels, offering a generous total rental area of 32,010sq.m. Each floor provides ample space, with an average area of 1,383sq.m for low-rise sections (L2 - L12) and 1,428sq.m for high-rise sections (L12A - L25). Riverfront Financial Centre is designed to meet the stringent LEED Gold standards, evaluated and assessed by the American Construction Council. The building excels in energy efficiency, environmental preservation, optimal air circulation and the use of low-emitting materials. Emphasising the importance of green spaces, the exterior design elegantly showcases a transparent box glass facade, harnessing natural light and conserving energy while offering breathtaking panoramic views. This thoughtful feature provides customers with moments of relaxation and tranquility, after demanding work hours. Complementing the design, the building incorporates an imported tempered glass system, featuring dual layers for superior sound insulation, heat regulation and UV protection - meeting the exacting standards of Grade A+ offices. Additionally, an advanced air filtration system ensures a clean, healthy and well-ventilated working environment, prioritising the well being of occupants. Riverfront Financial Centre stands as a testament to modernity, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities befitting its Class A+ stature. The building boasts a cutting-edge infrastructure, including a fleet of 12 high-speed elevators, round-the-clock security cameras, a standard-compliant fire alarm and suppression system, premium imported wall and floor materials, a 100mm raised floor system adhering to the latest office design standards, safety-conscious sanitary fixtures, a secure revolving door system and an intelligent parking system. Together, these elements create a sophisticated and luxurious working environment, contributing to the image of a thriving and prestigious enterprise. Beyond the realm of contemporary workspace, tenants at Riverfront Financial Centre will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of premium amenities in the future, such as a sky bar, upscale restaurant and a well-equipped gym. With its elegant and modern workspaces, five-star facilities and a friendly environment, Riverfront Financial Centre is poised to become a symbol of premier financial high-rises, paving the way for HCM City to achieve its goal of becoming an international financial hub by 2030. For leasing inquiries, please contact: +84 899 455 455. PHU THO A delegation of 120 young overseas Vietnamese from 27 countries and territories around the world attend an incense offering ceremony at Thuong Temple and the temple dedicated to Father Lac Long Quan in the Hung Kings temple historical relic area in the northern province of Phu Tho, on July 15. This activity is part of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2024 for the young generation of Vietnamese abroad. At Kinh Thien Palace on Nghia Linh Mountain, the delegation offered incense, flowers and offerings in commemoration of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. The Vietnam Summer Camp 2024 is taking place from July 14-29 in 12 provinces and cities throughout the country, including Ha Noi, Phu Tho, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. First held in 2004, the camp, an annual programme organised by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOV) in coordination with relevant agencies, has brought thousands of outstanding young OVs from 16-24 years old to visit their motherland. VNA/VNS HCM CITY -- The City Department of Tourism has collaborated with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association and the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines in rolling out a programme, aiming to entice tourists to use night flights and accommodation establishments in the southern metropolis. Accordingly, Vietnam Airlines has encouraged accommodation establishments to participate in building product packages that combine air tickets on some routes with reasonable prices and flights departing between 21:00 and 6:00 the next day, and free hotel rooms for the first night or an 80 per cent discount. Other establishments have offered a 20-100 per cent reduction of the price for the first night and up to 60 per cent of the listed price for the second night. As of July 8, 16 establishments had registered to take part in the programme, including Muong Thanh Luxury, ong Khanh, The Myst and Liberty Central Sai Gon. A representative of the municipal Department of Tourism said that to meet peoples travelling demand during the 2024 peak summer season, airlines have increased night flights to help cool down airfares, but they were not attractive enough, leading to the cancellation of some flights. Vietnam Airlines will continue to coordinate with accommodation establishments to devise packages including round-trip air tickets and two or three nights staying at hotels in the city to attract more visitors to the southern largest economic hub, the representative added. In the first six months of this year, the city served 2.68 million visitors, up 38 per cent year on year, fulfilling 44.6 per cent of the citys target for the whole year, with a tourism revenue of VN92.6 trillion (US$3.63 billion), a year-on-year rise of 14.6 per cent. The results were attributed to the citys efforts in organising various large-scale tourism activities and strengthening linkage with foreign tourism markets. In late June, the municipal Department of Tourism had a working session with Chen Mei-hsiu, Director of the Tourism and Travel Bureau of Taichung city of Taiwan (China) to discuss plans to promote tourism cooperation between Viet Nam in general and HCM City in particular with Taichung. In the Jan-May period, Viet Nam welcomed 530,000 tourists from Taiwan, of whom about 193,000 visited HCM City, making Taiwan the fifth largest international market of the city. Also in June, the department also worked with Armenian Ambassador to Vietnam Suren Baghdasaryan. Vietnam and Armenia are each others new tourism market and people of the two sides have still lacked information about each others country. At the meeting, municipal officials said that the city will actively promote Vietnamese tourism by organising tourism promotion events in Armenia. Director of the Department of Tourism Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said that the department has asked for cooperation from embassies and tourism promotion agencies of other countries in exchanging information and introduce the culture, people and tourism of Viet Nam and HCM City to people of other countries and vice versa through each others communications channels. On July 9, the department held a ceremony to announce a series of short films promoting local tourism. The event formed part of a series of activities aimed at boosting HCM City tourism, delivering the message "Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City" to domestic and international tourists. The series, themed A Vibrant Journey, will offer new experiences and perspectives to tourists to explore and learn about the city's history, culture, cuisine, architecture, and diverse arts, tourist attractions, and tourism services. The tourism promotion films will provide viewers an opportunity to visit impressive destinations, enjoy the unique and distinctive beauty of the southern metropolis with numerous famous landmarks, beautiful natural landscapes, and cultural heritage sites; as well as experience the diverse cuisine, the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere and the hospitality of local people. The movies present many tourist attractions in the list of Ho Chi Minh City-100 interesting things and restaurants rated by the Michelin Guide Vietnam. VNA/VNS HA NOI Head of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Valaxay Lengsavad have vowed to effectively realise cooperation agreements between the two Parties and commissions, contributing to further deepening the Viet Nam-Laos special solidarity in an effective and practical manner. During a reception in Ha Noi on Tuesday for the Lao guest, Trung expressed confidence in Laos' future under the LPRP's leadership. He expected that Laos will continue to reap greater success in implementing the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress, holding upcoming Party Congresses, and performing its roles as Chair of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) this year. Underscoring the significance of the Viet Nam-Laos special solidarity and the Viet Nam-Laos-Cambodia trilateral relationship, he reaffirmed Viet Nam's commitment to preserving and nurturing the special Viet Nam-Laos ties, helping maintain political stability and socio-economic development of both countries. This cooperation, he said, would serve as a foundation and driving force for elevating bilateral relations to new heights. Valaxay Lengsavad acknowledged the significant progress in bilateral ties, saying that both sides have effectively implemented agreements reached by leaders of both Parties and countries, including the organisation of visits by senior leaders of the two Parties and countries. particularly those established during reciprocal visits. He expressed gratitude for Viet Nam's longstanding support and assistance to Laos, and provided updates on the current situation in Laos and the outcomes of the talks between the two Parties' commissions of external relations. Earlier the same day, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations Nguyen Minh Tam held talks with the Lao delegation. The two sides informed each other about the situations of the respective Parties and countries, the Viet Nam-Laos relationship, and joint work between their commissions. They shared views on global and regional developments and reached consensus on future cooperation directions, including maintaining the exchange of delegations and the sharing of information and experience, and collaborating closely on external affairs. VNS HA NOI The percentage of young people in Viet Nam undergoing vocational training makes up little more than 20 per cent of the entire youth population, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs The numbers suggest there is an urgent need to enhance young labour skills and quality, given the context of the fourth industrial revolution and current integration, Vietnam News Agency reported. The production and workforce structures of the labour market of the future have undergone modifications due to the fourth industrial revolution. The economy has undergone a rapid transition from one centred on resources and cheap labour, to one that is centred on information, with labour being replaced by machines, robots and artificial intelligence. Numerous concerns regarding vocational education have been highlighted, since it is this sector which has the strongest and most direct ties to the labour market. Vocational education, in contrast to university education, attempts to teach human resources from the ground up so they may work immediately and directly for a specific position in the labour market. There are currently 1,886 vocational education facilities in Viet Nam, comprising 429 intermediate schools, 399 colleges and 1,058 vocational education centres. Over 2.2 million enrolled in vocational education in 2023, comprising 530,000 college and intermediate level students, over 1.7 million elementary school students, along with a variety of other vocational training programmes. The system of vocational education has been experiencing significant and timely innovation in line with the global trend of vocational education development. The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has been actively involved in the innovation and improvement of the quality of vocational education, fortifying ties with businesses, the labour market and social security, in order to improve vocational skills for workers in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. The industry prioritises new sectors and occupations while focusing on breakthroughs in enhancing the quality of human resources, particularly high-quality human resources, and important and spearhead industries to meet labor market demands. Besides opportunities, vocational education is also facing many new challenges in terms of management, school administration, programmes, textbooks, facilities, teacher capacity as well as new skills and the emergence of new occupations. That requires workers to be trained promptly to appropriately meet development needs. According to the General Statistics Office, as of the first half of 2024, Viet Nams labour force (aged 15 and above) was 52.5 million people. Among them, 51.4 million people are employed, an increase of 195,700 people compared to the previous year. Approximately 28 per cent of workers possess certifications for competent training. In general, the number of employed workers tends to increase, but the labour market development remains unsustainable when the number of workers with informal jobs accounts for a large proportion. According to the office, the unemployment rate for young people (those between the ages of 15 and 24) has increased to 8 per cent, or 0.49 percentage points. The young unemployment rate is always high and more than three times greater than the working-age population's rate due to the youths higher demand for jobs. Young people are often equipped with good knowledge and high qualifications, so they have more opportunities to choose the right job as they want rather than working in temporary, low-income jobs. The rate of workers not using their full potential was 4.3 per cent, down 0.1 percentage points. Expanding vocational education Numerous experts believe that vocational education needs strong innovation, to not only train workers, but also meet the requirements of integration and competition. The General Department of Vocational Education has proposed diversifying the forms of vocational education and expanding it to the secondary level. After completing secondary school, students are encouraged by the Government to enroll in vocational education. Career orientation has received attention from numerous secondary schools when students are ready to graduate from the ninth grade and before they select a high school. New majors and tuition discounts are offered by colleges and vocational training programmes to entice students. The General Department of Vocational Education also focuses on improving training quality of vocational schools, some of which have partnered with companies to place graduates into positions. ong Trung Chinh, principal of Ha Noi College of Industrial Economics, said all majors offered by the school are dependent on enrollment requirements. Additionally, the institution has partnered with several companies to accept graduates. Because only businesses can have the most correct orientation regarding technology, short-term and long-term requirements for the workforce, it is necessary to build industry skills councils with the participation of businesses to plan macro policies, forecast labour and employment, determine industry standards. VNS Fifteen Japanese high school students were sickened Tuesday after eating super-spicy potato chips labeled for adults only, according to reports. The kids at Rokugo Koka High School in Tokyo all complained of nausea, mouth, and stomach pain, the Mainichi newspaper said. Thirteen girls and one boy were sent to a local hospital for examination after school officials called the police around 1 p.m., the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said. A student reportedly brought the snacks to school and 30 kids tried them during the morning. The "18+ curry chips" are manufactured by Japan's Isoyama Corp., which said it "sincerely wishes for the swift recovery of those who have reported feeling unwell," the Mainichi said. The company's website reportedly says the chips' ingredients include ghost peppers, which are hotter than habaneros. The snack's package says the product is for "adults only." The package also warns, "People aged under 18 should refrain from eating this product because it is too spicy" and "Not only people who are not good at spicy foods but also those who like spicy foods need to be cautious while eating this product." Tuesday's incident came five days after the parents of a Massachusetts teen filed a lawsuit over his death last year after eating a spicy tortilla chip marketed as the "One Chip Challenge." The product, which was promoted on social media and blamed for sickening teens across the country, was recalled days after Harris Wolobah, 15, died of cardiopulmonary arrest "in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration, according to the Associated Press. Capsaicin is the compound that gives peppers their heat and Harris, of Worcester, had a congenital heart defect, creating what his parents' lawyer called a deadly "perfect storm." The company that made the chips, Paqui, said, "We disagree with the allegations and will defend ourselves against the claims," according to USA Today. HCM CITY Strengthening labour strategies, forecasting efforts and creating favourable conditions in the workforce supply-demand chain are all keys to boosting socio-economic development in the southeastern region. The region is one of the most dynamic economic regions, attracting a large number of workers, so these measures are designed to help them find jobs more easily and facilitate business operations in the region. Targeting selective investments and high-quality labour HCM City, which is the central urban area of the southern region and the entire country as well, has an abundant labour supply. According to the official statistics, the labour force in this city accounts for over eight per cent of the national workforce, with an average annual labour growth rate of about 0.59 per cent. Each year, the city sees a large influx of new labour market entrants and migrant workers of working age from other provinces and cities, as well as foreign workers coming in to work. The HCM City's labour and employment strategy for the 2023-2025 period with a vision to 2030, recently approved by the City People's Committee, points out some strong advantages in terms of its labour market. These include a plentiful and diverse workforce, a high-quality vocational education system, a very high demand for labour, a favourable geographical location with international gateway status and a significant appeal to investors and highly skilled workers. However, the city has to face several challenges in attracting labour including high living costs, which requires careful consideration from workers when deciding to study, live and work in the city. There are also significant skill gaps among the labour force, leading to a shortage of high-quality workers and a surplus of labour unsuitable for the city's development-oriented industries. The labour supply is forecasted to be stable in the city from 2025 to 2030, but trend slightly downward until 2030. Labour demand will be higher than supply from 2023 to 2030. The increase in labour demand is expected to increase faster compared to supply, particularly from 2027 onwards. This could result in a labour shortage and put pressure on companies to increase wages to attract talent. The labour demand in the city has been noted as being linked to trends of the developing key economic sectors, digital transformation, industries with high scientific and technological content and developing commerce towards service-oriented trade. Therefore, to ensure employment, the city needs to prioritise selective investments. The city should focus on attracting investments in high-tech industrial production, applications of advanced technology while limiting projects that overly depend on low-skilled labour or pose high environmental pollution risks. Businesses are encouraged to invest in modernising machinery and equipment, advanced technology and developing a green, digital and circular economy. The city is also developing high-end service sectors which are potential advantages of the city such as tourism, financial centres, wholesale trade, international shopping centres or logistics. Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province shares the same need in selectively attracting investment linked to jobs for labour, especially high-quality labour. The province forecasts that there are over 8,500 operating businesses with over 250,000 workers currently in the province. It is estimated that each year, businesses will need at least 20,000 additional workers, with trained workers accounting for over 80 per cent of the total labour force. The focus on attracting high-quality labour in the province will be in sectors such as petrochemicals, seaports, logistics, information technology, mechanical engineering, services and urban tourism. However, it is forecasted that local labour supply cannot meet the demand. Therefore, the province plans to continue focusing on selectively attracting investment to leverage advantages in the maritime economy, industrial development, seaports, services and tourism, transforming the province into a regional industrial centre, a national maritime economic centre, a hub of maritime services in Southeast Asia and a high-quality international tourism centre. Boosting labour supply and demand connection The current labour supply-demand situation in HCM City reveals several shortcomings. Dr. Truong Minh Huy Vu, deputy director of the HCM City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), said the labour market operation is not yet fully efficient. Vu said: Some workers struggle to find jobs, while businesses still have to face challenges in hiring suitable labour. He also states that the city needs policies to support investment and training aimed at improving the quality of the labour supply-demand connection system, especially online job exchanges and job introduction centres, to effectively connect businesses and workers. Developing a career and employment information portal that connects provinces, cities, regions and the country is also crucial. The municipal Peoples Committee plans to promote developing the labour demand forecasting system to meet training needs, adapting to the job requirements. The city will enhance the application of information technology to integrate the city's labour market information system with the national system to promptly update national labour market trends. HCM City also aims to establish a labour market information system for the ASEAN region, allowing workers in certain industries and occupations to move freely among member countries to create sustainable, productive employment opportunities. By 2030, the city plans to complete the construction of technical infrastructure, application software, connection systems, data integration and sharing and undertake the transformation to standardise the labour databases. For Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, a programme to attract high-quality labour for key economic sectors in the region during the 2024-2030 period is already underway. The province aims to meet 75 per cent of the demand for high-quality labour by the end of 2025 and meet 90 per cent of that demand by 2030. To achieve these goals, the province is implementing a synchronised approach. Functional units need to provide information on economic and social development, labour skill requirements and educational fields needed by local businesses. This initiative aims to offer career paths for workers and educational activities at vocational institutions to meet labour market demands. The province will also develop an application, called 'Vieclambariavungtau', which will provide comprehensive information on recruitment needs and training opportunities. It is expected to foster connections between labour supply and demand, attracting high-quality workers to the province for employment opportunities. VNS HA NOI Health Minister ao Hong Lan has sent a letter of commendation to nurse Nguyen Thi Thao from the Respiratory Department of Hai Phong Children's Hospital, for her quick-thinking actions in saving a newborn who had stopped breathing, due to milk aspiration, in a taxi. On July 4, thirty four year old Thao successfully resuscitated a newborn, who had stopped breathing, in a taxi, by using her professional reflexes and emergency skills. She helped the baby breathe again and continued to support the infants transport to the hospital, ultimately saving the baby's life and bringing immense happiness to the childs family. On behalf of the health ministry, Lan praised and honoured nurse Thao for her professionalism, humanity, responsibility and ethical conduct. "Your actions exemplify the high standards of medical ethics and the dedication to serving the people by health sector staff," Lan said. In the letter, Lan also wished Thao good health, happiness in life, professional success and continued contributions to the cause of medical examination, treatment and public health care. At around 9 pm on July 4, while on her way home, Thao saw an elderly man in a panic, holding a seven-day-old pale newborn and running onto the road as if looking for a taxi to take the baby to the hospital. Behind him, a woman was also in a state of panic, crying out for help. Sensing that the baby was in danger, with the instincts of a mother and the skills and responsibility of a nurse, Thao immediately stopped her vehicle, ran over and quickly introduced herself as a healthcare worker from the Hai Phong Children's Hospital, offering to save the baby. While speaking, she took the baby from the elderly man's arms and placed the infant in the back seat of an approaching taxi. Without wasting any time, she focused intensely on resuscitating the baby with external chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth breathing and direct nasal and oral suction while the taxi headed to Thuy Nguyen General Hospital. Approximately ten minutes later, the taxi arrived at the hospital. There, Thao hurriedly carried the baby into the hospitals Emergency Department and requested an endotracheal tube to resuscitate the patient. She then joined the doctors and nurses at the hospital in the resuscitation efforts. After about a minute of emergency care, the newborn's pulse returned, then the baby was transferred to Hai Phong Children's Hospital for specialised treatment. After six days of treatment, the baby's health condition improved significantly, with blood parametres gradually returning to normal. The baby is currently still on oxygen and continues to be monitored and treated for recovery. Thao said: "Everything happened so unexpectedly for both me and the baby's family, but I believe any nurse in my position would have acted the same way, not just me." On Monday, the People's Committee of Hai Phong City applauded Thao for her exceptional performance in emergency care, saving the life of an infant outside the hospital. Secretary of the citys Party Committee, Le Tien Chau, said that he had closely followed the story through the media and he was much moved. Her simple and everyday action has multiplied emotions and strengthened faith in the good, in human kindness, he said. VNS HCM CITY The fifth edition of HCM Citys Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge contest for AI-powered solutions and products is open to entries until July 31. Speaking at the kick-off event held in the city last Friday, deputy director of the citys Department of Information and Communication Vo Minh Thanh said the contest aimed to promote scientific research activities and innovative start-up projects in AI applications, which would contribute to effectively implementing the city's digital transformation strategy and promote the process of building a smart city. It encourages individuals and research groups at home and abroad to propose AI-powered solutions to help local authorities deal with current social problems in the city, he said. The contest targets information technology students, AI experts across the country and overseas Vietnamese, according to organisers. It is divided into two tables, including Table A for college and university students and youth, and Table B for high-school students. Its two categories are AI-Challenge and AI-Solution. AI-Challenge seeks AI-based solutions for event retrieval from visual data. AI-Solution looks for outstanding solutions and products based on artificial intelligence technologies in key socio-economic sectors such as production, business, transportation, finance, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, and serving the community. The contest format is similar to international competitions such as Lifelog Search Challenge (LSC) and Video Browser Showdown (VBS). All domestic and foreign individuals and organisations can register online by filling out a form at https://aichallenge.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/ or at the Department of Information and Communications office No. 59 on Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1. The organisers are encouraging participants to attach files, photos, videos and links related to their work. A jury of experts and scientists from universities and associations will decide the winners. The number of prizes will be decided by the organising board and the judges, with total prize value of VN200 million (US$7,855). Funding for the prizes will be mobilised from various sources. The awards ceremony is expected to be held in October. The winners will be supported to connect with experts and scientists to continue completing their products, or introduce their solutions and products to potential organisations and companies. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the 13th International Symposium on Information and Communication Technology (SoICT 2024), and the best ones will be introduced to attend the 2025 ACM Multimedia Conference to be held in October, 2025 in Ireland. Many sideline events will be arranged within the framework of the contest, including a scientific conference called "The HCM City AI research and development programme - Improving human resources, building the future"; a meeting between the city leaders and outstanding students in information technology and AI; and training to raise awareness and skills about AI and digital transformation in the city. This years contest is organised by the citys Department of Information and Communications in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training, the Department of Science and Technology, the Viet Nam National University-HCM City, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of HCM City, the HCM City Computer Association and Youth Centre of Science and Technology Development. Last year, the contest attracted 631 teams and more than 2,700 contestants at home and abroad. VNS BANGKOK Six people, including four Vietnamese nationals, were found dead in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday, according to local sources. The incident occuring in Pathum Wan District was reported to the police force in Bangkok's Lumpini area at around 5:30pm on the same day. The victims were discovered in a room with no signs of a struggle, and their luggage was found near the front door. Initial investigations have identified the victims as two Vietnamese nationals who held American citizenship, along with four Vietnamese citizens. Based on the initial evidence discovered at the scene, it is suspected that the six victims may have died as a result of poisoning. However, it remains unclear whether the poisoning was intentional or if the victims committed suicide. Thai police are investigating the incident, examining closed-circuit television footage and questioning witnesses for possible clues. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the scene of the incident. Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents based in Bangkok, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said that embassy officials are working with local authorities to verify the incident and to carry out necessary citizen protection measures. VNS The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is expected to soon publish the entire content of the draft circular amending and supplementing four circulars on transactions, registration, depository, and clearing, as well as operations of securities companies and information disclosure. This move, along with feedback and explanations, aims to meet the criteria for upgrading Vietnams stock market. 2025 pivotal for stock market upgrade effort, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com Amendment of these four circulars is crucial for the Vietnamese stock market to fulfill the remaining two criteria of the nine FTSE Russell upgrade assessment criteria. These include prefunding for foreign investors and mechanisms for handling failed trades. These changes will enhance the likelihood of Vietnams stock market receiving a positive evaluation in FTSEs upcoming market assessment reports, specifically in September this year and March 2025. We can expect Vietnams stock market to be officially upgraded to FTSE standards in 2025, after being on FTSEs watchlist since September 2018 and currently holding the highest weight in FTSEs frontier markets group, said Do Bao Ngoc, deputy CEO of CSI Vietnam Construction Securities. According to the draft, the depository bank where foreign institutional investors open their securities depository accounts is responsible for covering any shortfall in case of incorrect cash balance confirmation with the securities company, leading to insufficient funds for securities transactions. In cases necessary to stabilise the market, the State Securities Commission (SSC) has the authority to temporarily suspend non-margin 100 per cent cash trading services for foreign institutional investors, said the draft. Additionally, the draft circular specifies that securities companies can accept purchase orders from foreign institutional investors even when their accounts do not have the full order value. Upgrading the stock market will send a clear signal that Vietnam has been making significant strides in the international economic integration process. It will affirm the position and enhance the image not only of Vietnams stock market but also of the entire economy in the international community. This will lead to a more positive perception of the investment environment in Vietnam by international investors. Furthermore, it will indirectly support the goal of gradually improving the countrys credit rating according to the national credit rating improvement plan until 2030, said Vu Chi Dung, director general of the International Cooperation Department at the SSC. In early July, the SSC organised a workshop themed Creating momentum for stock market upgrading, discussing solutions to address bottlenecks in upgrading the stock market and outlining a sustainable roadmap for Vietnams stock market in the long run. Representatives from stock exchanges, securities companies, listed companies, and finance and securities experts participated. Businesses appreciate the substantial efforts from regulatory agencies in developing the legal framework, especially regarding two important criteria related to prefunding for foreign investors and information transparency among investors. Meeting these conditions makes it entirely feasible for Vietnam to achieve the goal of upgrading the stock market by 2025. The most challenging criteria related to trading volume have already been met by Vietnam, but there are still obstacles related to the legal framework, mechanisms, and information transparency. We expect that investors will only need a small amount of money instead of 100 per cent to be able to trade in the market, said Tran Minh Hoang, director of Research and Analysis at Vietcombank Securities Company (VCBS) during the workshop. Nguyen Duc Chi, Deputy Minister of Finance, said at the event that transparency in information is essential on the journey to a significant and long-term upgrade of Vietnams stock market. Accuracy in information on the stock market should be considered a given responsibility of enterprises. It should be recognised that this is not only an obligation but also a benefit for enterprises. Information disclosure in two languages, which some enterprises have done but is still insufficient. We plan to amend regulations related to this issue and have a roadmap, he said. In the event of an upgrade, not only will the capital from passive funds flow into the market, but active investment funds and major global investors will also participate in Vietnams capital market. These investors will help expand the investor base, providing new capital sources to better achieve the goal of equitisation, especially for large state-owned enterprises. An expanding and developing stock market is an attractive destination in the process of capital raising for equity markets of innovative startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and large unlisted companies, supporting initial public offering (IPO) activities and listing companies for divestment on the stock market. Raising capital through IPO and listings on the stock market is the most effective form with the highest return rates. Therefore, the listed stock market contributes to enhancing the attractiveness of the equity market and the innovation startup ecosystem. However, while upgrading the stock market brings many benefits, it also poses challenges, the biggest of which is ensuring the stock market continues to develop stably and sustainably, avoiding downgrades. If we fail to maintain our position after the upgrade to emerging market, capital flows may drain away. This challenge comes from stock markets that no longer meet the criteria to maintain their current status or fail to meet the changing criteria from rating agencies, said Bui Hoang Hai, deputy chairman of the SSC. As part of the conference regarding Ben Tre investment promotion in July, a seminar on green hydrogen and renewable energy is expected to lay the groundwork for Ben Tre Party Committee's resolution to establish wind power as the core of its marine economy. Currently, Ben Tre's wind power projects extend approximately five nautical miles from the shore. However, experts indicate that the potential for offshore wind energy in Ben Tre's waters is significant, with possibilities extending up to 30 nautical miles. Bui Van Thinh, chairman of the Binh Thuan Wind and Solar Power Association, emphasised the natural advantages and government support as key factors for the success of wind power in the region. "Ben Tre, located in the Mekong Delta and adjacent to the East Sea, boasts a long coastline and consistent sea breezes, making it an ideal location for wind power development. The coastal area has an average wind speed of 6 to 7m/s, suitable for installing wind turbines to generate electricity. Additionally, with its extensive water surface area, Ben Tre has the capacity to develop large-scale wind farms, increasing electricity production," he said. "The Vietnamese government is encouraging the development of renewable energy sources, including wind power. Supportive policies, tax incentives, and simplified administrative procedures also facilitate investment." To date, the province has approved 19 wind power projects with a total capacity of 1,007.7MW. Of these, 10 projects are in the process of completing legal procedures, while nine have completed turbine installations with a capacity of approximately 365.9MW. The cumulative total capacity connected to the grid is 250.57MW. In tandem with the wind power plants, the Ben Tre Green Hydrogen Complex project was a focal point in mid-May discussions between Chairman Tran Ngoc Nam and Green Solutions Corporation, the investor of Ben Tre Green Hydrogen Plant, with leaders from relevant departments and sectors. Outlook positive for Vietnam's wind power Vietnam witnessed some positive developments for wind power projects, reflecting the country's commitment to transition to net-zero by 2050. Government greenlights wind power imports from Laos Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has approved a proposal for wind power imports from Laos in line with the National Power Development Plan VIII and relevant regulations. At a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on his official visit to South Korea in early July, chairman of Samsung Group Lee Jae Yong confirmed long-term additional investment in Vietnam. Vietnam and all other nations have had to contend with a new global tax regime this year, Photo: Shutterstock We plan to invest strongly in the next three years to enable Vietnams factories to become the groups largest display module production base globally, Yong emphasised. The detailed amount was not revealed but in recent years, every decision of Samsung, the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam with a total investment of $22.4 billion, is often worth billions of US dollars. Other South Korean giants also have big plans to invest in Vietnam, with LG Display CEO Cheoldong Jeong saying that the country is LGs key global production location. Of the total registered capital of more than $8 billion, LG has already disbursed more than $5 billion and is planning to pour more in the coming time. Of this, LG Innotek factory in the northern city of Haiphong will double its capacity to become a closed LG production complex, Jeong confirmed. To enhance competitiveness, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is building policy on the establishment of an investment support fund, which is based on additional revenue from the global minimum tax and other state budget sources, like deposit interest, revenue from public service activities, sponsorship contributions, and annual fund residuals. The fund would operate in the form of direct cash payments to support training costs, human resource development, research, investment in fixed assets, production of high-tech products, and investment in social infrastructure. Financial support and investment subsidies will not be paid immediately to businesses but based on the results of project implementation (disbursement progress and revenue) and attached with some conditions, the MPI highlighted. With flexible incentive policies, we expect to lure more large-scale projects in high technology, said Do Thanh Trung, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment. Elsewhere, Amkor Technology Singapore Holdings will raise capital by $1.07 billion for a factory for manufacturing, assembling, and testing semiconductor materials and equipment, not long after putting the first phase into operation at the end of 2023. Numerous South Korean corporations have also confirmed expansion plans in recent times after pouring billions of US dollars into Vietnam. CJ remains investing in the food sector, Posco wants to participate in mining and processing rare earths in Vietnam, and Daewoo E&C Group plans to develop a new urban area in the northern province of Thai Binh. Hyosung Group also plans to develop data centre services in Saigon High-Tech Park with an expected scale of 1,500-4,000 racks, meeting strict international standards, and serving the specific needs of super-large customers. Ho Chi Minh City has become an attractive destination for technology giants, with proposals in semiconductors and data centres. In early July, a delegation of Nvidia Corporation from the US led by Ettikan Karuppiah, chief technology officer for the Asia-Pacific region, arrived in the city to review investment destination. This was the second meeting of Nvidia since the beginning of the year. The delegation worked with numerous technical universities and companies to discuss cooperation possibilities in the future, as well as met with Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee to discuss training and developing AI, supporting startups in AI, and establishing an AI centre of excellence. Nvidia aims to establish a centre for research and development, and training on AI; install supercomputer systems; and relocate a part of the production of processing units for supercomputers to Vietnam, Karuppiah said. Another US tech giant, Marvell Group, is also accelerating the expansion of chip design centres in Vietnam. In May, it announced the opening of an additional chip design centre in the central city of Danang, following two centres in Ho Chi Minh City. Le Quang Dam, CEO of Marvell Technology Vietnam, said that since the beginning of the year, Marvells integrated circuit (IC) design personnel in Vietnam has increased by more than 30 per cent. Marvell Vietnam aims to become Marvells third largest IC design centre globally in the next few years, following the major centres in the United States and the Indian branch, Dam stated. Design centres in Vietnam will focus on designing new IC technology chips, such as optical connectivity, storage, analogue and mixed-signal semiconductor technology, which are key technologies in accelerating the construction of new infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for performance and speed of cloud data centres and AI. Free trade zone becomes lever for FDI attraction in Danang The central city of Danang will have opportunities to draw in more investment following approval to establish a free trade zone, with pilot preferential mechanisms to woo high-tech projects. FDI inflow into Vietnam reaches nearly 15.2 billion USD Vietnam attracted nearly 15.2 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first six months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 13.1 per cent, according to the General Statistics Office. Vietnams proactive adoption and swift implementation of the GMT position it among the pioneering nations in Asia, highlighting the countrys steadfast commitment to this global tax initiative. This move underscores Vietnams transparent legal framework and facilitates efficient business planning for investors looking to invest in Vietnam. Vietnam currently stands out as a distinguished destination for foreign capital in the region, known for its variety of incentives aimed at attracting overseas investors. These incentives, including tax exemptions, reductions, and competitive tax rates, have been particularly appealing. Nguyen Thanh Vinh, partner, Baker McKenzie Vietnam (left) and Dao Thanh Hoa, special counsel, Baker McKenzie Vietnam However, with the introduction of the QDMTT, investors with projects benefiting from tax incentives in Vietnam will be directly affected. Essentially, the QDMTT mechanism reduces the attractiveness and advantages of existing domestic tax incentive policies. This raises concerns about potential negative impacts or reductions of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Vietnam in the foreseeable future. To thoroughly evaluate the GMTs impact on FDI inflows into Vietnam, several technical aspects merit careful consideration. Not all of Vietnams investors will be affected by Pillar Two. Pillar Two applies specifically to entities within multinational corporation (MNC) groups reporting annual consolidated financial statement revenues of 750 million (around $815 million) or more in at least two of the past four fiscal years. This means that Pillar Two targets large multinational groups characterised by substantial and consistent annual consolidated revenues, rather than universally applying across all multinational groups. Furthermore, these entities will only face the top-up tax if their effective tax rate falls below 15 per cent, indicating they currently benefit from tax incentives resulting in an effective tax rate in Vietnam below 15 per cent. According to Vietnams Ministry of Finance, approximately 122 multinational groups are expected to fall under Pillar Two in Vietnam. Therefore, it is expected that the GMT regime will primarily impact a limited number of foreign ventures in Vietnam, specifically those attributed to large multinational entities, while leaving the majority of the projects unaffected. The GMT imposes a tax of up to 15 per cent on excess profits but exempts Substance-Based Income Exclusion within the country imposing the top-up tax. This exclusion covers the carrying value of tangible assets and payroll costs of eligible employees in that jurisdiction. Hence, significant expenditures on acquiring fixed assets and labour for a foreign-led project in Vietnam will effectively reduce the amount of top-up tax payable in the country, based on a fixed rate. Vietnam is known for its attractive income-based tax incentives aimed at projects in preferential sectors, locations, or large-scale projects. However, these incentives are selectively applied and come with intricate conditions, offering substantial advantages primarily to specific industries or major projects. Therefore, the introduction of the GMT in Vietnam will not uniformly impact all enterprises currently benefiting from tax incentives. Furthermore, amid the global trend of simultaneous adoption of the GMT across numerous countries and jurisdictions, making decisions solely based on Vietnams adoption of the GMT is impractical. The GMT is designed for global implementation, as its name suggests. Consequently, regardless of the investment location, MNCs falling under the scope of Pillar Two may still be required to pay the top-up tax under Pillar Two rules in any other jurisdictions. Therefore, investors will need to consider Vietnams non-tax advantages when making decisions, such as free trade agreements, policy transparency, and a young labour force. In light of this, the current environment also necessitates Vietnam to review and reform its investment attraction policies to enhance the attractiveness of its investment climate and sustain capital inflows from MNCs covered under Pillar Two. Vietnam is currently considering the introduction of a new investment support fund. This initiative aims to reimburse expenditures related to workforce development, investment in fixed assets, research and development (R&D) costs, production of high-tech products, and investments in social welfare infrastructure. It targets high-tech businesses, manufacturers of high-tech equipment, entities with high-tech applications, and companies hosting R&D centres, aligning with Vietnams existing investment incentive policy focusing on high-tech industries. However, as this policy is being developed, it must adhere to Pillar Two rules, which require that any jurisdictional top-up tax must be implemented and administered in a way that is consistent with the outcomes provided for under Pillar Two. Big foreign groups await GMT direction Foreign enterprises are expecting the early implementation of the governments new investment support fund so that they can boost investment in Vietnam amid the entry into force of the global minimum tax. Calculation of top-up payable under Pillar 2 global minimum tax The Vietnam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) and Washington D.C.-based International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC) held an international workshop themed "Pillar 2 Global Minimum Tax Implementation in Vietnam" today. The topic of developing the economic potential of the West Lake lotus brand was raised at the 2024 Hanoi Lotus Festival, which took place from July 12 to 16, fostering discussions on sustainable exploitation of this unique natural resource. The lotus has value as a handicraft, artisanal, and culinary product, and can stimulate tourism. Currently, Hanoi has 600 hectares of lotus cultivation area, concentrated in districts such as Tay Ho, My Duc, Me Linh, and Thach That. There are 18 products made from lotus plants that have been evaluated and ranked in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) initiative. Notable examples include lotus silk scarves, Quang An lotus tea, Me Linh lotus tea, and lotus sausages, sticky rice, longan sweet soup, jam, and milk, which are exported worldwide. "Hanoi has a large lotus cultivation area and many OCOPs made from lotus plants, so it should be possible to effectively develop lotus-related tourism. In particular, some localities could become popular destinations in Hanoi, typically Tay Ho district," assessed Dang Huong Giang, director of Hanoi Department of Tourism. According to Tay Ho People's Committee, the district has a project to expand its lotus plantations to 25ha and grow lotus year-round so that visitors to Tay Ho can admire the beauty, take photos with lotus flowers, and shop for products made from lotus plants all year round. Regarding development orientation, Le Thi Thu Hang, Secretary of Tay Ho Party Committee, said, "The district is implementing a project to restore the cultivation of hundred-petal lotus in 18 lakes. Along with that, the district is continuing to promote information for people to understand the potential, advantages, and role of lotus cultivation. This contributes to promoting economic development, tourism, and traditional craft village culture in the district." A Florida jury found Wade Wilson guilty of murdering two women after deliberating for only an hour and 45 minutes last month, and now as a judge weighs whether or not to sentence him to death, other women are sending letters in his defense, asking for his life to be spared. Kristine Melton, 35, was found dead in her home in October, 2019, and Diane Ruiz, 43, was found in a field days days later after she was reported missing. Both were strangled to death. Jurors voted 9-to-3 in favor of the death penalty for Melton's murder and 10-to-2 for Ruiz's killing, according to WINK-TV. The judge does not have to follow those recommendations when he sentences Wilson. Wilson, 30, made dramatic changes to his face during his time in jail, adding a swastika, the phrase "Bred for War" and the words "Ha Ha Ha" and "glory" on his face. Multiple women have written Lee County Circuit Judge Nicholas R. Thompson. One mother of two from Canada begging the judge to "look past his tattoos to his face structure; since being in prison and medicated, he is healthier; his face is fuller compared to his booking picture, where his face is gaunt, pale, and he looks unhealthy." Another from Visalia, California, expressed, "As someone who cares unconditionally for Wade, I have deeply reflected on the gravity of the situation and impact of your decision." A third woman asked the judge to "impose a lighter sentence that reflects the possibility of recovery and rehabilitation." Wilson is scheduled for sentencing on July 23. With a dynamic gathering of 2,000+ beauty brands from 600+ local and international exhibitors this July, the exhibition promises to provide numerous must-attend networking and business opportunities for the beauty industry. Vietbeauty & Cosmobeaute Vietnam is one of the largest and longest-running trade shows in beauty industry in Vietnam According to figures from data platform Statista, Vietnam is among the countries with the highest average salary growth rate in the AsiaPacific. Increasing disposable income and the rise of e-commerce drive higher demand for consumer goods, especially cosmetics and personal care products. It is projected that the revenue of the beauty and personal care market in Vietnam will reach $2.66 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.97 per cent in 2024. The personal care segment is the largest, with an estimated value of around $1.17 billion, more than 43 per cent of the total market share. With an exhibition area of up to 13,000sq.m, this exhibition is expected to draw in exhibitors from more than 20 countries and territories, including Australia, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, and the UK. Vietbeauty & Cosmobeaute Vietnam 2024 not only focuses on showcasing finished beauty products for both retail and professional use, facilitating connections between buyers and suppliers to foster distributor partnerships, but also on presenting OEM (original equipment manufacturer), ODM (original design manufacturer), research and development, manufacturing, packaging and labelling, and ingredients and formulation, providing visitors with access to the best partners. Additionally, the show emphasises professional beauty equipment and devices for spas, clinics, and surgery salons, as well as nail and hair care, expanding its scope beyond skincare, personal care, and makeup. In addition to exhibition activities, the event also focuses on developing the Hosted Buyer Programme to maximise the exhibition's role in connecting brand owners, and manufacturers with importers, distributors, retailers, spa and clinics. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for trade visitors to find suppliers and distribution and retail partners in the beauty industry In this exclusive business matchmaking programmes, buyers have the opportunity to schedule meetings with exhibitors they wish to meet and explore new business opportunities with beauty brands or suppliers worldwide right at the three-day exhibition A series of specialised seminars took place at Vietbeauty & Cosmobeaute Vietnam 2023 event, led by influential experts and industry leaders in the beauty industry As one of the largest and longest-running international trade events in the beauty industry, Vietbeauty & Cosmobeaute Vietnam 2024 promises to be must-attend destination for beauty professionals and enthusiasts, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking and staying abreast of the latest trends. Vietbeauty & Cosmobeaute Vietnam 2024 Date: July 25- 27 Opening hours: 9.a.m. 5 p.m. Venue: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, HCMC Website: www.vietbeautyshow.com/ Contact: +8428 36222588 (#166) | 0328267721 | Hana.Nguyen@informa.com Registration link: https://bit.ly/pr_regis Luxury apartments to be rolled out in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam's real estate market showed signs of slowing in the first half of 2023 with a large amount of inventory, mainly from incomplete projects due to a lack of resources from developers, still on the books. However, Masterise Homes is on track with its key projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the company has just handed over keys for its first project in Hanoi with six more projects scheduled for completion in 2023. Lynk & Co car brand launches in Ho Chi Minh City On January 13, Lynk & Co Automobile International Sales Co. Ltd (Lynk & Co) and GreenLynk Automotives JSC introduced the Lynk & Co car brand in the southern market with three SUV models: Lynk & Co 01, Lynk & Co 05, and Lynk & Co 09. The May Legend is one of the pre-eminent Grade A office developments in Haiphong, which will support the port city to deliver high-end, flexible, and sustainable office spaces on par with international standards. A beacon of economic opportunity with significant commercial potential As one of Vietnam's five centrally governed cities, Haiphong is highly regarded for its infrastructure, foreign direct investment (FDI), GDP, and growing economy. In 2023, the port city attracted $3.5 billion in FDI, a 140 per cent increase on-year, making it the second biggest foreign investor draw in the country, with 950 foreign-invested projects in industrial and economic zones from notable investors including LG, Bridgestone, Regina Miracle, and Pegatron. According to Savills Vietnam's H1/2023 Haiphong Real Estate Market Report, office stock of 173,000sq.m net leasable area (NLA) came from Grade B and C projects. Office stock grew by 2 per cent per year from 2019 to H1 of 2023. Office occupancy reached 91 per cent, with rent hitting nearly $10/sq.m/month. Trinh Huynh Mai, associate director of Commercial Leasing at Savills Hanoi, said that Haiphong's emergence as a leading destination nationwide in FDI attraction is a very positive precursor for the growth potential of the city's commercial real estate. Demand for Grade A offices comes from companies in finance and manufacturing. We are also seeing demand from domestic and international retail brands looking to expand into shopping centres run by reputable foreign operators, said Mai. Haiphong Opera House The May Legend aims to set a new benchmark for modern office spaces in Haiphong In Haiphongs high-end office segment, The May Legend is the first Grade A office development with a professional management agent in the city. It also delivers some of the most sophisticated and modern architecture in the city centre across a total leasable area of 15,000sq,m. It aims to become a symbol of the city's development, reflecting the developers vision. The property is located along Haiphongs financial axis and conveniently connects to major transportation routes and industrial zones. The prime location in the city centre ensures easy access to nearby amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants, parks, hospitals, and hotels. To meet demand from discerning businesses, The May Legend offers premium amenities, professional offices, and operational management by a leading international agent. Overview of The May Legend project in Haiphong Speaking about the projects vision, a representative from Sao Sang Group stated, As the developer of The May Legend, we hope for the project to elevate the business stature in Haiphong by providing Grade A office spaces and top-notch services. We are committed to delivering a professional and modern working environment that also allows businesses to optimise their costs. At The May Legend, we believe that the combination of quality and economic efficiency will create engaging workspaces that will support the sustainable development of the region. Haiphong Tourism JSC, a subsidiary of Sao Sang Group, exemplifies reliability and innovation across various sectors. Its commitment to excellence will contribute to the city's economic restructuring, job creation, and improved quality of life for those working in the city. In light of Haiphongs burgeoning commercial real estate sector, The May Legend delivers premier Grade A offices that are both prestigious and cost-effective, catering to the needs of domestic and foreign businesses in the port city. The May Legend Address: 55-57 Dien Bien Phu street, Minh Khai ward, Hong Bang district, Haiphong Phone: (+84) 917 254 338 / 936 616 373 Email: contact@themaylegend.vn / customerservice@themaylegend.vn Website: www.themaylegend.vn NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam expands with new office in Ho Chi Minh City National Australia Bank (NAB) opened a new office in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on April 25 to support the growth of its investment in Vietnam and help to continue delivering great digital experiences for its customers. Dong Nai to build green IPs that meet net-zero standards Dong Nai People's Committee held a meeting in late June to unveil the province's investment wish-list for 2024, which features 36 priority projects in five fields. Vietnamese State President To Lam and General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, during the formers state visit to Laos last week, underscored that both countries will increase economic cooperation. They also aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, security, and fighting against transnational crimes. According to freshly issued statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, total exports from Vietnam to Laos in the first six months of this year amounted to $293.5 million, a 9 per cent increase from $269.3 million in the same period last year. Vietnamese companies are implementing many projects in Laos including rubber plantation, Photo Le Toan Meanwhile, Vietnams total imports from the neighbouring nation reached $646.2 million, up 14.2 per cent on-year. Last year, total trade between the two countries amounted to $1.54 billion, down 1.4 per cent from the previous year. In the context of complex regional and global developments, Vietnam and Laos have agreed on plans to bolster cooperation across various sectors. They are determined to resolve obstacles and expedite the implementation of key joint projects, and infrastructure projects connecting roads and railways. Additionally, they aim to expand and enhance the effectiveness of cooperation in education, training, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reported that bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, and investment between Vietnam and Laos continues to see positive changes. The two nations have signed an MoU on developing and connecting border trade infrastructure, along with the Vietnam-Laos Trade Agreement. They have also been effectively implementing the Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Agreement to facilitate conditions for enterprises and individuals from both countries. Currently, Vietnamese businesses have invested in 241 projects in Laos with a total registered capital of more than $5.5 billion, positioning Vietnam as the third-largest foreign investor in Laos, following China and Thailand. These projects are focused on banking, finance, real estate, forestry, agriculture, services, and telecommunications. However, only over $2.5 billion has been disbursed so far. The two governments have assigned relevant authorities to review all Vietnamese projects in Laos to promptly address obstacles and ensure timely implementation. Some key projects are encountering difficulties. Many significant Vietnamese projects and businesses are currently operating successfully in Laos, including the Xekaman 1 hydropower plant, Muong Thanh Vientiane hotel, Viettels telecommunications project, Ha Dos Nong Tha urban area, Lao-Vietnam Bank, and projects by Vietnam Rubber Industry Group and Hoang Anh Gia Lai. According to the MoFA, these Vietnamese investments in Laos have been effective, profitable, and have made positive contributions to the development of both countries. Vietnam and Laos are also focusing on infrastructure development to facilitate trade and investment ties. They are expanding the Vung Ang 1-3 port projects in the central province of Ha Tinh under an agreement signed between both governments. The capacity of transporting containers at the Vung Ang deep seaport is being strengthened to accommodate vessels ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 tonnes and provide services for between 50,000 and 1.2 million containers, handling goods between three million and 20 million tonnes by 2030. For Laos, Vung Ang seaport plays a crucial role in promoting maritime transport and regional connectivity to boost Laos economic growth through transportation and trade exchanges. Both nations have also agreed to seek investment capital for constructing strategic transport projects, including the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway. During President To Lams state visit to Cambodia last week, both nations deepened political links and furthered bilateral trade and investment cooperation, committing to removing impediments for businesses and investors. According to the MoFA, economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has flourished with encouraging results. Bilateral trade reached $10.57 billion in 2022, marking an almost 11 per cent increase from the previous year, before decreasing to $8.6 billion last year due to difficulties. The figure stood at $3.9 billion in the first four months of this year, marking a 16.8 per cent increase on-year. Vietnam is now Cambodias third-largest trade partner, after China and the US, and is also the largest trade partner of Cambodia within ASEAN. Currently, Vietnamese enterprises have invested in 205 projects in Cambodia with a total registered capital of $2.94 billion, leading among ASEAN countries and ranking in the top five nations and territories with direct investment in Cambodia. Business and investment activities of Vietnamese businesses in Cambodia have been making positive contributions to social security and the prosperous development of Cambodia, said the MoFA. Vietnam is currently constructing an expressway running from Soc Trang provinces Tran De port to An Giang province in the Mekong Delta region, as well as another expressway running from Ho Chi Minh City to the southeastern province of Tay Ninh. These two expressways are connected with border gates to Cambodia and other expressways. The two countries have also established a Cambodia-Vietnam aviation joint venture, a fertiliser producing factory, Metfone Telecommunications, and a factory to produce sugar, ethanol, and a thermoelectric plant in Cambodia. Laos approves feasibility study of floating solar farm The Lao Government has allowed Liankham Trading Sole Co., Ltd. to carry out a feasibility study on the construction of a floating solar energy generation plant with a capacity of up to 1,500-1,600 MW. Government greenlights wind power imports from Laos Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has approved a proposal for wind power imports from Laos in line with the National Power Development Plan VIII and relevant regulations. New initiatives on the rise with Cambodia While deepening political ties, Vietnam and Cambodia have furthered bilateral trade and investment cooperation, with both sides last week committed removing administrative obstacles for businesses and investors. PM Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Photo: Nhat Bac Last week marked the second visit to Vietnam by Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Zafrul Abdul Aziz, where he co-chaired the fourth session of the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Trade Committee in Hanoi. It is likely that bilateral trade turnover will reach $18 billion this year, surpassing the target initially set for 2025, Aziz said. Vietnam has become a major investment destination for Malaysian companies, who are planning significant projects in the country. He added that Malaysia had high hopes for further boosting bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties with Vietnam, particularly in sectors such as the Halal industry, digital transformation, green transition, wind power, innovation, and AI. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised Malaysia as Vietnams key trade and investment partner, emphasising Vietnams desire to attract more Malaysian investors and businesses. He committed to protecting their legitimate rights and interests, ensuring fair treatment, and creating the best conditions for all foreign investors, including those from Malaysia in Vietnam. Both sides have set a goal of achieving $20 billion in two-way trade in the coming years, a target PM Chinh believes can be met. To achieve this goal, PM Chinh suggested that Malaysia further facilitate the entry of Vietnamese goods into its market, particularly processed agricultural products, seafood, and foodstuffs. He also urged support for Vietnams Halal industry development and encouraged Malaysian investments in digital transformation, green energy, clean energy, and wind power exports. Additionally, PM Chinh called for increased cooperation in emerging fields such as innovation, AI, and cybersecurity. Currently, Malaysia is Vietnams third-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and the 10th-largest globally. Total bilateral trade reached $12.7 billion last year and $6.2 billion in the first five months of this year, marking a 22.1 per cent on-year increase. Malaysia exports a diverse range of products to Vietnam including consumer electronics and parts, chemicals, fabrics, crude oil, petroleum products, glassware, paper, plastics, food preparations, wires, cables, and liquefied petroleum gases. Vietnams key exports to Malaysia consist of computers, electrical products, spare parts, iron and steel, machinery, equipment, tools, and instruments. According to consultancy firm Dezan Shira and Associates, Malaysia and Vietnam have become crucial links in each others global supply chains. Over the past two decades, they have strengthened their trade partnership, benefiting from the shift away from China and the diversification of supply chains. Malaysian investment in Vietnam has significantly contributed to the increase in two-way trade. Data from the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment shows that as of June 20, Malaysia has invested a cumulative total of $13.1 billion in Vietnam through 745 valid projects, making Malaysia the third-largest investor, after Singapore ($80.2 billion) and Thailand ($14.1 billion). These investments are primarily concentrated in education (28 per cent of total registered capital), manufacturing and processing (20 per cent), and electricity, gas, and water production and distribution (20 per cent). Malaysian investors are active in 34 out of Vietnams 63 provinces and cities, with the largest investments located in Ho Chi Minh City (348 projects totalling $4.88 billion), followed by Tra Vinh, Hanoi, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Danang. One notable project is the Berjaya Vietnam International University Urban Area, a $2.56 billion initiative in Ho Chi Minh City. Initially approved in 2008, the project faced delays due to funding challenges. In recent years, Vietnam and Malaysia have also strengthened their bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector. For instance, Malaysias state-owned Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) collaborate on oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and service supply. Their partnership began in 1991 and includes activities from exploration to processing and service delivery. In 2019, Petronas and PetroVietnam signed an agreement for the sale and purchase of additional gas for Vietnams Ca Mau gas-power-and-fertiliser complex. This agreement addresses the complexs annual gas shortfall by providing an additional one billion cu.m of gas. The $2 billion complex, located in the southernmost province of Ca Mau, includes the PM3-CM gas pipeline, CM1 and CM2 power plants, the Ca Mau fertiliser plant, and associated facilities. It was established in 2001 to meet a gas consumption demand of 2.2 billion cu.m annually, utilising natural gas resources from Lot PM3-CAA, an offshore area between Vietnam and Malaysia. Furthermore, both nations have expanded their cooperation in electricity and renewable energy. Key Malaysian-backed projects include the $2.2 billion, 1,200MW Hai Duong Thermal Power Plant in the northern province of Hai Duong, operated by Jaks Pacific Power, and the $2.4 billion, 1,320MW Duyen Hai 2 Thermal Power Plant in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh, managed by Janakuasa. In late 2022, Toyo Ventures Holdings Berhads subsidiary, Toyo Ink, and Vietnams Song Hau 2 Power Company signed a temporary engineering, procurement, and construction agreement with the Sunway-PECC2 Consortium for the $3.23 billion, 2,120MW Song Hau 2 Thermal Power Plant project in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang. Sunway-PECC2 is a joint venture between Malaysias Sunway Construction and Vietnams Power Engineering Consulting JSC 2, with Song Hau 2 Power Company, a subsidiary of Toyo Ink. The contract is valued at approximately $2.2 billion. Another significant Malaysian investment is the $864 million Yen So Park project in Hanoi, licensed in 2007 for Gamuda Group. Malaysia arrests eight terror suspects over IS links Malaysias Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on June 24 said that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) arrested eight people with suspected links to the Islamic State (IS) group who were purportedly planning attracks against the King and the Prime Minister. Malaysia seizes 106 illegal e-waste containers The Malaysian government seized 106 containers filled with e-waste between March 21 and June 19 this year, and successfully dismantled a major illegal waste import syndicate in the country. Joining TTC AgriS in 2006 with expertise honed through international training, Dang Huynh Uc My, formerly vice chairwoman of the BOD, has strategically developed TTC AgriS, building competitive advantages to expand its global footprint. She successfully led TTC AgriS towards operating an integrated smart agricultural economic model, advancing pioneering efforts in green, digital, and agricultural economic transformations to continue capturing potential international markets. TTC AgriS has become a hub for financial institutions by actively standardising management operations to meet international regulatory requirements and sustainability goals in developing countries. Moreover, she has cultivated opportunities for expanded cooperation, facilitating bilateral support in the research and development of Agriculture 4.0 with entities such as the Queensland government, Australia, agricultural consultants Farmacist, and DEG - the German government's investment fund. Looking ahead, My has set key priorities for the company centred around optimising the circular commercial value chain. This foundation aims to expand the current export market to over 50 regions; strengthen international partnerships with cross-sectoral support units; maximise research and development activities; and elevate management standards to international levels based on robust technology platforms. The company's core strength remains in developing natural-origin nutritional solutions to increase the value chain from crops, thereby contributing to global food security and commodity circulation. With Ngoc, former chairwoman, appointed as a senior advisor to the BOD, TTC AgriS is fully committed to achieving a target revenue of VND60 trillion ($2.36 billion) by 2030. Additionally, the company will continue to open new paths and sustainable agricultural economic initiatives, realising its commitments to sustainable growth, contributing to economic and social development, and sharing its achievements with stakeholders. In 2024, TTC AgriS commemorates its 55-year journey of "Responsible Value Chain - 55 Years and Beyond. The company takes pride in being a leading high-tech agricultural enterprise in Vietnam, accompanying the transition into the digital economy era and engaging in global issues related to preserving natural values through comprehensive agricultural products. The comprehensive upgrades, from business model to leadership personnel, will empower TTC AgriS with superior capabilities to uphold the company's mission of leading the national agricultural economy, aiming towards achieving net zero by 2035. TTC AgriS secures an additional $80 million Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa JSC (TTC AgriS) completed the signing of a loan agreement worth $80 million with Taiwan's E.SUN Commercial Bank Ltd on May 13. Vietnamese agribusiness TTC AgriS bags $100 million unsecured loan Thanh Thanh Cong-Bien Hoa JSC (TTC AgriS), one of Vietnam's frontrunning agribusinesses, inked a deal on July 20 to secure an unsecured loan of up to $100 million. The announcement was made duringthe state visit of Vietnams State President To Lam and a Vietnamese delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Photo: Vietnam Airlines Accordingly, Vietnam Airlines will operate four round-trip flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using modern Airbus A321 jets. The new route is set to commence on October 27. Currently, passengers travelling from Hanoi to Phnom Penh must transit through Vientiane, Laos. This addition will increase Vietnam Airlines's total routes between Vietnam and Cambodia to five by late October, including four direct routes: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, plus one Indochina route. The total number of weekly flights between the two countries will reach 86. Vietnam Airlines' extensive network in Indochina gives it a competitive edge. The new route is particularly attractive to tourists from Japan, South Korea, and European countries who wish to combine visits to Vietnam and other regional destinations, thanks to high flight frequency and convenient connection times. Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines said, "We continue to expand our network, enhance cooperation, improve competitiveness, and service quality to best meet the needs of customers from both countries. The airline will further develop its role as a 'bridge' to promote comprehensive economic, social, and cultural ties, as well as neighbourly cooperation between the two nations." Hoa emphasised that besides serving as a geographical link for passenger and cargo transit, direct flights act as "ambassadors" to strongly promote bilateral relations, strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia. In addition to the new route announcement, Vietnam Airlines signed an MoU with partners including Cambodia Angkor Air, the Cambodia Tourism Association, and SaigonTourist Group as part of the "Two Countries - One Destination" tourism and aviation promotion programme. Over the past three decades, Vietnam Airlines has transported nearly 8.2 million passengers and 28,400 tonnes of cargo on more than 81,000 flights between Vietnam and Cambodia. The Vietnam-Cambodia route was among the first operated by Vietnam Airlines when it was established 31 years ago. Expanding routes to Cambodia, a close neighbouring country, has always been a strategic priority for Vietnam's national carrier. Cambodia represents a market with significant potential for aviation and tourism. Over 30 years of operations, the total aviation market between the two countries has averaged 450,000 passengers annually, with an average growth rate of 24 per cent per year. Vietnam ranks second in tourist arrivals to Cambodia, with over one million visitors in 2023. Conversely, more than 400,000 Cambodian tourists visited Vietnam, ranking eighth among international tourist markets to Vietnam. Lao Airlines resumes direct flights to Da Nang city The central city of Da Nang on March 30 welcomed 150 tourists from Vientiane, Laos, on the first direct flight of Lao Airlines after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam Airlines to restore nearly 90 pc of international flight frequency National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines continues to increase flight frequency on routes to Europe, Australia, and China, thereby restoring nearly 90 per cent of its pre-pandemic international flight network. Vietnam Airlines adjusts flight paths via Middle East National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced adjustments to its flight routes between Vietnam and Europe to ensure the utmost safety of passengers and crew amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The report released on July 16 highlighted that the total GMV of Southeast Asias eight leading e-commerce platforms rose to $114.6 billion in 2023, up 15 per cent from 2022. The key drivers for the region's e-commerce GMV expansion in 2023 are Vietnam and Thailand, growing 52.9 per cent and 34.1 per cent on-year, respectively. Indonesia remains the largest e-commerce market, contributing 46.9 per cent to the regions GMV. Its growth rate of 3.7 per cent is the most modest in the region. Meanwhile, Thailand is the second-largest e-commerce market in the region. Notably, Vietnam overtook the Philippines as the third-largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia. Shopee achieved a GMV of $55.1 billion in 2023, retaining its 48 per cent market share. Lazada and Tokopedia clocked $18.8 billion and $16.3 billion, respectively. TikTok Shop nearly quadrupled its annual GMV to $16.3 billion. After overtaking Tokopedia, TikTok Shop has become the second-largest e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia. TikTok Shop also quadrupled its employee count since December 2021, now exceeding 8,000 employees, while Shopee, Lazada, and Tokopedia all reduced employee numbers between 2022 and 2024. The report identified four key trends in Southeast Asias e-commerce industry. The first trend is live commerce, with leading live-selling KOLs in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia achieving multi-million dollar sales in single live sessions. Regarding generative AI, the regions platforms are starting to adopt generative AI applications, notably in user experience and operational efficiency. Another trend is e-commerce enablers. Facing the limitation of small markets and brands reduced market share on platforms, many e-commerce enablers started expanding their business models. In terms of e-commerce logistics, third-party players face pressure from platforms in-sourcing parcel delivery. "The competitive landscape of e-commerce in Southeast Asia remains dynamic and constantly transforming, said Jianggan Li, founder and CEO of Momentum Works. With markets like Vietnam and Thailand showing remarkable growth and platforms like TikTok Shop rapidly expanding, its clear that innovation and adaptation are key to success in this region. The adoption of generative AI and the evolution of live e-commerce are reshaping the industry, and we are excited to see these trends drive continued growth and opportunities for businesses across Southeast Asia. Livestreaming rise presents disruption to commerce Livestreaming is no longer just hype in Vietnam, with brands prompted to keep up with rapid changes. McGregor will sell 195 acres to EFC Gases & Advanced Materials, a major provider of gases to the semiconductor industry that reportedly will build a $180 million plant in the community 15 miles from Waco. At an 8 a.m. meeting Monday, the McGregor City Council approved a resolution to transfer the acreage to A&C Real Estate Investment Texas LLC, in accordance with the development agreement entered into between the city of McGregor, A&C and Electronic Fluorocarbons, LLC, the name of the East Coast company before it switched to EFC Gases & Advanced Materials. The action authorizes McGregor Mayor Jim Lilley to execute the deed for such sale and all necessary closing documents. Lilley would not comment on the transaction or EFC Gases plans, choosing instead to let City Manager Kevin Evans address the matter. Evans would not comment on the record other than to praise EFC Gases as a great company that has made it clear it wants to control release of information about the project. No one with EFC Gases had returned calls by late afternoon Monday. Nor would Kris Collins, the Greater Waco Chambers chief industry recruiter, offer insight, saying: At this time, we are not commenting on the project and would defer any questions to the company for comment. Seth Morris, the chambers vice president for economic development, told the Tribune-Herald on Friday that EFC Gases had made sites visits to the McGregor industrial park and showed interest in building there. EFC Gases interest in Texas should come as no surprise, considering its involvement with the semiconductor industry. Since the Chips and Science Act became law in 2020, more than 50 new U.S. semiconductor projects valued at $210 billion have been announced. More than $61 billion is flowing to Texas, where six projects will create more than 8,000 jobs, according to news reports. Because we have ports, because we have access to materials, because of our low cost of doing business, we are best situated to lead this next generation of chip manufacturing, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told CNBC in July 2023. Samsung is building a $17 billion fabrication lab in Taylor. Other chip makers, including Infineon, NXP Semiconductors and X-Fam, have a Texas presence. The city of Bryan and Brazos County Commissioners Court last week approved tax abatement agreements with a company associated with Substrate Inc. to build a $10 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in Bryan. Gov. Abbott and economic development professionals from around the state just returned from a trade mission to Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, which are leaders in semiconductor research and development. The plant in McGregor reportedly would employ at least 120. There it would join economic heavyweights such as SpaceX, Messer and Knauf Insulation in McGregors 9,600-acre industrial park with more than 2,000 acres still available for development, McGregor officials have said. It is not clear if EFC Gases will pursue incentives that may include tax breaks for choosing McGregor as its landing spot. Officials speaking off the record said they may approach local taxing entities about incentives. Says an EFC fact sheet, EFC is a leading supplier of high quality hydrocarbon, specialty, rare gases and laser mixtures to North American, Asian and European Gas Distributors at competitive prices. Sourced globally, these specialty gases are purified using EFCs proprietary synthesis, purification, and packaging technology to meet and exceed stringent industry demanded specifications, accompanied with detailed and exacting analytical reports. Houston Chronicle newsroom's senior leadership team. Top row, from left to right: Kelly Ann Scott, Fernando Alfonso III, Alejandra Matos. Bottom row, from left to right: Jennifer Chang, Yaffa Fredrick. Susan Barber Promotional image for subscriber exclusive virtual event to meet the Houston Chronicle newsroom's senior leadership team Susan Barber The Houston Chronicle is launching a series of live virtual events that peel back the curtains on our newsroom. Readers are invited to join us for VIP interviews, Q&As with staff and on-the-record discussions on topical issues. Chronicle subscribers are invited to a private Zoom event on Tuesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. CST with the Chronicle newsroom's newly assembled senior leadership team: executive editor Kelly Scott, managing editor of news and content development Fernando Alfonso III, managing editor of audience and content strategy Alejandra Matos, senior director of digital experimentation & innovation Jennifer Chang and senior director of investigations and high-impact reporting Yaffa Fredrick. While Kelly, Alejandra and Jennifer have been at the Houston Chronicle for some time, Yaffa and Fernando were named to the senior leadership team in late May, with the latter starting his first day in the newsroom in early July. Subscribers are encouraged to meet the team and bring questions or comments. To reserve your spot, please register here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kelly Ann Scott is the executive editor for the Houston Chronicle. Kelly joined the Chronicle in Oct. 2023 from Alabama Media Group, where she served as editor-in-chief and vice president of content, leading a team of more than 120 journalists. Under her leadership, AL.com won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in local reporting and commentary. Born in North Dakota, Kelly received a bachelors degree from the University of Nebraska and earned a master's degree in criminal justice at St. Cloud State University. Fernando Alfonso III is the managing editor of news and content development. Fernando oversees breaking news, daily news, sports, business, government, and education. Hes previously worked at Chron.com, CNN, The Daily Dot as well as The Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky and the Post-Standard/Syracuse.com. Hes also taught journalism at Morehouse College, Kennesaw State University and University of Kentucky. Alejandra Matos is the managing editor of audience and content strategy. Before returning to Hearst in 2022, Alejandra worked for Wirecutter as the deputy director of audience development. She also had stints at the Houston Chronicle, Washington Post and the Star Tribune. Alejandra graduated with a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from University of Texas-El Paso and a master's degree in journalism from American University. Jennifer Chang is the senior director of digital experimentation and innovation. Jennifer was previously the Chronicle's managing editor of audience, and before that was the director of audience. She joined the Chronicle, her hometown paper, in 2018 after running editorial growth initiatives at Thrive Global, and a stint as the founding growth editor at Quartz, a national business news outlet. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WATERLOO After serving the city of Waterloo and Black Hawk County for more than 50 years, Frank Magsamen continues to give to the community out of the goodness of his heart. Magsamen, 80, is one of the recipients of a Courier Eight over 80 award for making a difference in the Cedar Valley. The former Waterloo Fire Rescue chief and elected official said he didnt understand why he received one of the annual awards. (Community service) is not something that you expect recognition for, he said. Its something that you do because you see the need out there. Ive been fortunate to be involved in this community for quite a number of years, he continued. Its been rewarding to be able to address some of the needs in the community and Cedar Valley here. He started in the public sector in 1967 at Waterloo Fire Rescue as a firefighter. He climbed the ranks until becoming the fire chief in 1994. He stayed in that position until 2001. Being at the top of the ladder, literally and figuratively, was his cornerstone of opportunities. Being able to be the fire chief of Waterloo Fire Rescue was certainly something I was very proud of, he said. I was very proud of, to be able to work in that capacity both for the community and for the firefighters themselves. After leaving the fire department, he spent the next six years as Black Hawk Countys emergency management and homeland security coordinator. He resigned from that post after being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2006. He stayed on the board until 2018. Already in a county role that worked for the cities mayors and county supervisors, he wanted to provide his knowledge and help the broader community as one of the five elected officials. I felt there was a need for some continuity and common sense to be utilized in Black Hawk Countys Board of Supervisors, he said. I think I made a real difference in how the county was positioned for the future. In his 12 years on the board, he touted that they were the first county to bond for improving county roads and that many county-owned buildings started to install solar panels to create power to both help the environment and save on energy costs. With his expertise in public safety, the supervisors approved an interchange to prevent fatal accidents at U.S. Highway 218 and Cedar Wapsi Road. County public safety officers also received an upgraded radio system. In a different sense of public safety, he was the board chair during the 2008 flood, which devastated the Cedar Valley. He and the board worked to mitigate future flood damage and to repair damaged county facilities. During his tenure, he was involved with efforts to address and provide mental health care services in the county. Black Hawk County regionalized its social services. Many counties would follow in Black Hawk Countys footsteps and model their services after it. The county also opened a crisis stabilization center. All this happened while the county improved and sustained its cash reserves. Magsamen continues to advocate for mental health as the chair of Elevate CCBHCs mental health board. The organization provides crisis care services and intervention, medication management services, therapy and substance abuse disorder treatment. He also is the co-chair of the Cedar Valley Honor Flight program which flies area veterans to military memorials in Washington, D.C. He and Craig White, another former county supervisor, started the effort. Magsamen is a member of the Waterloo Exchange Club and serves on the Northeast Iowa Juvenile Detention Board. He hasnt stopped participating in the community because he still has the ability to be active. Im fortunate to be able to participate in volunteer work, he said. The need still exists. Recently, he was named volunteer of the year for the Waterloo Exchange Club and the Lakes and Prairie District Exchange Clubs. He attributes his selflessness to his wife, Carolana, who died last year at age 81. The couple were deeply involved in charity work. (She) was certainly supportive of my involvement in the community and encouraged me and made it possible, truthfully, he said with tears in his eyes. She was such a great supporter of it. This story has been updated to reflect that there is an interchange at Cedar Wapsi Road and U.S. Highway 218. Close Fred Abraham is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Ruth Buck has been named one of The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Rich Congdon is one of The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. John Eveland is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Marv Heller is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Kathyrn Koob is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Frank Magsaman is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Mary Potter is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. PHOTOS: 2024 Eight Over 80 winners Photographs of the 2024 Eight Over 80 winners. Fred Abraham is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Ruth Buck has been named one of The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Rich Congdon is one of The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. John Eveland is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Marv Heller is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Kathyrn Koob is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Frank Magsaman is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. Mary Potter is among The Courier's 2024 Eight Over 80 recipients. People-to-people connections inseparable from BRI: Malaysian official Xinhua) 09:14, July 16, 2024 Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, speaks at the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation story-sharing session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Xinhua) -- People-to-people engagement adds soul to Malaysia-China shared connection, bringing the two countries closer, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the minister of Investment, Trade and Industry said on Monday at a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation story-sharing session. "Thousands of Malaysian students are currently studying in China," he said, adding that the huge influx of Chinese tourists allows them to experience Malaysia firsthand. Zafrul also said that trade between the two countries is not just about numbers, but has had positive benefits for ordinary people with Malaysia's exports to China, such as electrical and electronics, mining goods, liquified natural gas, palm oil, and rubber have been welcomed while Chinese investments have spurred Malaysia's growth in infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said China and Malaysia enjoy extensive people-to-people exchanges and are committed to mutual respect and mutual learning among different civilizations, and enhancing cooperation. "We will strengthen strategic mutual trust, continue to prioritize our bilateral relations in respective foreign policy, understand and support each other's core interests and major concerns," he said, adding that the recent visa exemption policy has been warmly received by both sides and boosted tourism and travel between the two. Organized by the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities, the story-sharing session is to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties and will be held in other states of Malaysia. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Joan Scheuermann and her 15-year-old dog Tilley sit in the lobby of a senior living apartment complex with other residents as they wait for the power to be restored in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Timber Top apartments in Houston. She said she had to stay in the lobby because her apartment was too hot for her old dog. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A Houston police officer carries a case of water to a car outside of Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center during a distribution of water and ice on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, after Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston area on Monday. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle) Karen Warren/Staff photographer Adrian Noria, 52, fills up the generators powering his family home with gasoline on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Houston, seven days after Hurricane Beryl caused major power outages. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Texas is among the United States' top states for business, according to an influential annual ranking, but it ranks dead last for "quality of life" for the second year in a row. The state has the best workforce in the nation, a healthy economy and a low cost of doing business, according to CNBC, propelling Texas to third overall in the financial network's annual analysis of Americas Top States for Business. Virginia ranked as America's top state for business in 2024, with North Carolina claiming the silver medal. Texas might have ranked higher but for the quality of life here, which CNBC said came in dead last when factoring in crime rates, health care, child care, air quality, worker protections, legal safeguards against discrimination and personal freedom, including reproductive rights. The state also "has power grid issues," the analysis noted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Yes, we know. People are moving to the Lone Star State in droves. Some 220,000 educated workers moved there in 2022 alone, according to the Census Bureau," CNBC wrote. "The fact is that people move to a state for any number of reasons. The ones arriving in Texas are encountering some serious livability issues, based on the data." The state's specific weaknesses, according to CNBC, take into account that Texas has the strictest abortion ban in the nation, for example, and leads the nation in terms of residents without health insurance. Texas also received a mediocre score for infrastructure, ranking 26th among all states after ranking 24th for the category in last year's ranking. Houstonians would likely be inclined to agree with that assessment, if not consider it a bit generous: more than a week after Hurricane Beryl hit the region as a Category 1 storm hundreds of thousands of people remained without power, air-conditioning and internet access. Many homeowners are still sorting through damages to their properties as well as disruptions to their work and other activities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As CNBC noted, the livability issues its analysis identified have yet to stifle the state or the region's overall economy. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston area added 16,100 jobs in May, bringing total employment in the region to nearly 3.5 million, a record. But in recent years, the underwhelming performance of Texas in the infrastructure and quality of life categories has prevented it from reclaiming the top spot, as it did in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2018. Texas ranked as the country's sixth-best state for business last year, the first time the state had fallen out of the top five since CNBC began conducting this analysis in 2007. And with the labor market remaining tight since the nation's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, CNBC noted, quality of life issues could undermine the state's ability to compete for businesses and workers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad DES MOINES Most of the state received below-normal rainfall and experienced mild temperatures, allowing Iowa farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday. Although the first half of July was cooler and wetter than average, Iowas tasseling corn encountered some summer heat and humidity this past weekend, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a statement. Mondays thunderstorms will give way to more seasonal conditions and cooler temperatures. This will be welcome news for our states livestock as well as those participating in county fairs around the state. The U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service reported topsoil moisture condition rated 6% short, 84% adequate and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1% very short, 8% short, 82% adequate and 9% surplus. Corn silking or beyond reached 44%, one day ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Corn crop in the dough stage reached 6%, five days ahead of the average. Corn condition rated 74% good to excellent. Soybean crop blooming reached 50%, three days behind last year. Soybeans setting pods reached 12%, one day behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 72% good to excellent. Oats turning color reached 82%, five days ahead of the average. Oat harvest for grain jumped to 26% complete, one week ahead of the average. Oat condition was 77% good to excellent. The states second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 57% complete, five days behind last year but two days ahead of the average. Hay condition rated 78% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 71% good to excellent. Some pastures remain flooded and where floodwaters have receded some pastures are covered in silt. Near-normal temps Iowans experienced near-normal temperatures for most of the reporting period before unseasonable warmth returned towards the end of the week, according to Justin Glisan, state climatologist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The statewide average temperature was 73.7 degrees, 1.0 degree below normal. Rainfall was reported statewide, though most stations registered below-average totals; only the far northeast corner received above normal rain. Weekly precipitation totals ranged from a trace at Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) to 2.56 inches in Lowden (Cedar County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.70 inch, while the normal is 1.05 inches. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the weeks high temperature of 94 degrees on July 13, eight degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the weeks low temperature of 53 degrees on July 10, nine degrees below normal. Republican National Convention: Day 1 in pictures Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (15 July 2024) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. The units of the Sever Group of Forces have engaged manpower and hardware of the AFU 92nd Assault Brigade, the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, the 36th Marine Brigade, and the 13th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade close to Volchansk, Liptsy, Tikhoye, and Volchanskiye Khutora. In addition, one attack launched by two assault groups of the AFU 71st Jaeger Brigade has been repelled. The AFU losses were up to 200 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, two pick-up trucks, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-64 counter-battery warfare station, and one Nota electronic warfare station. The units of the Zapad Group of Forces have taken more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on 43rd mechanised, 4th tank brigades of the AFU, and the 1st National Guard Brigade near Kovsharovka, Boguslavka (Kharkov region), Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Krasny Liman, and Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Four counter-attacks by assault detachments of the AFU 3rd Assault Brigade and the 4th National Guard Brigade have been repelled. The AFU losses were up to 585 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, and seven motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, two Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery systems, one Swedish-made 155-mm Archer self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made 105-mm L-119 and one U.S.-made M119 howitzers, Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station have been eliminated. Nine AFU field ammunition depots have also been destroyed. The units of the Yug Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line, defeated manpower and hardware of AFU 24th mechanised, 10th mountain assault brigades near Vyemka and Chasov Yar (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Three attacks launched by the AFU 5th Assault Brigade have been repelled. The AFU losses were up to 540 Ukrainian troops, two HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, and four motor vehicles. In addition, during counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 self-propelled howitzer, U.S.-made Krab and U.S.-made Paladin self-propelled artillery systems, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, three Msta-B howitzers, four 152-mm D-20 guns, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 122-mm D-30 gun, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, one BM-21 Grad MLRS combat vehicle, and two Anklav electronic warfare systems have been eliminated. The units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation and defeated 31st, 47th, 110th mechanised, 68th infantry, 95th air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the 129th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Dimitrov, Vesyoloye, Vozdvizhenka, Katerinovka, Timofeyevka, Zhelannoye, and Dzerzhinsk (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, Russian troops have repelled six counter-attacks by 41st, 151st mechanised, 95th air assault, 68th jaeger brigades, and the 425th Separate Assault Battalion of the AFU. The AFU losses were more than 340 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. The units of the Vostok Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line. The servicemen also defeated manpower and hardware of 72nd mechanised, 58th motorised infantry brigades, 108th and 128th territorial defence brigades near Nikolskoye, Makarovka, (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Lugovskoye (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses were up to 125 Ukrainian troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, two motor vehicles, two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer. The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have engaged manpower and hardware of the AFU 35th Marine Brigade and the 124th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Tokarevka, Ivanovka, and Antonovka (Kherson region). The AFU losses were up to 110 Ukrainian troops, six motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B gun, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 109 areas. Air defence facilities have shot down one MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, 36 unmanned aerial vehicles, and five U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles. In total, 628 airplanes and 277 helicopters, 27,622 unmanned aerial vehicles, 551 air defence missile systems, 16,586 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,378 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 11,916 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 23,710 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR The head of the Russian military department congratulated the command and personnel of the 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade for liberation of Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Since day one of the special military operation, the brigade performs tasks in the most difficult and responsible directions proving that it is rightfully named as the Guards and is one of the forward formations of the Vostok Group of Forces. At the moment, the servicemen of the brigade perform combat task with resilience and selflessness, are advancing and pushing the enemy back in South Donetsk direction. As a result of professional and decisive actions, the enemy suffers significant losses and withdraws to the west. For their courage and heroism demonstrated during combat missions, two servicemen of the brigade have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, and more than 1,025 servicemen have been presented with state and departmental awards. Russian Defence Minister congratulated the personnel of the 40th Guards Marines Brigade for liberation of Urozhaynoye. In the course of the special military operation, the servicemen of the brigade perform combat tasks in the most responsible directions. The servicemen demonstrate bravery and selflessness while liberation the Donetsk Peoples Republic and Zaporozhye region from Neo-nazis. Today, you are confidently advancing forwards, press the enemy in the mining area and liberate our land from the armed Ukrainian formations with determination and resilience, the Russian Defence Minister said in a telegram. For their courage and heroism demonstrated during combat missions, three servicemen of the brigade have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, and more than 1,000 servicemen have been presented with state awards. Russian Defence Minister thanked the servicemen for successfully performing combat tasks, loyalty to military duties and oaths, and expressed confidence that they would continue to honourably service Russia reliably ensuring security of the country. Russian Defence Ministry WtR Historic June flooding knocked out a small dam in northeast Minnesota and battered two larger ones, creating dramatic scenes like a tree-clogged Rapidan Dam near Mankato amid the roaring Blue Earth River. The state dodged major consequences, but the episodes drew a national spotlight to what is a common problem in Minnesota and elsewhere: old and creaky dams that are costly to fix, replace or remove. "Most of these projects were built in the (1930s), so they're either nearing the end of their life cycle or have reached the end of their life cycle," said Jason Boyle, who oversees Minnesota's dams as its top safety engineer. "Some might have been designed not up to current standards." Boyle said Minnesota has addressed nearly all of the dams in shaky condition that would be the most dangerous if they collapsed. Failures, however, are not unheard of, as state records show 26 dams or related infrastructure have failed in minor and significant ways between 2010 and 2023. Boyle's department also has a list of 73 state and locally owned dams in need of $33.6 million in work, mainly to boost safety. At the top of that list is a Nest Lake dam near Spicer, but there are needs across the state. The Coon Rapids Dam in the Twin Cities metro ranks No. 9. State lawmakers have approved money for dam projects, though inconsistently in recent years. And independent groups have mixed reviews of Minnesota's infrastructure. "Now that we know so much more about hydrology and flooding, that's probably a pretty common problem is just having the ability to safely pass a flood," Boyle said. Failed dams The Rapidan Dam has not fallen despite water at one point spilling over the top of the dam and a partial breach of its west abutment. The Woolen Mill Dam in Faribault also required some emergency work because of high flood waters. But Sullivan Lake roughly 25 miles north of Two Harbors practically emptied after high water broke a small 124-year old dam built out of wood, stone and dirt. Flooding from spring snow melt or heavy rains is a common issue for partially or fully breached dams, state records show. Most are not major or dangerous incidents and often involve small structures, though a few have raised public concern. In 2012, massive rains took out a section of a canal that feeds Minnesota Power's hydroelectric station in Carlton. That sent water to the St. Louis River and drained Forbay Lake, said Nora Rosemore, manager of the company's renewable business operations. The utility activated an emergency action plan during flooding, but the large Thomson Dam otherwise withstood the rains. The utility has since fortified its infrastructure. Minnesota lagging Overall, Boyle said Minnesota is "doing OK" on dam safety. For instance in the past decade, the state upgraded six "high-hazard" dams its government oversees, he said. That classification means a failure could kill people or cause significant property damage. Minnesota has 1,150 dams, according to a federal database, and 55 are high hazard. Lawmakers approved more than $23 million since 2020 for the state-owned Lake Bronson Dam in Kittson County, which Boyle said is the only high-hazard dam the state regulates that's in poor condition. The state is reviewing proposals to replace the dam's spillway. "It's definitely safe under normal conditions or even reasonably expected conditions," Boyle said. "It would be the extreme conditions where it would be a concern." Still, lawmakers have passed few infrastructure bonding bills in recent years, leaving many other projects in limbo. That includes, notably, flood mitigation work. In 2023, a historically large $2.6 billion infrastructure bill included just $4 million for dam safety repair and reconstruction and another $500,000 for the city of Gaylord to help replace the Lake Titlow Dam. That $4 million is enough to cover the state's share of eight dam projects on the lengthy priority list, which does not include private dams in need of repair or federally owned ones. Roughly 37% of dams in the state are privately owned. The federal government owns about 10%. The feds also regulate some dams they do not own, namely hydroelectric ones like Rapidan and Thomson. Dams in Minnesota are often for flood control, fish and wildlife management and recreation. Few were for hydroelectric power or holding waste from mining known as tailings. In 2022, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Minnesota a 'C' grade for its dam infrastructure. The group cited the age of dams and a long list of needs, even as officials have worked to reduce the project backlog. That's not solely a Minnesota phenomenon. Everett Taylor, Utah's dam safety engineering manager and treasurer for the national Association of State Dam Safety Officials, noted the feds announced in late June $185 million for high-hazard dams across the country from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. That included $2 million for Minnesota. ASDSO largely rates Minnesota well compared to its model policies for factors like permitting and plans for responding to emergencies. But Minnesota mustered only a 67% for its safety enforcement efforts. Boyle said Minnesota's score was lower because the state does not have penalties to deter dam safety violations nor the authority to recover costs from dam owners for emergency steps through legal action. Work to do Not every dam on the Department of Natural Resource's priority list has safety problems. The state can fund other work, including to help fish passage. Plans to remove dams for safety issues can also face local opposition. The DNR wants to demolish a dam in Hinckley on the Grindstone River, for example, but officials there have fought the idea in part because of recreation opportunities on the reservoir the dam created. One hurdle for Blue Earth County to remove the Rapidan Dam was a 2021 study that estimated demolition would cost $82 million. No project on the DNR's list comes near that price tag at least right now though a dam on the Pike River in St. Louis County listed in poor condition needs $4 million for "expensive repairs." The top DNR priority is $250,000 is for the Nest Lake dam in Kandiyohi County that has an old leaning wall on a channel downstream of the "low-hazard" dam, Boyle said. The Coon Rapids Dam, which Three Rivers Park District operates, is one of two "significant-hazard" structures near the top of the DNR's priority list. Lawmakers approved $16 million for the dam more than a decade ago to replace gates on the structure. Now the dam needs $2 million because of some cracked and damaged concrete, said Tom Knisely, a Three Rivers spokesman. Knisely said the structure is in good enough condition that it's not urgent to address. Boyle said Minnesota's dams need for upgrades will persist. "Dams will continue to age," he said, "and new dams will be added to this list as they continue to age." Water samples recently taken from two Lake Tahoe beaches were "non-detect for toxins associated with Harmful Algal bloom". The California State Water Resources Control Board and the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection announced the results on Tuesday after samples were taken on July 8 and 10th for El Dorado Beach in California and Nevada Beach in Nevada. The two agencies say the samples will support "the ongoing investigation of a death of a dog in the area." The advisory at El Dorado Beach has been lifted and the water is designated safe they say for recreational activities, however, visitors should remain vigilant. The Nevada agency recommends no advisory at Nevada Beach for the lake itself. "The agencies involved in water-sample testing cannot draw conclusions about the cause of death for the dog from these results, they can only speak to evaluating water quality and the presence of HABs." At Nevada Beach, a shallow pond not connected to the lake was found to contain a very low level of a cyanotoxin called saxitoxin. The pond is partially fenced off and the Lahontan Water Board and NDEP recommend further fencing to prevent dogs and people from accessing the area. A "HAB Watch" advisory has been issued for the pond. ORIGINAL STORY: Some are concerned after a viral video alleged a pet dog died after being exposed to a harmful algal bloom at a Tahoe beach. After spending the holiday weekend at Lake Tahoe, a woman posted a TikTok video claiming her dog got sick then died just three hours after swimming in the water at both Nevada Beach and El Dorado Beach. Heartbroken from her loss, she's now warning that everyone else should stay away from the water. The woman with the username, Anaisfelt, says in her video, "It was a freak accident but I'm concerned that there's more of the neurotoxin in Lake Tahoe and so I wanted to share because I hope this reaches people who are there this weekend, and you don't swim in the water." While it has not been confirmed that the pet did pass away from the supposed bloom, officials are testing the waters to see if an algal bloom has occurred. "Blue green algae is something that actually occurs naturally in Tahoe and there can be socionic bacteria that cohabitates with that," said Jeff Cowen, public information officer for Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. "It's incredibly rare that the levels of toxicity get that high in Tahoe." Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Staff collected water samples at Nevada Beach today to test for the algae and expect to have preliminary results back by tomorrow. Results are expected by the end of the week for tests done today at El Dorado Beach by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control. Cowen says tests conducted in the last few weeks have revealed nothing. But meanwhile the City of South Lake Tahoe posted advisory signs today at El Dorado Beach warning that harmful algal may be present in the water. "Visual inspections were done by water quality scientists today and they did not see signs of large algae blooms or algae activity in general so we're going from there with additional signs to make sure that people are aware that more testing is happening," said Cowen. We do not know at this time where this incident has occurred as it could have either been Nevada Beach or El Dorado Beach as the viral video claims they went to both locations. Cowen says if you see warning signs on the beach it's okay to swim but make sure to not let children or pets drink the water or get near any scum on the shore. Do not use the water for cooking and do not eat shellfish from the water either. Mayor John Whitmire leads a press conference with acting governor of Texas, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick behind him July 9 at the Emergency Operations Center the day after Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston area. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Gallery Furniture Owner Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale, from right, says CenterPoint Energy should put people before profit during a press conference with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday following Hurricane Beryl. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Gov. Greg Abbott shakes hands with Gallery Furniture owner Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale after a press conference on Hurricane Beryl on Sunday. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells speaks to a reporter on Thursday about the effort to restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer CenterPoint Energy has deep roots in Houston, and its branches have spread widely into local, state and federal politics as it has grown into a multistate and multifaceted corporation with a net income last year of $917 million and a million-dollar budget to influence politicians. Houston Mayor and former state Sen. John Whitmire helped pass the law that transformed the former Houston Lighting and Power into the modern-day CenterPoint. He was also the companys key ally in the Texas Senate, and the company employed his daughter, Whitney, as a legislative lobbyist from 2008-2021. Just last year, Whitmire voted for two laws that diminished a citys authority over companies like CenterPoint. The first allows the utility to request rate hikes twice a year instead of once, while the other diminishes the citys input into the companys resiliency plan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, after Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to millions of Texans for days, Whitmire has taken a sterner tone. I dont know what everyone was doing (Thursday) morning at 7 a.m., I was talking to the CEO of CenterPoint, letting him know they must do better, Whitmire told a press conference. So yes, were going to hold CenterPoint accountable after we do an action review. The company has enjoyed a monopoly over the Houston region since 1882. When cities first began electrifying in the late 19th century, most chose one of two paths. Some established city-owned utilities or cooperatives to generate power, distribute it and collect bills from customers. Others granted investor-backed companies a monopoly to do it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston contracted with Houston Electric Lighting and Power, while Austin and San Antonio still own their electric utilities. In the 1990s, Texas Republicans wanted to promote competition in the electricity business. Houston-based Enron was a leading advocate for deregulation, arguing that a privatized system would bring lower prices. Whitmire joined other senators in approving Senate Bill 7 in 1999 to break up the monopolies and create three separate businesses: generation, transmission and retail sales. SB7 created a competitive wholesale market where generators compete to offer the lowest-priced electrons. The Legislature put the nonprofit Electric Reliability Council of Texas in charge. That market failed in 2021 during Winter Storm Uri, killing 700 people. The Legislature allowed Austin, San Antonio and rural co-ops to continue operating as monopolies. In most of the state, though, retail electric providers compete for customers by offering different pricing plans and making money by trading electricity futures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The transmission and distribution lines between the generators and the customers do not lend themselves to competition. Therefore, lawmakers said cities and the Public Utility Commission could grant monopolies to manage the lines and poles not owned by cities or co-ops. Houston Lighting and Power became a retail electric retail provider called Reliant Resources and sold its generation plants in 2002. That left the transmission and natural gas businesses, which adopted the name CenterPoint Energy for its place in the middle of the supply chain. As a regulated utility, politics weigh heavily on CenterPoints business. The company is obligated to maintain the current grid, but the PUC allows it to collect additional fees for special projects on a cost basis plus an approved profit. Over the last 20 years, the company has spent millions influencing city councils, the Legislature, the PUC and federal regulators to maximize profits. In 2023, CenterPoint spent $620,000 on lobbying, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit that compiles campaign reports. CenterPoints Political Action Committee handed out more than $500,000 in each of the 2020 and 2022 election cycles and $218,000 so far in 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Top recipients for 2022 included Texas Speaker Dade Phelan, $15,000; Comptroller Glenn Hegar, $12,500; and Gov. Greg Abbott, $10,100; as well as $11,000 for Sen. Phil King and $10,000 for Sen. Charles Schwertner, who drafted legislation covering utilities last year. CenterPoint and its executives have given Whitmire $38,600 for his Senate and mayoral campaigns since November 2022. Before that, the CenterPoint PAC gave him $20,000 between 2012 and 2020. State law says city officials have primary authority over utilities like CenterPoint. However, lawmakers over the years have given more authority and override power to the Public Utility Commission, which is appointed by the governor. Utilities like CenterPoint have Texans over a barrel. Cities theoretically could kick them out, but theyd have to find another company to take over. The PUC might also overrule them. City or state officials could levy fines or order them to pay for repairs from their profits. However, the corporation might declare bankruptcy to escape punishment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Planning a trip to California? Youre not alone. A recent AARP survey found the Golden State was the second most popular travel destination among 50-plus travelers (Florida takes the top spot). For beach lovers, the Southern California coast has so many towns, cities and suburbs, its often hard (even for locals) to describe their differences or to decide which seaside escape is best for them. Members only To help you narrow down which beach towns to consider, here are eight great options for novel activities on both land and water. Beach goers and surfers can enjoy the waves and epic breaks in Ventura. Alamy Ventura Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Venturas blend of Hispanic heritage and outdoor sports appeals to both aquatic fanatics and landlubbers. The town traces its roots to 1782 when Spanish padres planted a cross and celebrated Mass on the beach before founding a mission. San Buenaventura (the Mission by the Sea) remains the towns architectural gem. Theres more history across the street at the Museum of Ventura County and at Olivas Adobe on the south side of town. Surfers flock to epic breaks like the Jetty, Solimar and C Street, while Ventura Harbor offers calm waters for kayakers and paddleboarders, as well as daily Islands Packers ferries to nearby Channel Islands National Park. Stay: The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is the only beachfront property directly on the sand, while the Harbortown Point Marina Resort & Club offers rooms with harbor and water views and waterfront dining. All rooms at the Inn on the Beach have ocean views. Insider tip: Olivas Adobe hosts the summertime Music Under the Stars evening concert series with acts that run a broad gamut from tribute bands to jazz, funk and Latin. A popular draw to Venice Beach is the boardwalk, where visitors can people-watch by the shore. ADAM AMENGUAL/The New York Times/Redux Venice A carnival atmosphere takes over this beach burb on weekends and holidays when thousands of people wander the boardwalk watching the iron-pumping weight lifters and eclectic street artists, brunching in beachside cafes or trying their luck on a skateboard or Segway. Nearby Santa Monica Pier offers the only West Coast oceanfront, steel roller coaster and the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. You can also find cotton candy and other old-timey carnival attractions at the pier, while the nonprofit eco-group Heal the Bay maintains a small aquarium with kid-friendly touch tanks. Stay: Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica are the four-star hangouts, but there are also midrange options such as Hotel Erwin and the Venice on the Beach Hotel. Insider tip: Several places along the shore rent bikes and scooters to cruise the paved oceanfront trail that stretches about 22 miles from the Santa Monica Pier to Redondo Beach. A broken electricity pole on Green River Road as a result of Hurricane Beryl on July 11. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Opposition to CenterPoint Energys nearly $2.3 billion resiliency plan to shore up its electric transmission and distribution infrastructure against extreme weather and other risks was already brewing among some Houston-area cities and consumer groups before Hurricane Beryl left a record number of the utilitys customers in the dark. CenterPoint is now facing the ire of politicians and regulators who will investigate if it was underprepared for the Category 1 storm that crippled the companys power lines and poles in the Houston region. Under pressure to do more to prepare for future storms, questions about whether CenterPoints desired investments are prudent have become even more relevant. The plan, filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas in April, includes such measures as replacing and upgrading equipment most susceptible to severe weather, elevating substations to avoid flooding damage, wildfire mitigation, moving of certain power lines underground, vegetation management and funding a city of Houston employee who would oversee implementation of power resiliency projects for city facilities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Katie Coleman, managing partner at the Austin office of OMelveny, the law firm representing the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers trade group, said her clients are concerned that CenterPoint includes existing projects in the resiliency plan. The trade association filed comments with the PUCT protesting the plan in June. Its stuff that they were going to do anyway and that they should do anyway, Coleman said. Under House Bill 2555 passed last year, CenterPoint and other utilities can get approval from the PUCT for a rate increase to recover the costs of resiliency plans before those investments are made and the improvements are in service. In typical rate cases, they can only recover costs already incurred. That structure incentivizes utilities to recategorize existing programs as resiliency measures, Coleman said. In Beryls aftermath, Coleman said she was worried CenterPoint and the PUCT will feel compelled to green-light proposals that could improve storm preparedness and response even a little bit, regardless of cost to consumers. What Im worried is going to happen is, utilities are going to feel pressure to propose all these crazy undergrounding schemes and ridiculous resiliency plans, and then the commission is going to be under pressure to approve it, Coleman said. Because if they dont, next time theres an event, is it going to be their heads that roll? My concern is that people are going to lose sight of whats actually effective, not to mention cost-effective. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Though some measures in CenterPoints resiliency plan are the same business as usual activities the company already undertakes, such as replacing poles or vegetation management, the plan proposes to expand on those programs at a pace and scope that is not business as usual, Jason Ryan, CenterPoints executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, wrote in an email statement. The company is proposing to invest extra capital and to take on extra expense to get these resiliency improvements in place sooner and on a broader scale, and many of these resiliency measures only provide their full benefit when they are fully or nearly fully deployed, Ryan said. To exclude measures from a utilitys plan simply because the utility has previously implemented similar measures would undermine the very purpose of the legislation to encourage additional resiliency investments by utilities. If no state or federal funding is granted to cover part of the cost, CenterPoints proposed resiliency plan would add $3 per month to the average residential electric bill, Ryan said in April. The Office of Public Utility Counsel, the state agency that represents residential and small business consumers in rate cases, called CenterPoints resiliency plan overly broad and expensive, in part because it continues programs already in progress for years. While the plan includes many measures that are appropriate, cost effective and necessary, it also includes measures only tangentially related to resilience, that are not cost effective, that upgrade existing systems unrelated to resilience, or of low probability to be effective, according to John Haselden, who filed testimony on behalf of the OPUC in June. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For example, CenterPoint wants to reroute one transmission line that is part of its coastal assets to increase redundancy, increase the voltage of another and build a third at a cost of more than $504 million, projects Haselden said had little to do with resiliency. The city of Houston opposed HB 2555 when it was being considered, though then-state senator and now-Mayor John Whitmire voted for it. In its written testimony to the commission in June, the city recommended removing measures costing $441 million from the plan. Millions of dollars have been poured into (CenterPoints) system over the years, but the system performance numbers have steadily become worse. In the future, it is unlikely that the same type of planning is going to produce different results, Michael Ivey wrote in his June testimony on behalf of the Houston Coalition of Cities. As for what investments could be a better solution, Stoic Energy Consulting President Doug Lewin argued in favor of more microgrids, localized grids that can disconnect from the main grid when there are outages. Microgrids from Houston-based Enchanted Rock kept H-E-Bs, a city of Houston water pumping facility and around 150 other operations running during Beryl, according to Allan Schurr, the companys chief commercial officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Only around 1% of CenterPoints resiliency plan goes to microgrid pilot programs, Lewin said. The renovated River Oaks Theatre takes another step closer to its long-awaited reopening with the announcement that Robert Saucedo, a 13-year veteran of the Alamo Drafthouse chain, is the theater's new artistic director. Saucedo, 39, comes to the role from being a senior film buyer for Alamo Drafthouse overseeing the Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Lubbock and El Paso markets. Prior to that, he was program director for Triple Tap Ventures, the franchisee that operates the Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra in Katy. Exterior of the River Oaks Theatre which is scheduled to re-open in October. Culinary Khancepts River Oaks Theatre artistic director Robert Saucedo promises a wide variety of film and music programming. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer River Oaks Theatre artistic director Robert Saucedo was at the Alamo Drafthouse for 13 years. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer He will be in charge of film and music programming at the three-auditorium theater, built in 1939 as a single-screen cinema and the last remaining vintage movie theater in the area that is still being used to show motion pictures. After closing in 2021, the abandoned movie palace that had been operated by California's Landmark Cinemas was reborn in 2022 when Houston-based Culinary Khancepts, which runs the Star Cinema Grill theater chain, took over the lease. According to Saucedo, the plan is for the River Oaks Theatre to reopen in October, though there is no set date. DINNER AND A MOVIE: Ranking the seven top dine-in movie theaters around Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Saucedo, also a published writer whose graphic novel "Where Wolf" came out two years ago, says the opportunity to program the River Oaks Theatre, a theater he grew up with, was one he couldn't refuse. "I've known the team at Culinary Khancepts for a while. They took over the Alamo Vintage Park in 2016 (it's now a Star Cinema Grill) and I met the team members back then. We've stayed in touch. I did an event on my book tour at one of the Star Cinema Grills in College Station last year. So we have been talking on and off about the theater," he said in a phone interview last week. "Once they took over the theater and it was a possibility of me coming on board, I was a little hesitant, not because of the theater but I loved working at the Alamo Drafthouse so much. It was a great community, a great group of folks I was working with, but the more I thought about this position and the theater, the more I realized what an opportunity this was to take what I learned from the Alamo and work with Culinary Khancepts to breathe new life into this really historic movie theater." Yes, 'Rocky Horror' is back Saucedo, who has been on the job for about two weeks, says filmgoers can expect a return of the lineup of prestige art-house films for which the River Oaks Theatre was known for years. But there's going to be much more. "We are going to be showing a lot of the great art-house cinema that people liked watching at the River Oaks. The way I imagine the River Oaks Theatre going forward is to have a robust mix of studio art-house films, the best new indie films from some of these really groundbreaking distributors like Utopia Films, Monument Films, Oscilloscope," he explained. "All those guys who are doing really cool, small titles, and we are going to show a healthy dose of repertory films like Landmark, but (back then), you'd have to stay to midnight watch repertory films at the River Oaks. We are going to make sure we are showing repertory films throughout the entire day. But we will also continue to midnight screenings of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show.'" Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fans and patrons of the Landmark River Oaks Theatre do the "Time Warp", from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" as they demonstrate against the closure of the historic movie theater on March 7, 2021 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Saucedo says the the theater's capacity 243 downstairs in the main auditorium, 50 each in the upstairs auditoriums offers him the versatility for what he wants to do. "The way studios work is we are going to have to play some movies for a big chunk of time. If you open a new movie from A24 or Neon, you're committed to playing that for several weeks," he said. "I think that we have these smaller theaters upstairs, and they offer an opportunity. You can bring in the movie that's going to put butts in the seats downstairs, and upstairs is where you can experiment and show things that otherwise wouldn't get played in Houston or didn't play for very long." Building a 'community hub' One of his priorities is to attract young people who may not be as inclined to go see a film in theaters as their parents or grandparents when they were the same age. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "That's the way that theaters are going to stay alive for another 100 years is for the next generation to come out and watch movies at the theater," he says. "We are going to experiment on what screenings can look like, what you can show and how you show it. We are going to be bringing in a lot of the staples that you expect from an art-house theater but also great live performances. We have two silent screenings with live orchestras booked for the fall. Those will be great experiences to see at this new theater." He's open to events that aren't necessarily film related as the River Oaks will also play host to a variety of live events. "There are a lot of performers, musicians, comedians, podcasters, lecturers who are looking for a great venue where they can give a tremendous performance to their fan base, and we are going to be the venue for that." While at Alamo, he explored alternative programming. Some of the projects he shepherded included hosting a weekly indie and foreign cinema series, a screening the Houston-shot "Rushmore" with Jason Schwartzman in attendance and the horror film festival Graveyard Fest. Patrons enter the River Oaks Theatre during a recent celebration for director Richard Linklater. Cary Darling It's all part of his vision of creating what he calls a "community hub." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "What that means is working with all the great people in town, scientists, activists, artists, lovers of film and music and helping them be a part of the programming and curation of the River Oaks," he says. "It could be a music series hosted by one of the local record stores or have an author have a book signing and present a screening of a film that inspired their work." Over the last two years, the nonprofit Friends of the River Oaks Theatre, an organization formed to help save the theater when there was a fear among some that it might be torn down or converted into a different type of business, has been staging film-related events around town to raise awareness. These activities include the recent salute to director Richard Linklater at the River Oaks Theatre and the Star Cinema Grill in west Houston. Saucedo expects those to continue. "We look forward to working with all of our community partners, and they've been doing some great work," he says. New seats, new eats When moviegoers attend the new River Oaks, they are going to find more than programming changes. There will also be new luxury seats, new projection and sound systems, a private screening room and in-theater dining in conjunction with the restaurant, Leo's River Oaks, that will be connected to the theater. The latter is a hallmark of Culinary Khancepts, all of whose theaters the many Star Cinema Grills in the Houston suburbs and Reel Luxury Cinemas in The Woodlands are dine-in, meaning you can order meals and snacks from your seat and have them delivered. (Culinary Khancepts also operates the area restaurants Liberty Kitchen, State Fare and The Audrey as well as the Hollywood Palms theater/restaurant in suburban Chicago.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad It's also a business model that Alamo Drafthouse helped pioneer. But Saucedo says that the River Oaks food options won't be a carbon copy of what Alamo offers. "It's going to be a much different menu, and it's going to be a slightly different service model," Saucedo said, though details about the restaurant and food have yet to be released. For those wondering if the derecho or Hurricane Beyril had any impact on the renovation project, Saucedo says you can stop worrying. "Besides a few poor palm trees that were displaced outside the theater, the interior of the theater is in great condition," he said. BBDO Guerrero has announced the appointment of Peach Natividad as its new Chief Strategy Officer. She has an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, and brings a proven track record in brand building, consumer insight, and digital strategy to the agency. Prior to joining BBDO Guerrero, Natividad spent the last five years at Google as Country Lead Creative for Philippines and Vietnam, where she marketed the Google brand, YouTube, canvas, and technology to top advertisers and agencies in both markets. Her extensive experience includes leading digital and strategy teams at top agencies. Natividads accolades include being part of the teams that earned six Campaign Asia Digital Agency of the Year (GOLD) awards for the Philippines and three 4As Digital Agency of the Year (Creative) awards across different agencies. Additionally, she is a graduate of three Mini MBA courses with Mark Ritson at Marketing Week (UK). Francine Kahn-Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of BBDO Guerrero, said, We are delighted to welcome Peach to the BBDO Network. Her innovative approach and deep understanding of digital strategy will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of creativity and effectiveness. Its wonderful to be working with her again, and this time as a team member. Peach Natividad, Chief Strategy Officer, BBDO Guerrero, also commented, I am excited to return to the creative agency setting and work alongside such a talented team. BBDO Guerrero has a remarkable legacy of creativity and impact, and Ive collaborated with them countless of times. I look forward to collaborating with the different teams to drive innovative strategies and deliver exceptional results for our clients. David Guerrero, Creative Chairman of BBDO Guerrero, said, Its great to have Peach join our team. We always put strategic planning and insight as the starting point of great creative campaigns. And Peach brings the proven track record, and cutting edge knowledge of digital platforms to drive outstanding work for our clients. In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of fostering inclusive and collaborative policy decision-making, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the leadership of Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, held the first meeting of the two-day session of newly constituted Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs). The initiative will be critical in engaging industry leaders in expanding and shaping the future of Indias telecommunication ecosystem. Aiming to facilitate a consistent two-way dialogue with government on matters related to telecommunication sector, Jyotiraditya Scindia has constituted six distinct Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs) to provide valuable insights to the DoT on various matters pertaining to it. Top CEOs, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry thought leaders are members of these six advisory committees (SACs). Telecom Service Providers (Meeting on 16/07) Internet Service Providers & Infrastructure Providers (Meeting on 16/07) Telecom Sector Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) (Meeting concluded on 15/07) Telecom Electronics Ecosystem (Meeting concluded on 15/07) Satellite Communication Ecosystem (Meeting concluded on 15/07) Academicians and R&D in Telecommunications sector (Meeting on 16/07) Key Highlights Day 1 Satellite Communication Ecosystem The Satellite Communication Ecosystem SAC focuses on the role of satellite technology in enhancing communication services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This committee explores opportunities to expand satellite communication infrastructure, improve regulatory frameworks, and encourage private sector participation. Telecom Sector Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) The Telecom Sector OEMs SAC aims to bolster the local manufacturing of telecom equipment and reduce dependency on imports. This committee focuses on promoting indigenous production, encouraging innovation, and removing bottlenecks for OEMs. The first meeting involved drawing up a charter w.r.t. policy priorities and resolving issues in the short and the medium terms. The objective is to nurture a robust telecom manufacturing ecosystem in India. Telecom Electronics Ecosystem The Telecom Electronics Ecosystem SAC addresses expansion of the footprint of telecom electronics and component manufacturing sector in India. This group works on strategies to enhance the production capabilities of electronic components and devices used in telecom networks. The initial meeting discussed measures to support local electronics manufacturing, resolve supply chain issues, and promote research and development in this critical area. Scindia expressed his confidence with regard to the discussions and emphasized upon the importance of continuous engagement with industry leaders to drive technological advancements and policy reforms. He stated, "This initiative will go a long way to make India Atmanirbhar and a global leader in field of Telecommunications. The insights and contributions from these esteemed committees will be invaluable in shaping policies that foster growth, innovation, and inclusivity." The Department of Telecommunications looks forward to the valuable contributions of all stakeholders and is committed to fostering a productive and innovative environment for the growth of the telecom sector. The South Indian Bank Limited as announced the appointment of Dolphy Jose as Whole-time Director (Executive Director) of the Bank effective from 15th July 2024. Dolphy Jose is an accomplished banker with over 25 years of experience in the financial sector. His extensive expertise encompasses Retail and Commercial Banking, including Retail assets and liabilities, Branch Banking, P&L Management, and Institutional & Government Business. Known for his strategic acumen, Mr. Jose has a proven track record in building robust distribution channels, establishing strategic partnerships, and leveraging digital capabilities to drive business growth. Prior to this, Jose has held significant roles, most notably his nearly two-decade-long association with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President - Institutional Business (Retail Liabilities). He was also associated with The Karur Vysya Bank as Chief General Manager & Group Head-Consumer Banking, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. Commenting on the appointment, P R Seshadri, Managing Director & CEO of South Indian Bank, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Dolphy Jose to our leadership team. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the banking industry will be invaluable as we continue to drive our strategic initiatives and enhance our service offerings. We are confident that his leadership will significantly contribute to the growth and success of South Indian Bank." Jose is a seasoned professional with a diverse educational background, including a Professional Program in Fintech: Specialisation Payments & Lending from SP Jain School of Global Management, an MBA in General Management from the Institute for Technology & Management, complemented with a specialized Certificate Program in IT & Cyber Security for Senior Management from IDRBT, a General Management Program from IIM Ahmedabad, an Executive Program from ISB Hyderabad, a Certified Course in Computer Programming from BITS Mumbai, alongside a degree in Commerce. Indias booming economy has become a magnet for international players, and the PR industry is no exception, with the entry of established foreign firms through acquisitions altering the landscape, particularly for independent and mid-sized agencies. The first part of this story analyzed the acquisitions by international PR firms in India during the last two decades, and the resultant opportunities and challenges, especially for mid-sized firms. The second part of this feature dives deep into this dynamic shift, exploring how these acquisitions are impacting strategies, operations, and the very future of Indian PR. We will examine the challenges and opportunities presented by this consolidation wave, and what it means for the competitiveness and innovation of the industry as a whole. Also read: The most transitional shifts in Indian PR: One acquisition at a time - Part 1 Consolidation and self-reliance Ultimately, achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in the PR industry requires a deep understanding of regional dynamics and market nuances, points out Bhaskar Majumdar, co-originator of CommsAdda. According to him, strategic foresight, innovative service delivery, and effective talent management will be pivotal for mid-sized firms to thrive amidst evolving industry dynamics and global competition. The entry of international PR firms into the Indian market through acquisitions is significantly reshaping the strategies and operations of independent and mid-sized PR firms across the country. The presence of international firms with global expertise and extensive resources intensifies competition for both clients and talent. Independent and mid-sized PR firms are compelled to enhance their service offerings, innovate more aggressively, and differentiate themselves in specialized niches to remain competitive. International firms bring best practices and advanced technologies to the table, raising the bar for service standards in the Indian PR industry. This pushes local firms to adopt new technologies, improve operational efficiency, and elevate their overall service quality to meet client expectations, says Majumdar. He further adds that the entry of international PR firms introduces global perspectives and practices into the Indian market. This can lead to a cultural exchange of ideas, methodologies, and strategies, enriching the capabilities of local firms and enabling them to offer more diverse solutions to clients. Majumdar stresses on the importance of fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat in PR. The consolidation wave affects talent dynamics in the industry. While larger firms may attract top talent with global exposure opportunities, mid-sized and independent firms can differentiate themselves by offering more personalized career growth paths, entrepreneurial environments, and specialized training. The challenge lies in comprehending the dynamic nuances of the Indian market, where indigenous firms inherently possess an advantage. In PR, fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat is crucial. Larger Indian firms, leveraging their deep-seated understanding of local market intricacies, naturally maintain an edge over competitors. While the consolidation of international PR firms in India brings challenges for smaller players, it also presents opportunities for growth, specialization, and professional advancement. The future of the Indian PR industry looks poised for transformation, driven by global integration, higher standards, and enhanced client outcomes through strategic partnerships and innovative practices, he concludes. Rishi Seth, Founder and CEO, Evoc Communications, reckons that many international clients find it easier to work with their international counterparts in PR and advertising due to standardisation of processes and client experience across countries. This, he adds, obviously presents challenges to independent firms, who will inevitably have a unique culture and service delivery standards, leading to a client experience that may be very different from the global network firms (important to note that even international firms are not homogenous, and thus, will have differentiated processes even among themselves). According to Seth, the key for the independent firms is to invest in elevating and differentiating their client experience to compete effectively and meaningfully with international firms. This calls for world-class systems and processes and a quality-oriented culture. Other possible strategies can include developing competitive advantages through deep local insights and stakeholder relationships, which may not be easily replicable by foreign firms. These strategies definitively work as is evidenced by the fact that the largest PR firm in India by a huge margin is still an independent Indian firm, he adds. A word of caution There is a word of caution from Akshara Lalwani, Founder and CEO, Communicate India. International firms, she warns, must be cautious about buying past successes, for, the future of PR lies in innovation and adaptability, not in traditional methods. Despite numerous international firms entering the Indian market, success has been limited. Many have entered through acquisitions only to exit later, as the disparity between the global and Indian models remains significant. This makes it challenging for international companies to scout quality acquisitions and maintain a positive ROI. Until the Indian market matures and globalizes further, this disparity will persist, she notes. According to Lalwani, the challenges include: Increased competition: The entry of well-established international players intensifies competition. Mid-sized firms must continually innovate and differentiate themselves to maintain and grow their market share. Cultural and operational differences: International firms often face challenges in adapting to the unique cultural and operational nuances of the Indian market. This can create a complex environment for mid-sized firms navigating collaborations or competing with these global entities. Retention and talent acquisition: The competition for top talent becomes fiercer with the presence of international firms. Mid-sized firms need to invest more in retaining their key talent and attracting new ones to stay competitive. The future of the Indian PR industry The Indian PR industry is at crossroads. Consolidation, fueled by international acquisitions, is reshaping the landscape. But what does this mean for the future? While consolidation will drive professionalism and innovation, there can be increased pressure on independent firms, potentially leading to further consolidation. The Indian PR industry, fueled by entrepreneurial spirit, is not yet in a consolidation phase, remarks Vikram Kharvi, CEO, Bloomingdale PR. According to him, unlike saturated markets where consolidation is more common, the Indian PR landscape remains relatively young and vibrant, with ample room for the emergence of new firms. He reminds us that the notion of a consolidation wave does not accurately capture the current state of the industry. Instead, what we are witnessing is a phase of dynamic growth and expansion. New players continue to enter the market, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to public relations. This period of growth ensures a competitive and diverse environment, fostering creativity and allowing more firms to thrive. While larger entities may acquire smaller firms to enhance their capabilities, this trend is part of the industrys evolution rather than a sign of consolidation. The future of the Indian PR industry will likely be characterized by continued diversification and the rise of new entrepreneurial ventures, driving the sector forward, Kharvi concludes. While the PR industry worldwide is witnessing a wave of consolidation, with established giants merging and acquiring smaller players, India presents a slightly different picture, points out Rishi Seth. Here, he adds, the trend has been more towards outright acquisitions by international firms. However, it is important to note that the Indian PR scene is a breeding ground for new agencies. He thinks that this constant influx of young, dynamic firms, led by both seasoned and emerging communication professionals, suggests a more optimistic outlook. So, unlike the global consolidation trend, the Indian PR landscape might be headed for a future brimming with diverse players, creating a richer and more competitive ecosystem, Seth concludes. Akshara Lalwani is certain that the consolidation wave is likely to drive the Indian PR industry towards greater professionalism and sophistication. While the entry of international firms brings challenges, it also fosters a more competitive and innovative environment. Lalwani stresses that the future success of PR firms in India will depend on their ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, embrace new technologies, and offer value-driven services. As the market continues to globalize, the gap between global and Indian models is expected to narrow, leading to a more integrated and mature PR landscape in India, she concludes. Ashraf Engineer, Head of Strategy, Ideosphere, foresees that the pressure on independent and mid-sized firms to raise their game will increase. This might mean they too would look for investments or outright acquisitions. Growth is the mantra, in my view, for survival. And you need investment to fuel it. While the industry has been in consolidation mode for a while, there are still attractive targets for the picking. Global groups will have their eyes on them. In my view, we will continue to see consolidation for at least five more years. I believe it is good for the Indian PR industry for the reasons outlined before, Engineer says. However, he does not believe that all Indian agencies will look to sell. He states that there are major independent players that have resisted the temptation to sell outright or part with a stake. And theyre doing very well. Once the dust has settled, what well have is a layered industry that comprises agencies of varying sizes, independent and otherwise, each layer catering to different budgets and client needs, concludes Engineer. Anup Sharma, Strategic PR & Communications Consultant, said: "In the fast-evolving media landscape, PR firms are stepping up their game. With changing media habits and the rise of social media, managing an organisation's reputation has never been more crucial. And now the PR firms are being looked upon as strategic advisors, not just managing reputations but also guiding overall strategy." According to him, technology, shifting consumer behaviours, are driving this change to scale up, leading to financial and management pressures. "Clients demand integrated teams that excel across disciplines and agencies. This shift pushes PR firms to upscale their resources, aiming for a 'networked' model where global capabilities boost speed, agility, and talent. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in marketing are rapidly evolving. At one level are the big communication network groups (WPP, OmniCom, Publicis, Havas etc) which have multiple agencies, and then there is big interest from the Private Equity (PE) firms. They are spending big to enter the disrupted marketing and communications sector, scaling mid-sized independent shops and selling them at higher prices. In India, PR veterans Zacharia James and Rishi Seth joined The Practice as strategic investors, having co-founded Six Degrees, acquired by WPP's Cohn & Wolfe. These firms offer large payouts to agency founders, scaling and then selling these businesses. Recently, Maven Corporate Advisors acquired a 76% stake in Kaizzen, co-founded by Vineet Handa. PE-backed firms are seizing opportunities in the disrupted marketing sector, scaling mid-sized indie shops to sell them at higher prices. And its not just the Private equity (PE) firms who are the game-changer; major IT consulting firms like Accenture, Deloitte, IBM, KPMG, and McKinsey & Company invested over $1.2 billion in 2017 in acquiring various digital communication firms," he adds. According to Sharma, despite the appeal of independent agencies with good client lists, demand for traditional agencies is weak as companies merge and rethink resources amid AI's rise. "Global PR firms look at partners with local insights, openness to emerging technologies, visual storytelling, and interactive capabilities to meet stakeholders' demand for a more engaging experience. While Big Data, AI, and VR are powerful tools, their effectiveness lies in engaging stakeholders. PR firms must invest in technology like Big Data, AI, and Machine Learning to stay ahead. The traditional PR agency model is shifting towards a networked approach. Global capabilities are being utilized to enhance speed, agility, and talent access. In this hyper-connected and transparent age, organizations are re-evaluating their societal purpose to appear authentic and credible. PR and digital campaigns now focus on integrated ideas and voices, promoting organizations as committed partners in supporting an inclusive economy and sustainable environment. To continue being in the market PR firms must upscale their skills and meet clients' demands for more senior leadership involvement. This shift requires PR firms to rethink their organizational structures, integrate across all office functions, and play an active role in strategic operations and maybe global partners," Sharma says. Also Read: The most transitional shifts in Indian PR: One acquisition at a time - Part 1 Pioneering marketing data and analytics business, Kantar launches the Brand Inclusion Index (BII), a global study which reveals that 75% of consumers say that a brands diversity and inclusion reputation influences their purchase decisions. A staggering 68% Indians claim to have been discriminated against, and in majority of cases in commercial places and brand touchpoints, which is substantially higher than the global figure which stands at 46%. The study also showcases that DEI is important for an overwhelming majority of Indians, both in life and while making brand choices, with 86% of respondents. The study identifies that inclusive marketing is a significant opportunity to drive brand growth. It is clear that brands who fail to address discrimination, risk alienating a significant portion of their customer base. Despite progress made by some brands, the Brand Inclusion Index 2024 reveals a significant inclusion gap that businesses must address. This gap is the difference between the proportion of people in a market who have experienced discrimination and the percentage who believe in the importance and influence of diversity and inclusion. Kantars Brand Inclusion Index 2024 is a survey of more than 23,000 people in 18 countries, the India leg comprises 1000 plus respondents with an inclusive demographic which is gender expansive, disability, socio-economic class, religion etc. The findings of the Brand Inclusion Index sit in the context of preliminary research from the Unstereotype Alliance with Oxford Universitys Said Business School, using data from Alliance members including Kantar. This study has found that progressive, inclusive advertising drives a significant sales uplift of over 16% when compared with less progressive ad content and has a significant impact on consumer loyalty, buying intentions and a brands pricing power. Respondents assess brands on different dimensions brave brand DEI strategy, diversity, equity, and inclusion from the absence of negative actions, to the presence of positive initiatives. The first edition of India Brand Inclusion Index study explores skincare, banking, automotive and Technology categories. In its Index of the worlds most inclusive brands, Kantar ranked Google, Amazon, Nike, Dove and McDonalds in its global top five while in India, it is Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio and Apple. The brands were recognised by consumers for setting a positive example by demonstrating a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Key findings: Theres an urgent need for brands to address DE&I failures: A staggering, 68% Indians claim to have been discriminated against, and in majority of cases in commercial places and brand touchpoints, which is substantially higher than the global figure which stands at 46%. The study also showcases that DEI is important for an overwhelming majority of Indians, both in life and while making brand choices with 86% respondents Consumer expectations are high, globally: 75% of consumers globally say that diversity and inclusion or a lack thereof influence their purchase decisions DEI is yet to make its mark on Indian advertising: More women are seen in Indian ads than global average but they remain bound by traditional roles of homemakers and mothers (7% women are featured in non-traditional roles) Fairness of skin may have transitioned to glow but skin colourism continues to exist in creatives Sizes remain slim and small. (7% diverse body shapes) Ageism dominates with 40+ women represented in less than one out of five ads (15% in India vs 26% globally) Underrepresented groups are most vulnerable: Ad protagonists and characters in India are painted in broad strokes of what they, their homes, beliefs and lifestyles look like, ignoring ethnic minorities, LGBTQ Ads that successfully portray people positively provide greater predicted ROI for advertising investment. There has been growth in the industry in positive portrayal of Males over the last year, but a drop in Female portrayal since last 2 years Globally, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals report the highest rates of discrimination (81% and 62% respectively), emphasising the need for targeted efforts to create more inclusive environments and content Google, recognised as most inclusive brand in India as well as globally. It emerges as a beacon of hope, ranked by Kantar as the most inclusive brand globally. Consumers, particularly in marginalised communities, praised Google for its unwavering commitment to DE&I in its internal policies, products and marketing, its authentic representation of people from all walks of life and its leading-edge innovation for inclusion Alongside Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio and Apple emerged in the top five winners in India. Category wise, the India top Brand Inclusion Index scorers are - Google (Technology), Tata Motors (Automotive), SBI (Banking), Dove (Skincare). Valeria Piaggio, global head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Kantar, said: Its a myth that inclusion marketing is about marketing to minorities. Inclusion marketing is expansive marketing. One of the fundamental ways to grow your brand is to predispose more people to it. Yet when brands exclude consumers whether thats because people dont feel welcomed when shopping in stores or their advertising doesnt reflect diverse communities its an easy miss. Millennials and Gen Z prioritise diversity and inclusion even more than other groups, and as these populations grow in size and buying power these issues will carry more weight. Brands will be rewarded if they stand by their values especially in the face of vocal communities which stoke the culture wars by pitting minority groups against one another. Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director & Chief Client Officer- South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar said, In a country of Indias size, the term under-represented groups can be misleading for brands to use as a guiding light. Minorities can translate into millions of people who may choose or not choose to buy your brand, based on how well they feel seen, heard and voiced in your brands. It is a business imperative for brands to prove that they are serious and committed about DEI. The Brand Inclusion Index - our breakthrough study on brand inclusion - gives clear indications of how to achieve the inclusivity imperative. Our analysis of whats behind the most inclusive brands is that they all have three things: a well-thought-out DEI strategy that stems from company actions and is committed long-term, impeccable creative execution, and bravery. The element of bravery will be increasingly important. As in other moments in history, when theres significant social change, there are groups of society that seek to maintain the status quo, feel threatened, and as a result, react loudly. Mohanty added, To avoid backlash, brands today need to be extra careful. Full inclusion needs to work at both ends of the spectrum: reaching out to underrepresented populations and making them count, while avoiding negative reactions from people who are used to seeing themselves well-represented by brands and dont want to be left behind. This study brings understanding of how people perceive brands based on their DEI efforts, focusing on populations that tend to be excluded, underserved, or misrepresented. The Brand Inclusion Index gives marketers clear benchmarks for brand inclusion and inspiration from brave brands that are seen as diverse, fair, and inclusive. Also Read : Kantar launches 4th edition of its CEA India Filiz Ciftci, a branding and marketing expert with over 16 years of experience, has been appointed as the new Business Director for Saudi Arabia at Landor. Ciftci brings a wealth of experience working with high-profile clients across the public and private sectors in the UK and the Middle East. Her portfolio includes projects for the UK government, Expo 2020, Emaar, Jumeirah Group, and Majid Al Futtaim. Since joining Landor in 2019, Ciftci has led successful branding initiatives for major Saudi entities such as Saudia, MBC Shahid, and Aramco. "Filiz's appointment signifies our commitment to excellence," said Mariagrazia De Angelis, General Manager at Landor Middle East and Africa. "We are confident that her expertise will propel our clients and our agency forward." Ciftci expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating her commitment to "making a lasting impact on brands and communities in KSA." With a strong educational background in marketing and brand management, Ciftci is known for her innovative approach and drive for excellence. Landor expects her appointment to bring fresh perspectives and strengthened expertise to their clients in Saudi Arabia. A tree lays across a section of power lines along FM 1314 after Hurricane Beryl, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Conroe. Federal disaster recovery centers soon will open in Montgomery County, but some residents will have to drive out of their precinct to get the aid they need. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A fallen tree blocks the road of a residential area in Houston, seven days after Hurricane Beryl caused major power outages. Federal disaster recovery centers soon will open in Montgomery County, but some residents will have to drive out of their precinct to get the aid they need. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Federal disaster recovery centers soon will open in Montgomery County, but some residents will have to drive out of their precinct to get the aid they need. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Linemen and trucks are parked while working on restoring electricity for the street Monday, July 15, 2024 at Aldine in Houston. Federal disaster recovery centers soon will open in Montgomery County, but some residents will have to drive out of their precinct to get the aid they need. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Federal disaster recovery centers soon will open in Montgomery County, but some residents will have to drive out of their precinct to get the aid they need. During a special meeting Tuesday, commissioners approved providing space for the Federal Emergency Management Agency sites in precincts 1, 2 and 4. The FEMA centers are facilities and mobile offices set up after a disaster and are open to all disaster survivors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Residents can learn about disaster assistance programs, apply for disaster assistance, check the status of a FEMA application, find housing and rental assistance information and meet with a Small Business Administration agent at the sites. Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said he did not have space available for a center, especially for use by federal agencies for several months. If we have something in Precinct 2 and Precinct 4, our residents can go to each one of those facilities," Noack said. "I dont have a building, there is nothing available. If there is something in Precinct 2 and Precinct 4, our residents can go to each one of those facilities. Noack said he wasnt aware of widespread major damage in his precinct. The disaster recovery centers are important and we try and get them in each precinct, Jason Millsaps, executive director of the countys Office of Homeland Security. The faster we can get them open, the faster people can get the claims done. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Millsaps said the county will release where those centers will be later this week. CLEANING UP: Beryl left millions of cubic yards of debris in Houston suburbs Power restoration continues Millsaps said about 6% of the county is still without power, mostly east Montgomery County residents. A significant amount of restoration has been done, Millsaps said. But some of the harder hit areas in Precinct 2 and Precinct 4 are still left to do. Advertisement Article continues below this ad County Judge Mark Keough has continued to work daily with representatives with Entergy Texas and CenterPoint on restoration times. A general feeling about this for me is CenterPoint has just not been prepared, Keough said. I give Entergy a B or B plus but CenterPoint has dropped the ball. As of Tuesday, Entergy had just 3,435 customers still without power, while CenterPoint reported 4,753 customers still without power, according to their websites. Shelters and cooling centers Millsaps said the countys four shelters still have residents staying at them due to no electricity. He said shelters in Montgomery, Magnolia and The Woodlands each have 12 people with the shelter in Splendora with 43 residents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are working with the Red Cross to get those folks more permanent placement to get those shelters closed, Millsaps said. Cooling centers at the countys libraries are also still open and have averaged about 600 people since opening last week. SUMMER TREATS: The top 20 ice cream shops in Houston The county has also opened 10 locations to distribute water, food and ice. Millsaps said more than 7,800 vehicles have come through those locations for supplies. He said 10,000 cases of water, 13,000 bags of ice, and 8,200 meals ready to eat have been handed out. We have had a total of 75 truckload coming from Houston to the warehouse, Millsaps said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Distribution centers vary daily, but residents can contact the county's Office of Emergency Management at 936-523-3900 for details. The office also provides information on its Facebook page. The court approved the expenditure of up to $65,000 for the county to purchase several trailers to help move supplies. Millsaps said the county has been renting them. We would have them for this storm and future storms, Millsaps said. Debris clean-up Millsap said Alabama-based CrowderGulf is contracting with the county to collect green waste. As of Monday, crews were in the county beginning clean-up. Their goal is to have 25 (trucks) in the county by the end of the week and surging to 50 over the next couple of weeks, Millsaps said. The focus right now is areas where residents have been able to begin cleaning up and moving debris to the side of the road, Millsaps said. Crews will make a second run at locations over the next several weeks. More than 1 million cubic feet of debris is expected to be collected county-wide, he said. The county will let residents know when trucks will be in their areas. Millsaps said that while not everyone needs to sign up for debris removal, signing up helps crews know where to go for collection. The crew will only pick up unbagged vegetative debris. LS Digital, one of the pioneering integrated Digital Business Transformation companies, has announced its expansion into the Australian market with the opening of its new office in Melbourne. This move is a significant milestone in LS Digital's global growth plan, reflecting the companys commitment to offering world-class digital business transformation solutions. LS Digital's entry into Australia is strategically aligned with its Centre of Excellence (COE) model of service delivery, ensuring that the clients receive the highest quality of service through specialized teams, focussing on industry-specific needs, leveraging the latest technologies and methodologies. Prasad Shejale, Founder and CEO of LS Digital said : We are thrilled to establish our presence in Australia, a market with immense potential for digital business transformation. Our new office in Melbourne will enable us to bring our cutting-edge digital business transformation services and innovative solutions that have driven success for our clients globally, to now brands in Australia region too. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to global growth and delivering excellence across different markets. Santosh Shukla, Co-founder and CEO - UI/UX, LS Digital commented: Our deep expertise in user-centric design and technology-driven innovation will enable us to create transformative solutions that drive tangible business impact for our clients in the region. Our COE model is designed to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges and opportunities within key industries. In Australia, LS Digital will focus on sectors such as BFSI, Energy, Education, Health, e-Commerce, Mining, Government, Travel & Tourism, Realty, and Food. We believe our expertise and innovative approach will drive significant digital transformation and value for businesses across these industries. With its expansion into Australia, LS Digital aims to empower local businesses to achieve their business transformation goals, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth. The companys comprehensive suite of services, including Media, Creative & Communication, Data & Insights, Tech & Innovations, UI/UX and CX / EX, positions it as a trusted partner for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. Four Army Soldiers Killed In Action In Encounter With Terrorists In J&K's Doda 2 Four army personnel, including an officer, were killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter was part of an intensified anti-terror operation. The region has seen a surge in terror activities recently, attributed to attempts by Pakistani handlers to revive terrorism. This incident marks the third major clash between security forces and terrorists in Doda districts forests over the past three weeks. Just a week earlier, a terrorist ambush in Kathua district resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to several others. The joint operation, involving troops from the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police, commenced late Monday evening in the Desa forest belt. The encounter occurred around 9 pm. Following an initial exchange of fire, the terrorists attempted to flee but were pursued by the troops, leading to another intense firefight. Five soldiers were critically injured, four of whom, including the officer, later succumbed to their injuries. The Armys 16 Corps, or White Knight Corps, highlighted on X that the joint operation was based on precise intelligence inputs, leading to the heavy firefight which ensued at around 2100 hrs. Despite mobilizing additional forces and conducting extensive searches on Tuesday, no fresh contact was made with the terrorists, who are believed to have infiltrated from across the border and been hiding for months. The uptick in terror attacks in the Jammu region has been notable since late 2021, attributed to efforts by Pakistani handlers to rekindle terrorism in the area. Over 70 individuals, including 52 security personnel, have lost their lives in terror-related incidents in the region since then. Security forces have also eliminated 54 terrorists in response to the surge in attacks, primarily concentrated in the Rajouri and Poonch districts. Supreme Court Seeks ED Response on Manish Sisodia Bail Plea in Excise Policy Case 2 The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning AAP leader Manish Sisodias petition challenging the Delhi High Courts decision to reject his bail plea in the excise policy money laundering case. A bench of justices BR Gavai, Sanjay Karol, and KV Viswanathan has sought a response from the probe agency and listed the matter for a hearing on July 29. On July 11, Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing Sisodias petition, which seeks to revive his challenge to the Delhi High Courts order. Following his recusal, a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the matter. The issue was subsequently listed before a three-judge bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Karol, and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The Supreme Court has decided to reassign the case to a different bench as Justice Kumar opted out for personal reasons. During the Thursday hearing, Justice Khanna noted that his colleague Justice Kumar would not like to participate due to personal reasons. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia has approached the Supreme Court to revive his bail plea, citing delays in the trials commencement for the excise policy case. Senior Advocate Singhvi informed the court that the probe agency stated on June 4 that the investigation into the excise policy case would be completed, and a final complaint/charge sheet filed by July 3, 2024. Following the charge sheets filing, the trial court would be able to proceed expeditiously. The top court granted Sisodia the liberty to renew his bail application once the charge sheet is filed. Sisodia is now requesting the revival of his application against the Delhi High Courts dismissal of his bail plea. The Chief Justice of India on Tuesday assured Sisodias counsel that the matter would be reviewed and advised them to rectify any procedural defects. In February 2023, the CBI arrested Sisodia for purported irregularities in the drafting and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The policy was retracted amid opposition allegations of corruption. Currently in judicial custody, Sisodia is alleged by the CBI to have played a crucial role in the criminal conspiracy, significantly influencing the policys formulation and execution to further the conspiracys objectives. The Kedarnath Gold Scam Is a Political Stunt 2 Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranands comments on the Kedarnath gold scam have gone viral. The truth is that the gold plating on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of the Kedarnath Mandir is actually made of brass and was only gilded. Be it the vagaries of weather or the continuous burning lamp in the sanctum sanctorum, the gold plating slowly turned black. It was never gold, nor is there any confirmation of the existence of such gold. There is no record in the temple trust either, which can verify that there was a significant amount of gold and where it came from. Gold plating on the four walls was carried out by a businessman from Mumbai in 2022. It was done in the presence of an expert team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Ajeyndra Ajay denied the charges, claiming that the exact quantity of the gold plating was not as stated. According to him, it weighed less than 220 kilograms. Since Uttarakhand is ruled by the BJP ahead of state elections, this is an attempt to put the government in an awkward situation. There is no doubt about the 228 kilograms of gold that went missing from the Kedarnath Mandir sanctum sanctorum. The temple committee had issued a receipt for the gold plates provided by the donor businessman, Vinod Shukla, a senior functionary of the local priests body, Kedar Sabha, told the Statesman. The Kedarnath Mandir is one of Sanatana Dharmas most revered sites. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where people from across the globe travel to seek blessings from Bhagwan Bholenath. However, the mandir has recently come under public scrutiny due to allegations of a Rs. 1.25 billion gold scam. The gold plating was opposed by several local pandas at Kedarnath, who claimed that the shrine was known as an abode of penance and salvation and regarded as Muktidham, as per Sanatan traditions and beliefs. According to them, being a place of salvation, gold plating was not needed in the temple as it is considered worldly glitter, and decoration is not acceptable to Lord Shiva. Badrinath Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is known for courting controversies with his statements from time to time. He was one of the prominent speakers against the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, as the temple structure was still under construction. The political turmoil over the construction of a temple like Kedarnath in Burari, Delhi, is intensifying. Opposition parties and pilgrimage priests have raised their voices against it. Meanwhile, Surendra Rautela, founder of Shri Kedarnath Dham Delhi Trust, has made an important comment regarding the controversy over the Kedarnath temple being built in Burari. He said that if sentiments are being hurt by naming the temple to be built in Delhi as Kedarnath Temple, then the trust will change the name of the temple. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is the protector of religion, so he was invited to the foundation stone laying program of the temple. Chief Minister Dhami has nothing to do with the temple trust. Another heated controversy has arisen following the foundation stone laid for a new Kedarnath temple in Delhi, with objections raised by Swami Avimukteshwaranand, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. The Shankaracharya vehemently opposed the construction, arguing that Kedarnaths sanctity cannot be replicated in the national capital while also hinting at an ongoing gold scam. Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known primarily for the Kedarnath Mandir. It is approximately 86 kilometers from Rudraprayag, the district headquarters. Kedarnath is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is located in the Himalayas, about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, near the Chorabari Glacier, which is the source of the Mandakini River. The town is flanked by snowcapped peaks, most prominently Kedarnath Mountain. The nearest roadhead is at Gaurikund, about 16 km away. The town suffered extensive destruction during June 2013 from the flash floods caused by torrential rains in Uttarakhand state. Multiple outlets who obtained court documents have confirmed Shannen Doherty agreed to settle her divorce with ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko in the days prior to her death. According to PEOPLE, the actress signed a filing to waive spousal support on July 12, just one day before she died. The Beverly Hills, 90210 star also agreed to a default or uncontested dissolution of their marriage, indicating the two had mutually finalized their divorce proceedings outside of court. The parties have entered into a written agreement regarding their property and their marriage or domestic partnership rights, including support, the original of which is being or has been submitted to the court, the documents read. It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease, Leslie Sloane said in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace, Sloane added. Her illness was publicly revealed in a lawsuit filed in 2015 against her former business managers, in which she alleged they mismanaged her money and allowed her health insurance to lapse. She later shared intimate details of her treatment following a single mastectomy. In December 2016, she posted a photo of her first day of radiation, calling the treatment frightening for her. In February 2020, Doherty revealed that the cancer had returned and she was at stage four. She said she came forward because her health conditions could come out in court. The actor had sued insurance giant State Farm after her California home was damaged in a fire in 2018. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A 3-year-old Georgia girl drown over the weekend in an east Alabama Lake. Kinley Nicole Anderson was with family at Weiss Lake in Cherokee County when she disappeared late Saturday afternoon. Sheriffs deputies, along with Leesburg Police and Fire, Cherokee County EMA, Cherokee County Rescue Squad, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Division and Atrium Floyd EMS responded to the scene. The lake house was in the 400 block of Northwood Drive. Kinley, authorities and family said, fell off the dock. Once found, she was taken to Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, where she was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. Please join us in praying for the family dealing with this horrible tragedy, Sheriff Jeff Shaver said in a news release. Kinleys aunt, Kellye Palas, has started a GoFundMe to help the family with the girls burial. We are asking for prayer for her amazing parents, grandparents, and family, Palas wrote. We are all shocked and unsure of how to help besides prayer and trying to take away the worry of funeral expenses. The GoFundMe has already raised more than $15,000. Donations can be made here. Alabama Death Row inmate Keith Gavin had said in a court filing by his attorneys last month he didnt plan any more appeals of his scheduled lethal-injection execution Thursday for the 1998 murder of man at a bank ATM in Cherokee County. But in the past few weeks he has been fighting for his life in a handwritten motion to a judge. The judge dismissed that request last week, and on Tuesday afternoon Alabama Supreme Court justices issued an order denying Gavins appeal that had been filed Monday. Efforts by AL.com to reach Gavins attorneys for comment were unsuccessful Tuesday. Gavin, 64, was sentenced to death for the March 1998 murder of William Clayton Jr. in Cherokee County. He is set to be executed July 18, but the timeframe could go into July 19 if there are delays. He is set to die by lethal injection at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, which is the only prison in the state with an execution chamber and where most death row inmates are housed. Gavins attorneys on June 14 had filed a lawsuit asking that the state not perform an autopsy on his body, saying that Gavin is a devout Muslim and that his religion teaches that the human body is a sacred temple, which must be kept whole. Alabama officials agreed not to conduct an autopsy, and the lawsuit was formally dismissed. In that lawsuit, his attorneys stated that Gavin does not anticipate any further appeals or requests for stays of his execution and the autopsy argument is not an effort to block the execution. But on June 17, Gavin filed a Stay of Execution motion without his attorneys to the Cherokee County Circuit Court. At the same time he also asked the court for an In Forma Pauperis declaration a status that allows poor people to have court filing fees waived. Cherokee County Circuit Court Judge Shaunathan C. Bell on July 10 ruled that Gavin had more than enough in his prison account to pay the filing fee and denied the request. The judge also dismissed Gavins motion for relief from his conviction and death sentence. In his motion last week, Gavin had argued a jurisdictional issue and that jurors in his trial should not have been told about his previous conviction and sentence served for murder in Illinois. In Gavins case, court records show he was on parole from Illinois when he was arrested in the shooting death of Clayton, a courier service driver who had parked his van to use an ATM machine in downtown Centre. He was finished with deliveries for the day and was stopping at Regions Bank to get money to take his wife to dinner. Records stated that Gavin shot Clayton during an attempted robbery, pushed him into the passengers seat, and drove off in the van. With an investigator from the district attorneys office in close pursuit, Gavin stopped the van, got out, shot at the investigator, and fled. Gavin was soon apprehended, and Clayton was pronounced dead at a hospital. Two eyewitnesses identified Gavin as the shooter, including his cousin, who was an employee of the Illinois Department of Corrections. The cousin testified about trips he and Gavin had made to Centre and on that day saw Gavin fire shots at the driver of the van. Gavin also fired shots at an investigator as he fled, according to testimony. The slaying came just a few months after Gavin had been released on parole from prison in Illinois after serving 17 years of a 34-year sentence for murder. An Alabama jury convicted Gavin and voted 10-2 to recommend he be sentenced to death. The judge followed the jurys recommendation and sentenced Gavin to death. Following his conviction, Gavins appeals failed in state and federal court.The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review his case in 2005, 2017, and again in May 2023 based on various legal arguments. CSMBGASVH Update 06-26-24 Today marks another day closer to the opening of the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise! Learn more about the facility ahead of its tentative fall 2024 opening: https://va.alabama.gov/command-sgt-maj-bennie-g-adkins.../ Posted by Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs on Friday, June 28, 2024 A project for Alabama veterans that has been in the works for six years is almost finished. Alabamas fifth state veterans home will open Sept. 13 in Enterprise, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis said Tuesday. The Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home near Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) will be home to about 174 veteran residents. Construction cost for the home was about $115 million, a combination of state and federal funds. The home will employ more than 200 people. Planning for the new home started back in 2018. Davis spoke about the new home at a legislative budget hearing on Tuesday. Alabamas other state veterans homes all have waiting lists for residency slots, with the wait times varying from about four months to just over a year, Brandon Miller, spokesman for the ADVA, said. Those are the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, the Tut Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette, and the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City. The homes provide nursing home-level skilled care. The home in Pell City, which is the newest and opened in 2012, also has 80 assisted living units. Miller said the ADVA is in the process of hiring a director for the Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home. When the director is in place, the home will begin accepting applications for residency. Veterans at the other four state veterans homes who want to transfer to Enterprise will have priority. The State Board of Veterans Affairs voted three years ago to name the new home in Enterprise after Adkins, who received the Medal of Honor in 2014 for his heroic actions in Vietnam. Commissioner Davis said a sixth state veterans home is among the upcoming major projects under consideration for the ADVA. Davis said it would most likely be in west Alabama. The establishment of a State Veterans Cemetery in north Alabama is another priority for the ADVA, Davis said. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt returned to the national spotlight Monday night with a prime time appearance on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Britt, who gave the GOP rebuttal to President Joe Bidens State of the Union speech back in March, spoke for five minutes Monday night, denouncing the Biden-Harris administration and calling for a return of Republican nominee Donald Trump to the White House. To my fellow moms and dads across America, I think we all know that raising a family is hard, Britt said. Add in smartphones and social media and we already had plenty to worry about. But then Joe Biden and Kamala Harris came around. Now our lives are that much more difficult and way more expensive. Under Biden-Harris, prices are high and expectations, well, theyre low. Britt blamed Biden for rising costs of groceries, electricity, gas, and housing. To me, these arent just numbers, the senator said. This is pain for millions of Americans. It means that so many American families have to live with so much less. Britt said Biden was not capable of reversing what she said was the negative course of the nation. The American people wont have the wool pulled over our eyes, Britt said. We see how Biden and Harris keep making things worse. And we know the current president is not capable of turning things around. His weakness is costing us our opportunity, our prosperity, our security, our safety, each diminished, all in decline. Just like the man in the Oval Office. Britt who was elected in 2022 to replace Sen. Richard Shelby, Alabamas longest serving senator, echoed the theme of other speakers Monday night, saying that another term for Trump would mean brighter days for American families. We will defeat decline, dust off our dreams and forge our future because families across our nation deserve better, Britt said. Once again, America will be the land of limitless opportunity for all and paving that path starts today. So lets roll up our sleeves. Send President Trump back to the White House. And get America back on track. The Katy Rice Festival celebrating the history of Katy. The family friendly event featured live music, food trucks and vendors on October 8, 2022. Gary Fountain/Contributor The Katy Rice Festival celebrating the history of Katy. The family friendly event featured live music, food trucks and vendors on October 8, 2022. Gary Fountain/Contributor Katy Rice Harvest Festival returns in October, and country musician Stoney LaRue will be headlining the event. Since 1981, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival has been one of the most beloved events in Katy. The festival benefits the Katy Rotary Club, and all proceeds go to local charities. The annual festival is a celebration of Katys culture and rich history, and it pays homage to rice, the grain that put Katy on the map. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The event returns Oct. 12 in Katys downtown historic district, running 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. La Rue will perform live on the main stage Oct. 13. This years festival will be the largest ever, said Kaci Maris, city of Katy tourism and marketing coordinator. We're trying to get back to our heritage and roots and make it more about the history of Katy, she said. That's the importance, but were also making it the biggest festival that we've ever had. Popular attractions include craft vendors, food trucks, beer and wine tents, rides and kids' zone, Maris said, but there are new features this year as well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Children ages 4 to 8 can compete in the new mutton busting challenge, and the festival will also offer an indoor arcade area for an air-conditioned break from the heat. Scholarship opportunities abound at this years festival. The rice cookoff contest will be open to children this year, and kids from ages 7 to 17 can serve up their favorite rice dishes for a chance to win a scholarship. The Rice Harvest King and Queen Contest offers students the opportunity to compete for a scholarship and is based on the students community engagement and knowledge of the significance of the Katy Rice Harvest history. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new Civic Center will be used as an art gallery, Maris said, featuring contest submissions with a rice harvest theme. Because parking is limited, Rice Harvest Festival will offer free shuttle service to and from the Merrell Center daily. More heat advisories will be in effect for most of Alabama on Tuesday. The National Weather Service said heat and humidity could combine to make it feel as hot as 108 degrees in parts of the state this afternoon. Air temperatures are expected to peak in the mid-90s for most of the state today. Here are the forecast highs for Tuesday: Here are the high temperatures expected on Tuesday across Alabama.NWS Forecasters said there will be higher chances for rain and storms to develop this afternoon, and a few could be strong to severe with frequent lightning and heavy rain. Here are todays heat advisories: NORTH ALABAMA [5:35AM] A Heat Advisory is in effect today between 10 AM and 8 PM CDT for heat indices up to 107 degrees F along and west of I-65 Be sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and avoid leaving pets or people in vehicles! #HUNwx pic.twitter.com/hNjIx4J6J4 NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) July 16, 2024 * Heat advisory from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Cullman counties. The weather service in Huntsville said the heat index could rise as high as 107 in those areas. CENTRAL ALABAMA Most of central Alabama will be under a heat advisory on Tuesday.NWS * Heat advisory from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday for Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston, Walker, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Blount, St. Clair, Talladega, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga, Lowndes, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Russell, Pike and Barbour counties. The weather service in Birmingham said heat index values up to 108 are expected in those areas this afternoon. SOUTH ALABAMA Another hot day in store, with temperatures topping out in the low to mid 90s over most of the area. Heat indices will rise above 108F today, with a Heat Advisory in effect for southeast Mississippi, Southwest Alabama and the western Florida panhandle. pic.twitter.com/9iq9v8majQ NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) July 16, 2024 * Heat advisory from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday for Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, Escambia, Covington, Mobile and-Baldwin counties. The weather service in Mobile said heat index values up to 108 are expected. WEDNESDAY ONWARD Another hot day is expected on Wednesday, with high temperatures again expected to climb well into the 90s. More heat advisories will be likely for much of the state, according to the weather service. More mid-90s will be possible on Wednesday in Alabama.NWS However a break, of sorts, will be possible starting on Thursday as a front works its way southward in the state. The front will bring increased chances for rain and storms, according to the weather service. It is expected to lose steam and stall out somewhere over central or south Alabama, leading to increased rain chances lingering through the rest of the week. And slightly lower temperatures. Highs on Thursday are expected to stay in the 80s in north Alabama, and some of those slightly lower numbers could make it southward on Friday and into the weekend. Here is the forecast for Thursday: Temperatures will be a few degrees "cooler" on Thursday.NWS By Friday most of the state will only see highs only in the 80s: Slightly cooler temperatures are again expected on Friday.NWS Similar temperatures are expected to stick around through the weekend, according to weather service forecasts. Those slightly cooler temperatures could hang around into next week. The updated six- to 10-day temperature outlook from NOAAs Climate Prediction Center continues to show a slightly higher probability of below-average (for July) temperatures for part of Alabama through next week: A skateboard park in Mobile was vandalized sometime on Tuesday with spray-painted references to a host of politically charged issues. The graffiti also includes a sympathetic message toward the shooter in Saturdays attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pa. RIP Thomas Matthew Crooks reads a message painted on the side of the skateboard ramp, referencing the 20-year-old gunman who opened fired from a rooftop and was shot to death. One of the bullets hit Trumps right ear, prompting Secret Service agents to rush the Republican presidential nominee off stage. One person was killed and two others were seriously injured by Crooks before he was shot dead by the Secret Service. A motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and the FBI are investigating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism. Also spraypainted was #BLM -- the initials for the Black Lives Matter movement. A hammer and sickle was also spraypainted onto the ramp, which long has symbolized communist Russia. Also added was 1848 A.D. - Forever. Its unclear what that message means. The year 1848 is when a wave of revolutions occurred in Europe, breaking out in 50 countries like Italy, Brazil, and Hungary. The revolutionaries sought more liberal governments and freedom from monarchies with major contributing factors including widespread dissatisfaction with political leadership, demands for more participation in government and democracy, freedom of the press, and demands by the working class for economic rights, among other things. The year 1848 is also when Communist Manifesto was released by Karl Marx. Jason Johnson, spokesman with the City of Mobile, said that the Mobile Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department are aware of the vandalism, and our facilities team is already working to remove the graffiti. As of 2 p.m., the graffiti appeared to have been removed. Johnson said that Mobile police are investigating the incident as an act of vandalism, and that officers will make close patrols around the park today, tonight and on Wednesday. A Selma firefighter is behind bars, accused in the weekend shooting death of another man. Benjamin Jackie, 27, is charged with murder, Police Chief Kenta Fulford announced Monday. Selma police were dispatched at 9:36 p.m. Sunday to a report of someone shot in the 2100 block of Minter Avenue. Fulford said they arrived to find a man on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. The victims identity has not yet been released. Jackie was taken into custody at the scene. He is being held on $1.5 million. City officials said more information would be released Tuesday. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Selma investigators at 334-876-1273. Peter Buxtun, the whistleblower who revealed that the U.S. government allowed hundreds of Black men in rural Alabama to go untreated for syphilis in what became known as the Tuskegee study, has died. He was 86. Buxtun died May 18 of Alzheimers disease in Rocklin, California, according to his attorney, Minna Fernan. Buxtun is revered as a hero to public health scholars and ethicists for his role in bringing to light the most notorious medical research scandal in U.S. history. Documents that Buxtun provided to The Associated Press, and its subsequent investigation and reporting, led to a public outcry that ended the study in 1972. Forty years earlier, in 1932, federal scientists began studying 400 Black men in Tuskegee, Alabama, who were infected with syphilis. When antibiotics became available in the 1940s that could treat the disease, federal health officials ordered that the drugs be withheld. The study became an observation of how the disease ravaged the body over time. In the mid-1960s, Buxtun was a federal public health employee working in San Francisco when he overheard a co-worker talking about the study. The research wasnt exactly a secret about a dozen medical journal articles about it had been published in the previous 20 years. But hardly anyone had raised any concerns about how the experiment was being conducted. This study was completely accepted by the American medical community, said Ted Pestorius of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speaking at a 2022 program marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the study. Buxtun had a different reaction. After learning more about the study, he raised ethical concerns in a 1966 letter to officials at the CDC. In 1967, he was summoned to a meeting in Atlanta, where he was chewed out by agency officials for what they deemed to be impertinence. Repeatedly, agency leaders rejected his complaints and his call for the men in Tuskegee to be treated. He left the U.S. Public Health Service and attended law school, but the study ate at him. In 1972, he provided documents about the research to Edith Lederer, an AP reporter he had met in San Francisco. Lederer passed the documents to AP investigative reporter Jean Heller, telling her colleague, I think there might be something here. Hellers story was published on July 25, 1972, leading to Congressional hearings, a class-action lawsuit that resulted in a $10 million settlement and the studys termination about four months later. In 1997, President Bill Clinton formally apologized for the study, calling it shameful. The leader of a group dedicated to the memory of the study participants said Monday they are grateful to Buxtun for exposing the experiment. We are thankful for his honesty and his courage, said Lille Tyson Head, whose father was in the study. Buxtun was born in Prague in 1937. His father was Jewish, and his family immigrated to the U.S. in 1939 from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, eventually settling in Irish Bend, Oregon on the Columbia River. In his complaints to federal health officials, he drew comparisons between the Tuskegee study and medical experiments Nazi doctors had conducted on Jews and other prisoners. Federal scientists didnt believe they were guilty of the same kind of moral and ethical sins, but after the Tuskegee study was exposed, the government put in place new rules about how it conducts medical research. Today, the study is often blamed for the unwillingness of some African Americans to participate in medical research. Peters life experiences led him to immediately identify the study as morally indefensible and to seek justice in the form of treatment for the men. Ultimately, he could not relent, said the CDCs Pestorius. Buxtun attended the University of Oregon, served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and psychiatric social worker and joined the federal health service in 1965. Buxtun went on to write, give presentations and win awards for his involvement in the Tuskegee study. A global traveler, he collected and sold antiques, especially military weapons and swords and gambling equipment from Californias Gold Rush era. He also spent more than 20 years trying to recover his familys properties confiscated by the Nazis and was partly successful. Peter was wise, witty, classy and unceasingly generous, said David M. Golden, a close friend of Buxtuns for over 25 years. He was a staunch advocate for personal freedoms and spoke often against prohibition, whether it be drugs, prostitution or firearms. Another longtime friend Angie Bailie said she attended many of Buxtuns presentations about Tuskegee. Peter never ended a single talk without fighting back tears, she said Buxtun himself could be self-effacing about his actions, saying he did not anticipate the vitriolic reaction of some health officials when he started questioning the studys ethics. At a Johns Hopkins University forum in 2018, Buxtun was asked where he got the moral strength to blow the whistle. It wasnt strength, he said. It was stupidity. Thirty-seven years ago a Birmingham developer made a bold proposal for what the Magic Citys skyline might look like in the 21st century. Shepherd Centre would have built a 68-story office tower between First and Second Avenues South, along with a 42-story tower, near 20th and 21st Streets. The project had a preliminary price tag of up to $200 million. A Reddit post over the weekend mentioned the project, drawing questions from users about what happened to the proposal. According to newspaper accounts at the time, it was ambitious even for the days when it seemed skyscrapers were going up each year in downtown Birmingham. Both of the Shepherd Centre structures, if they had been built, would be taller than Birminghams tallest current building, the 454-foot Shipt Tower, which at that time was only a year old when the proposal was made. And for the time, the main building would have been taller than any other building in the South, excluding several in Texas, according to contemporary reports. Shepherd Centre was proposed in 1987 by Everett Shepherd Jr., the man behind Brookwood Village and other projects in the Birmingham area. It reflected a time long before telecommuting and would have easily dwarfed anything in downtown Birmingham at the time. David Fleming, CEO of REV Birmingham, said you have to admire Shepherds vision. I remember it well, he said. On the one hand its really great that he had that kind of confidence in, and vision for, downtown Birmingham. On the other, I think the reason we never saw it was that there never was a market for that much office square footage in that time. Designed by Michael Waldheim of Gresham, Smith and Partners, the buildings would have encompassed roughly 2 million square feet of office space, along with retail and residential. To put that in perspective, thats a third as big as the current total space for Birminghams Central Business District. When Shepherd put forward the project, he didnt have an anchor, though he did propose it as a site for the Kirklin Clinic and State Farm. The clinic, though, had in mind a site closer to UAB, and State Farm moved to its own headquarters. Shepherd died in 1997. Shepherd kept the dream alive as late as 1991, when he proposed several high-rise buildings along 20th Street South. Looking to the future of Midtown, one advertisement stated. But even as this proposal was unveiled, companies were migrating to suburban office parks. The downtown market already had space to spare. Shepherd Centre was a creature of a time when corporations looking were for large scale, corporate downtown presences. Mergers and acquisitions, and the recession of 2000, did the rest in consigning the project to oblivion. Fleming said a project of that size would have required a commitment from a very large corporate entity. Probably a bigger user than any user in Birmingham than existed at the time. And if the buildings had been built, Birmingham would probably be looking at a much larger glut in available downtown office space, Fleming said. According to Cushman & Wakefield, in the first quarter of 2024, the Birmingham metro area had an office vacancy rate of 15.7%. Of the five different regions making up the area, Birminghams central business district had a vacancy rate of 14.3%, while Midtown recorded a 7.2% rate. The metro areas rate was better than many other U.S. cities. Atlanta, Houston, Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago are all at 25% or higher. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin handled an AR-15 rifle and a Micro Draco handgun in his report to the city council this morning, promising to turn up the heat on criminals after a weekend homicide spree in the city. This feels and looks like a military weapon for me, Woodfin said. Tell me, does it belong on our streets? Woodfin was displaying guns used in violence in the city, calling for a crackdown on military-style weapons after a deadly Saturday. In roughly six hours, a man, woman and child were killed in a triple homicide and four died in a mass shooting at a birthday party. Should people be driving around with these? he said as he held the gun. Because thats what theyre doing. At one point, Woodfin swung the AR-15 in a way that caused some council members to ask him to not point the weapon in their direction. Council, I apologize - I didnt mean to, Woodfin said. Im sorry. When he picked up the Micro Draco, he said, Fingers not on the trigger, everybody, to calm any nerves. Nowhere near it. He asked Birmingham Police Officer James Skinner, a Marine veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, to discuss the firepower of the weapons. Thats a death machine, Skinner said. Those type guns are not used to hunt animals, Woodfin said. Theyre being used to hunt down people, he said. We had five homicides in the first five days of July, Woodfin said. Its important not to categorize these homicides as stats and or numbers. These are people who are community residents, who have families. There have been several arrests in those first five. One of those shootings was over a dice game, Woodfin said. The victim and suspect were actually playing against each other, he said. One of these homicides occurred over an argument, two men who know each other walking down the street, verbal altercation, and both pulled out guns. One of these homicides occurred in an apartment both the victim and the suspect were together to conduct an illegal transaction. And one of these homicides happened in a front yard and it was captured on video, another occurred as a result of the victim having multiple feuds with others. We are not victim-blaming at all, Woodfin said. Were compelled to ask questions, questions such as, How do you police destructive behavior? Other questions include how to police transactions in houses or apartments, meet-ups for illegal transactions in public parks, or how to predict a homicide between two people who know each other. We are challenging ourselves to have an answer, he said. The public may blame city officials and police for matters outside their control, he said. We received a lot of criticism this weekend, he said. Were doing a lot, and well continue to amplify what were doing. But the mayor and police arent superheroes, he said. Im not Batman, Woodfin said. Police arent Batman. State laws need to be reformed to allow police to counter well-armed criminals. Locally, we dont have control, he said. We dont put guns in peoples hands, and it turns out by law were not allowed to take them out of their hand either, he said, referring to the states permit-less carry law. By state law, were not allowed to control guns. The city previously seized guns when owners didnt have a permit, he said. You can drive around with this mini Draco, you dont need a pistol permit, he said, while holding the Micro Draco. Woodfin said the city will be more aggressive collaborating with federal law enforcement to be extremely aggressive in going after all crimes, small things that turn to gun violence, including credit card scams, auto thefts and gun trafficking. What weve got to do is turn the heat up on everybody, Woodfin said. People need to report houses where illegal drugs are sold, he said. We will turn the heat up on that house, he said. They dont give a damn about our community. In addition to Crimestoppers, citizens can call Birmingham police 205-254-6450 to report drug houses, he said. Do not be afraid to call that number. Birmingham has a jobs plan that helps people find legal employment, he said. Workforce opportunity is something we always talk about, Woodfin said. But weve got a small portion of population who dont want to work, who just want to be in the streets. Citizens need to steer clear of drug dealers, he said. Do not ride with them, do not be in the car with them, he said. People are not protecting women and children in this community like theyre supposed to, Woodfin said. It is not safe. The lifestyle you think you may be getting from whoever this person is in drug activity, whether its money or clothes or paying your bills, or providing your children with clothes and shoes, its not worth it. As he held the AR-15, Woodfin stressed that he was not anti-gun. I support our Constitution; I believe in the Second Amendment rights, I do, Woodfin said. As Americans, we can strike a balance and have common-sense gun laws that prevent the carnage from happening not just in Birmingham but across our nation. Voters in parts of Birmingham and Jefferson County will go to the polls today to pick who will replace longtime Alabama Rep. John Rogers. Polls are open from 7 am. to 7 p.m. Kelvin Datcher and Frank Woodson, both Democrats, are seeking the House District 52 seat. The district will have a new representative for the first time in four decades after Rogers, once the longest-serving member of the state House, resigned and pleaded guilty to federal crimes earlier this year. The winner of todays runoff will automatically lead the heavily Democratic district. Republican Carlos Crum dropped out of the race, according to the Alabama Secretary of States Office, eliminating the need for a general election. Find your polling place and check your registration here. Turnout is expected to be low in the runoff. In the primary last month, less than 4% of registered voters participated. Who are the candidates? Datcher, 54, is deputy director of community development for the city of Birmingham Woodson, a 62-year-old pastor, is president and CEO of CityServe Alabama, a network of local churches. Datcher and Woodson came out on top of a crowded field of Democrats seeking the nomination in the primary on June 18. They are meeting in the runoff because no candidate received a majority of the votes to secure the nomination. Both men, making their first run for elected office, remained on the campaign trail through the final day of the race. We are going all out in these final few hours, making sure that folks are aware of the election, that the folks who came to support us in the primary are ready to do it again, Datcher told AL.com on Monday afternoon. We are incredibly confident, but we are not comfortable, and we will continue to work till the very end. Woodson said his message has resonated with voters during the runoff campaign. Ive got more commitments for a yes vote in Central Park than I did in the whole vote last time, Woodson told AL.com. Im just encouraged to see our neighbors hopeful again. Woodson said he believes his campaign has helped educate voters, who will turn out today. Hard work doesnt determine success, but I wanted to run a campaign that awakened people and stirred voter apathy and gave people a reason to vote, he said. I feel good that the people are interested. Why did Rogers resign? Former Rep. Rogers represented Birmingham in the legislature for more than 40 years, before resigning and pleading guilty in a federal kickback scheme that also brought down another state lawmaker. Prosecutors said Rogers misused public money that was supposed to benefit Jefferson County nonprofit agencies. State Rep. Fred Plump also resigned and pleaded guilty for his role in the kickback scheme. Rogers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. He will be sentenced on July 26. The city of Mobile took one more step toward distributing more than $2 million in settlement funds from lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. On Tuesday, the Mobile City Council approved a $154,000 contract with The Helios Alliance, a nonprofit collaborative of organizations that works to model opioid abatement planning. Democrat mega-donor Reid Hoffmans top political advisor, Dmitri Mehlhorn, demonstrates the utter depravity of the Left. And its not just todays Left. It goes back to the days of the Revolution. Before I get into that, I must put Mehlhorn front and center. Donald Trump was shot at 6:11 PM. The shooter continued firing, killing one, and critically wounding two others before he was terminated with extreme prejudice. In the words of the ghost of Hamlets father, his act was Murder most foul. At 7:34 PM, Mehlhorn sent an email to various journalists. Mehlhorn wrote that one possibility -- which feels horrific and alien and absurd in America, but is quite common globally -- is that this shooting was encouraged and maybe even staged so Trump could get the photos and benefit from the backlash. This is a classic Russian tactic, such as when Putin killed 300 civilians in 1999 and blamed it on terrorists to ride the backlash to winning power. Others who have embraced this tactic of committing raw evil and then benefitting from the backlash include Hamas on October 7. If any Trump officials encouraged or knew of this attack, that is morally horrific, and Republicans of decency must demand that Trump step down as unfit. (emphasis added) Image: Dmitri Mehlhorn. YouTube screen grab. Mehlhorn went on. I know I am prone to bias on this, but this is a classic Putin play and given the facts seems more plausible. Look at the actual shot. Look at the staging. Look at how ready Trump is to rally; this pampered baby shit his pants when an eagle lunged at his food. Look at how quickly Trump protects himself at the expense of others, but showed few of those lifelong instincts in this moment. And consider how often Putin and his allies run this play. (emphasis added) This should tell us all we need to know about the Left. They are sold out to evil. Their first reaction is to blame Trump rather than the evildoer, the shooter. Even though Mehlhorn claimed to be speaking from the facts, its obvious from his admission of bias that it was an emotional response. I cant even credit it with being an assessment. It reveals the depth of his ignorance about guns and his utter disregard for the lives of those who were killed and seriously wounded. Lets look at some facts. First, the shooter used an AR15 that his father purchased over a decade ago. We dont know any details, but a good AR15 can shoot minute of angle groups. Anyone shopping for rifles will see that language in the advertising. It means that three shots fired from a cold barrel by a good marksman at one hundred yards will be no more than one inch apart. Very shortly after the event, the Secret Service reported that the shots were fired from 150 yards, meaning that the group would be an inch and a half across. Now, suppose that a good shooter attempted to wing Trump at that distance. If the shot had been three-quarters of an inch to the shooters right, Trump would be dead. The same distance left, and there would not be a mark on him. By the way, Trump was moving around, so even that inch and a half is much larger. Even snipers would have great difficulty making such a calculated non-fatal shot in those conditions. The facts are totally against Mehlhorn. He threw that language in to give his press buddies talking points to slander Trump. By the time he semi-retracted this, we knew that the shooter was kicked off his high school shooting team because he was such a bad shot. Mehlhorn is so consumed by evil that he cant even pause to reflect before spewing hate. Even Sleepy Joes first comment was that he wasnt going to make any detailed comment until he had further information. He actually got something right. At about 2:40 PM, the next day, after Mehlhorns political buddy Reid Hoffman made a pro forma political violence is verboten statement, Mehlhorn finally semi-retracted his first statement. Last night, I sent an email I now regret. It was drafted and sent without consultation from team members or allies. I have apologized to them directly. I also want to apologize publicly, without reservation, for allowing my words to distract from last nights central fact: political violence took yet another innocent American life last night. We must unite in condemnation of such violence in every instance, without reservation... Again, I apologize, and wish I had reacted as thoughtfully as Reid Hoffman this morning. (emphasis added) Lets translate this. We got together and decided that what I said didnt look good. We must make a politically correct semi-retraction so that the media can forget what I said and put it behind us. My BFF Reid Hoffman put one out (at 12:44), so I will, too. During the Revolutionary era, there was a strong sentiment on our side of the pond that we should be more like the French. Even Thomas Jefferson was somewhat taken in by the French revolutionary movement (the actual revolution started in 1789). By the time of Washingtons administration (1789-1797), there were active protests outside his residence calling for him to be guillotined. Aaron Burr, a devoted Leftist, managed to get a major New York statute passed without anyone reading it and used the resulting bank as his personal slush fund to try to steal the 1800 election using the same methods Democrats used in 2020. And there hasnt ever been an honest election in New York City. This evil has always been with us. The current evolution of it is being exposed by citizen reportage. Thats why the Left is so obsessed with disinformation or misinformation. As long as we can take charge of information, we have the tools to overcome the brute force of the Left. And we cannot give them the benefit of any doubt. They would like to be the Borg, so that we will be assimilated and they will be supreme. No free thinking or free life is to be tolerated. Left-wingers killed Presidents McKinley and Lincoln. JFK was likely a victim of the Left-wing Deep State. The assailants of Garfield, Jackson, Ford, and Reagan were mentally disturbed. At present, we dont know much about this shooter. But one thing is clear. The Secret Service has been infected with the Leftist woke virus, where identity is more important than competence. Thats almost certainly how that rooftop and ladder were available to the shooter. The Lefts response is at most pro forma and will shortly be followed with a resumption of violent rhetoric and actions to encourage its physical manifestations. The real regret of the Left is that the shooter missed and that his misses only killed one and critically wounded two other Trump supporters. The only question is whether enough of us are willing to see clearly and act to restore freedom to America. Recommended reading: Domestic Enemies by Daniel Greenfield. Ted Noel MD is a retired physician who podcasts and posts on social media as DoctorTed and @vidzette. His Doctor Teds Prescription podcast is available on most podcast outlets. He is a great-grandfather, pilot, golfer, shooter, and Papa fix who is conversant in many scientific, legal, and political disciplines. His greatest skill is critical thinking. Joe Bidens one major accomplishment during his calamitous tenure as president is to abet the legacy media in their head-first dash into permanent and irretrievable disrepute. The legacy medias self-prostitution in concealing and downplaying Bidens accelerating senescence, and mindlessly promoting and justifying the assassination of Donald Trump are the final straws that have sealed their fate. The Trump-Biden debate on June 27, 2024 exposed that for nearly five years the legacy media has deliberately obfuscated, excused, and outright lied about what was obvious to the bulk of the American citizenry: Bidens unmistakably accelerating mental infirmity. Thus, they chose to place the well-being of the nation and its citizens in jeopardy by promoting an obviously compromised and feeble-minded president at the helm. Concurrent with the cover-up of Bidens mental deterioration was the legacy media unquestioningly following the lead of Biden and the Democrat party in their incessant drumbeat of maliciously accusing Donald Trump of being another Hitler, an existential threat to democracy, a satanic reprobate, and a budding dictator who would never relinquish power. Thereby sending a not so subtle message to an army of addled left-wing radicals that assassinating Trump is justified in order to save the country. The legacy media is overwhelmingly complicit in the assassination attempt of Donald Trump on July 13, 2024. The vile immediate reaction among many in the legacy media further confirms this complicity. These two media fiascos have revealed premeditated duplicity and mendacity in what can only be described as the two greatest media scandals in American history. The legacy media will never recover from these debacles as they were already held in extraordinarily low esteem before they chose to place their parochial interests above that of the nation. A massive poll of 20,000 participants undertaken by the Knight Foundation and Gallup found that Americans hope for and trust in an objective media was all but lost by 2020. They saw not only an ever-growing partisanship in news reporting but a determination by the legacy media to push a political agenda instead of honestly disseminating the news. This poll was one of the most devastating indictments of the media in polling history. Some highlights: 84% of surveyed Americans laid either a moderate or a great deal of the blame for partisan hostility at the feet of the media. Further, 82% believed news outlets are either deliberately misrepresenting the facts or are making them up entirely. This is further amplified as 79% of those surveyed said media outlets are trying to persuade people to adopt a certain opinion about an issue or an individual. Similarly, while the respondents in the poll believed that the media is critical or very important to democracy, 86% say they have witnessed either a fair amount or a great deal of bias in news reporting. Damningly, 78% feel that this bias is reflected in the spread of fake news which is a major problem that exceeds all others in the legacy media environment. While generic faith in the media has been gradually declining over recent decades, this precipitous drop in trust and questions about what motivates the legacy media can be traced to June 2015 and Donald Trumps entry into the presidential sweepstakes. Donald Trumps entry into the presidential field was a godsend to the legacy media which had been hemorrhaging red ink for many years. The denizens of the media hierarchies knew that unremitting coverage of Trump, a global celebrity, would dramatically increase viewership, clicks on the internet, newspaper readership, and thus their bottom line. Since they were certain Trump had little chance of winning the presidency, as his foray into politics was, in all likelihood, a publicity stunt, they thought there was no downside. Moreover, virtually everyone in the legacy media was convinced Hillary Clinton would be the next president, regardless of the overwhelming volume of attention they paid to Trump. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, during the campaign, continuously pointed out the left-wing bias and misreporting in the legacy media and popularized a phrase that is now part of the American lexicon: fake news. With his ridicule and mockery, he succeeded in making the media a potent campaign issue and a focal point of voter resentment. No entity in the United States was more devastatingly affected by the 9.0 magnitude political earthquake that took place on November 8, 2016 than the legacy media. Not only had they foolishly contributed to the election of Donald Trump, a man they loathed, but they had willingly allowed him to make them the target of national derision and contempt. After the election, the anger and single-minded determination of the legacy media to seek revenge and prove they could still remove or destroy a president was palpable. Since November 9, 2016, the groupthink mandated that Donald Trump must be destroyed regardless of the fallout, or potential destruction of trust in the media, or the future well-being of the country. The opening salvo of this undeclared war was their complicity, as co-conspirators, with the Obama administration in the egregious Russian collusion hoax. Followed by endless falsehoods, unproven allegations, and character assassination directed at Trump, his family, and members of his administration. While it has long been a subject of debate, it is now an unquestioned fact that the legacy media, by throwing away any pretense of objectivity, has overtly and unabashedly allied itself with the dominant wing of the Democrat partythe Marxists/socialists. The George Floyd inspired riots in the spring of 2020 awakened many Americans to the reality the current legacy media will not honestly report on or criticize any Democrat or avowed militant Marxist organizations such as Antifa or Black Lives Matter. Also in 2020, it became evident that the legacy media had no reluctance in fomenting unfounded fear and anxiety after their deliberate malfeasance in covering the coronavirus pandemic. They unquestioningly promoted and regurgitated the pronouncements of the agenda-driven federal medical bureaucracy, ignored or buried any opposing viewpoints, and fanned the flames of collective hysteria. All to make certain that Trump would be defeated in the 2020 election. This same media cabal also worked hand in glove with Democrat party operatives to: a) promote mass mail-in voting and ballot harvesting, b) obfuscate Democrat voter fraud and manipulation, and c) white-wash the Hunter Biden laptop story. The legacy media has also been the primary promoters and cheerleaders of the unconstitutional lawfare being directed at Trump, and many average Americans, including those who have been caught up in the unjustifiable web of January 6th prosecutions by the Biden Justice Department. There has been no effort to offer any fair and balanced reporting. The overt concealing of Bidens accelerating mental frailty and their tacit promotion of assassinating Donald Trump has eventuated in a vast majority of Americans believing that since the agenda-driven legacy media is incapable of any honest reporting, they are principally responsible for the current state of the nation. Because of the legacy medias incestuous relationship with the Democrat party and determination to destroy one person, they have fallen off the edge of the precipice and past the point of no return. Image generated by AI. HPD Chief Art Acevedo listens during a meeting small business owners organized with his department regarding frequent robberies of their properties, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at the Heights Firehouse in Houston. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is one of the final contenders to be the next leader of the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Acevedo is one of about 10 finalists for the vacant job to lead the third-largest police force in the nation, according to the newspaper. The list of candidates also includes multiple Los Angeles assistant and deputy chiefs, as well as other candidates from outside agencies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Los Angeles has interviewed more than 30 candidates for its search, according to the report. Acevedo and the other finalists are now moving on to a second round of interviews. WHO IS ART ACEVEDO?: What to know about the former HPD Chief's jobs and controversies Acevedo didn't respond to a request for comment from the Chronicle Tuesday. The city began its search for a new chief in February, after the retirement of former Chief Michel Moore. The department, which has more than 10,000 employees, has been led by an interim chief since then. If he were chosen, Acevedo would be the first Latino chief in the Los Angeles' department's history. The city's population is now more than half Latino, the paper noted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Acevedo has history in California. Before being named the chief of the Austin Police Department, he was the California Highway Patrol chief for the Los Angles Basin. Acevedo came to Houston in 2016. While in Houston, Acevedo faced backlash from the Harding Street drug raid that led to two deaths and the indictment of 10 police officers, as well as turmoil between his administration and rank-and-file officers, and a lack of support from police reform advocates. He left in 2020, amid a 40% increase in homicides associated with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic He left Houston to become the chief of Miami Police Department. He left that job after just seven months, after getting into a public conflict with city council members. Acevedo clashed with council members and accused some of them of corruption. Two years after he left that job, one of city council members he was at odds with was indicted on money laundering and bribery charges. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After Miami, he became chief of the Aurora, Colorado, police department, which was marred by a scandal over its history of racially biased policing and had been placed under state oversight. Acevedo left that job last year. He originally said his departure from Aurora was to spend more time with family, though it quickly emerged that he was being considered for an assistant city manager job in Austin which would have given him oversight of the police department. That plan was scuttled amid public outcry in the Texas capital. While there was brief speculation that Acevedo would return to Houston, such rumors were dismissed by Mayor elect John Whitmire's office. Acevedo's name has never emerged as a serious candidate to replace former Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, who retired in May. Since Finner's departure, Whitmire has said he would search for and name Finner's replacement on his own. He's released no public updates about his search. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The left openly promotes stacking of the Supreme Court with liberal justices, granting statehood to Puerto Rico and D.C., and eliminating the Electoral College. It has foisted upon us open immigration, DIE policies, ballot harvesting, and lawfare. It is quite clear that the radical left seeks to replace our two-party political system, along with our three branches of government, and our Constitution with a leftist autocracy over which it exerts full control. Left elitist insurgents are control freaks. Tired of classical liberalism's quest to bring the underprivileged into the mainstream, the new left now seeks to vengefully wage war on and dismantle the system, disingenuously framing it as an unjust structure in which the oppressors subjugate the oppressed. Their weapon of choice is identity politics. Their recruiters are like-minded activists in academia, the media, permanent Washington, and the legal system. Peaceful protests, i.e., violence, may be necessary to advance their cause. The woke movement is punitive rather than persuasive. Their legions are the multitudes of the discontent and dissident, convinced of their victimhood and seeking hope and change. The oppressed, along with the vanquished oppressors will ultimately come to fall into compliance under the control of the insurgents, who are the true oppressors. What manner of person is a control freak? One driven by the desire to bring order from chaos, striving to structure his environs in a manner providing liberty and justice for all? Uhm probably not. More likely, one who is anxiety-ridden with low self-esteem. One who feels insecure and unsafe, having the need to control his environment for personal protection. One who mistrusts the motivations of all others. One who is paranoid. One who develops megalomania to mask a fragile ego. It is they who strive to control our society. To justify its quest for power and control, the radical left must project itself as the champion of the underprivileged, marginalized, and disenfranchised members of society, masquerading under the banner of superior morality and social enlightenment. They are masters of wordsmithing and Newspeak. Were they not atheistic, they might advance as their slogan: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Various scholarly interpretations of this platitude, however, describe the meek as those who refrain from actions driven by anger, those who curb any urge to avenge wrongs, those who believe that inheritance does not infer domination, those who do not assert themselves over others to further their agenda. These are clearly not guiding principles of the left. Their overt movement is more akin to less-substantive references, such as Rebel Without a Cause, (pro-Hamas demonstrators, stripped of patriotism, faith, family structure, gender identity, in search of purpose), Trading Places, (the D-I-E career advancement system), Law West of the Pecos, (judicial activism as per Judge Roy Bean), Revenge of the Nerds (the bullied strike back). Diversions providing feel-good payback, not true social progress. The lefts insurgency isnt about empowering the meek. Its about making and keeping everyone that way. Image: Chris Light, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Politically, I am an Independent. I believe that it is possible for any of the political parties to have a good idea. Even the Dems, though not recently. For example, JFK had a good one. The one about your country doing for you or notwhatever, you know, the thing. Then there are the really, really bad ideas. Some come from hearts of gold despite the potential for self-harm. For conservatives to favor making abortions illegal, while morally correct, is a political death wish. Aborting a fetus is an activity of Democrats, progressives, and modern liberals (collectively, leftists). Undoubtedly, the estimated 63 million aborted babies since Roe v Wade would mostly have grown up in leftist households and made things worse and more quickly for the USA had they become voters. To think otherwise is denialseasoned with a sense of overwhelming love taken to pro-Life action. Image: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. YouTube screen grab. Had these future leftists come to fruition, youthe reader, AT, originalist Supremes, 1A, 2A, and just about anything good for the USwould almost certainly never have lasted or been. The system that allows us what is left of our freedom would have been destroyed by now. Thus, the sad irony is that pro-life conservatives love leftist lives more than they love their own. To win, conservatives must first change the culture. And while we're talking of the leftist death cult, never forget that leftists, unlike conservatives who seek life, want you dead. The differences between them and the authentic Nazis of the Third Reich are: Fewer leftists speak German More worship Allah Otherwise, pretty much the same, e.g., green culting, gleichschaltung (and here). It is undeniable that the leftists' only and best solution is violence. For reference, see BLM, Antifa, pro-Hamasniks, mass slaughterers of gays, etc. So, the death risk of conservatives in trying to save babies dovetails with the wish-you-dead of the leftists. The abortion debate reminds us that conservatives are often very naive about how politics work. Recently, the Republicans published their 2024 platform. Some Conservatives howled. Why? Because abortion was left off the platform. ATs very own Andrea Widburg explained it beautifully. No need to reinvent the wheel. See here for the entire worthwhile read. To over-summarize her essay, I quote: So why the outrage? I think this speaks to a deep political naivete that characterizes conservatives on so many issues. They have goals but lack both strategy (the big plan to achieve the goal) and tactics (the specific steps in the plan). In this, they differ greatly from Democrats who, up until they painted themselves in a corner by backing a puppet with dementia, have proven to be exemplary strategists and tacticians. That same woeful naivete is revealing itself with the Democrats inability to hide Joes mental state. For nearly 4 years, conservatives have been pounding with the Hammer of Thor the message that Poseur Biden was demented but had job security because his VP was his insurance policy. Kamala Harris is well-known to be a wilted word salad covered with dummy dressing and with a side of cackling bread. No conservative wanted her to ascend to the Oval Office. Time and again there were warnings how things could get even worse if Kamala became Poseur in place of Biden. Keeping her out of the White House was Job One. Howeverand this is the weird partconservatives are demanding to know who kept the Poseurs condition secret, who hid what and when, whose heads will have to roll for keeping this superficial, luminescent secret from the public and yadda. Whoever those folks are, they should be thanked. Profusely. Not hunted. Without their assistance through subterfuge, lies, obfuscation, and necromancy (given Bidens condition), the deeply awful Kamala Harris would have been coronated by now. Further, the leftists would have had even more time to prepare for Novembers election, either by having a longer period to rig it or possibly finding another nominee. Now, though, the leftists find themselves teetering on their hind legs. 45, no shrinking violet, managed to keep out of the news cycle so the leftists could self-destruct according to their own particular idiom. The rest of the conservatives should do the same. That would be coherent and in line with prior messaging. So, really, conservatives, stop looking a(nother) gift donkey in the mouth. Be consistent. Dont worry. Be happy. But most of all, keep all eyes and efforts on the prize of winning the two elected branches of government this November. Once upon a time, not too long ago, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was the darling of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Now, the firebrand socialist finds herself in a bit of a pickle with DSA leadership, who have determined she isnt radical enough for their liking. On July 10, the DSA issued a press statement that they will only support AOCs reelection campaign if she agrees to the following conditions: Publicly opposes all funding to Israel, including the Iron Dome. Participates regularly in the DSA Federal Socialists in Office Committee. Publicly opposes all criminalization of Anti-Zionism, such as bills advancing the IHRA definition which conflates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. Publicly supports BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction) to end Israeli settler-colonialism. Interestingly, the DSA seems to take the most umbrage with AOCs wishy-washy approach to the Israeli-Hamas conflict because the DSA is committed to ensuring that all of our elected officials are unabashed in their support for Palestinian freedom. Question: What does Palestinian freedom have to do with promoting domestic socialism? Answer: Nothing. This goes to show that the DSA is not actually devoted to pushing socialist policies in America; rather, it is the haven for neo-Marxism. Unlike traditional Marxism, which sought to primarily address economic inequalities between the so-called bourgeoise and proletariat, neo-Marxism has a much broader set of targets. Under neo-Marxism, everything is on the table. From advocating for Palestinian freedom to pushing for open borders to defunding the police, the DSA has gone all in on neo-Marxism. Apart from being against Western values in a general sense, neo-Marxism incorporates a toxic view of oppressor-victim to practically every issue. Neo-Marxism dismisses notions of right and wrong because it lacks basic core principles and instead views all subjects from a misguided standpoint of simple power dynamics. For instance, in the warped view of the DSA, Israel is a wealthy nation with a strong military backed by the West. On the other hand, the DSA views the Palestinians, or more accurately, Hamas, as a band of poor, ragtag Palestinians who have been victimized by big, bad Israel. Therefore, they cannot help but view the Palestinians and their Hamas brethren in a sympathetic light while condemning Israel at every turn. Never mind who actually sparked the latest war -- Hamas. That doesnt matter. Of course, this is ludicrous. However, this is the type of simpleminded rhetoric that has become par for the course for the DSA these days. To be clear, the DSAs blind embrace of neo-Marxism extends well beyond the current Israeli-Hamas conflict; that particular issue just happens to be their priority at this moment for some strange reason. The DSA also believes that common criminals are more or less victims of the racist criminal justice system, illegal immigrants should be welcomed with open arms as long as they come from poor nations that have been victims of colonialism, the police should be defunded because they are all oppressors by nature, among many more absurd positions. The major problems with this kind of thinking is that it lacks context, reasoning, sound evidence, consistency, and intellectual curiosity. Although its easy to make simple arguments through the lens of victim-oppressor, it is an extremely limited and unsophisticated way to view the world. It is also incredibly intellectually lazy. In most situations, the very people the DSA label as oppressors are actually hard-working people who have succeeded in life because they have added value to society in some form or fashion. Take Jeff Bezos, for instance. Bezos was selling books out of his garage a few decades ago when he realized the advent of the internet could reshape commerce. So, he built a company to provide his customers with the ability to order books, and eventually much more, over the internet. Bezos did not demand that everyone give him some of their money for nothing in return. That would be oppressive. Instead, millions of customers choose to do business with Amazon because it provides valuable services they desire. The same dynamic exists throughout free-market economies and free societies in which individual liberties and private property are sacrosanct. Ironically, it is an all-encompassing state, like those that have been erected in socialist nations around the world, that is the absolute oppressor. And, under those tyrannical governments, which the DSA wants to bring to the United States, we the people become the ultimate real-life victims. Chris Talgo (ctalgo@heartland.org) is editorial director at The Heartland Institute. Image: Dimitri Rodriguez My late Cuban father used to say that life had surprises and to calculate for them in your plans. I guess that someone who saw his country go communist overnight understands surprises. So the last two weeks have reminded me that your best laid plans will often be interrupted by surprises. Just think. Two weeks ago, we were waiting for a debate. No one knew that one candidate would self-destruct. On Saturday, the other candidate was almost killed. The bottom line is that everything about this campaign is different than it was before. How is this going to change things? I think that we will learn that a new man will speak on Thursday night. He is a new man because he knows how close he came being killed. I like Byron York's analysis after speaking with President Trump. This is the story: TRUMP: IM NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE: Former President Donald Trump cant stop thinking about the way he moved his head in the split second before a gunman, intent on assassinating him, pulled the trigger during his speech in Pennsylvania Saturday evening. Trump was standing at the podium and began to refer to a large screen, hanging to his right, that showed statistics about immigration. To better see the screen, Trump turned his head to the right and a little up, and at the millisecond in which his head was at just the right angle for the bullet to graze his ear but not enter his skull at that moment, the bullet whizzed by. Trump suffered a bloody wound to his ear, but no other injuries. It seemed like a miracle. The most incredible thing was that I happened to not only turn but to turn at the exact right time and in just the right amount, Trump said Sunday afternoon in a talk aboard his Boeing 757 as he flew to Milwaukee for the start of the Republican National Convention. If I only half-turn, it hits the back of the brain. The other way goes right through [the skull]. And because the sign was high, Im looking up. The chances of my making a perfect turn are probably one-tenth of 1%, so Im not supposed to be here. That's right. He wasn't supposed to make it to Milwaukee. He knows how close he came to being killed and recognizes that a different man will speak on Thursday. What I mean is that a large audience will tune in waiting to hear what he has in mind for our future. The new Trump will emerge on Thursday with a chance to close the sale. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Trump White House Throughout recorded history, there have been speeches given by a diverse group of men that stand as a testament to the power of the spoken word. A few that come to mind: Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address in which he reminded the nation that these men shall not have died in vain -- that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Winston Churchill, perhaps the greatest man of the twentieth century, proclaimed to the British House of Commons on June 4th, 1940, that We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets... we shall never surrender! John F. Kennedy proclaimed to the country to, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Later, standing on the liberated soil of West Berlin, Kennedy told those who would doubt the resolve of freedom-loving people, Let them come to Berlin. and Ich bin ein Berliner. In an absolutely remarkable speech, Robert F. Kennedy announced the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to a predominately Black crowd in Indianapolis, Indiana. He told them that he also had a member of his family (JFK) murdered, and he was also killed by a white man. He asked the crowd to set aside their anger, and they did. The riots that swept the nation did not occur in that community. Ronald Reagan stood in the shadow of the Berlin Wall and demanded of the Soviet leader, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! Not long afterward, the wall came down. I could go on with other memorable speeches, but I believe you get the idea. I believe that this coming Thursday evening, Donald Trump, while accepting his partys nomination to regain the presidency, will deliver remarks that will go down in history. I believe he will speak of American greatness, past and present, and will voice his desire for future greatness. He will plead for unity and decorum in this and future political campaigns, and he will thank God for prompting him to turn to the right as shots were fired at him this past weekend. Had he turned to the left, as our nation has been doing under Democrat leadership, he would never again be speaking to the American public. Get your popcorn ready, folks. Thursday evening will be a night to remember. Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Georgia. Image: Gage Skidmore I, like so many others of my fellow Americans, watched in real time with shock the attempted assassination of President Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks on Saturday, July 13th, just after 6 pm EST. I recall thinking, just before he arrived to speak, about the brilliant stroke of genius and chutzpah he displayed by calling for a debate with Biden anytime, anyplace, anywhere. And how that cracked open the veneer of the attempt by Bidens administration to portray him as competent and cogent. I thought about what would be Trumps next bold stroke. Little did I know that God himself planned the next stroke in a way that I could never have anticipated: The attempted assassination of President Trump. Two previous assassination attempts came to mind immediately after witnessing the attempt on Trumps life, one successful and one a failure. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the attempted assassination of Theodore Roosevelt. Image: Lincolns assassination. Public domain. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln took place between Good Friday eve and Easter Sunday, April 14th and April 16th, 1865. Robert E. Lee had surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House a few days earlier, on April 9th. That effectively ended the Civil War with a victory for the North. Lincoln had premonitions and dreams before he headed to Fords Theater that he would be assassinated. Yet he attended the play anyway. He had placed his life in the hands of God throughout the Civil War, and that evening would be no different. The security failures that evening permitted John Wilkes Booth to carry out his nefarious plan almost flawlessly. Yet even the best-laid security plans could not have stopped Booth from succeeding in killing Lincoln as well as injuring others around him in the theater. Lincoln had a rendezvous with destiny. According to Lincolns own words, in his 2nd Inaugural Address on March 4th, 1865: Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-mans two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether. On October 14, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909 survived an assassination attempt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While in a motorcade on his way to the Gilpatrick Hotel for a campaign speech, John Schrank shot the former president with a .38-caliber Colt revolver. The paper copy of his speech in his coat pocket, along with his thick overcoat and glasses case, slowed the impact of the bullet that lodged in his chest. Undeterred, although bleeding profusely, he proceeded to the hotel and delivered a 84 minute address as presidential candidate for the Bull Moose party. Referring to the vitriol that had created a violent atmosphere during the campaign, he said: It is a very natural thing that weak and vicious minds should be inflamed to acts of violence by the kind of awful mendacity and abuse that have been heaped upon me for the last three months by the papers. He famously said: It takes more than that to kill a bull moose. Roosevelt won his primary but lost to Woodrow Wilson in the presidential election of 1912. The serendipity of Roosevelts attempted assassination in Milwaukee and the Republican convention taking place this week in Milwaukee is surely not lost on many of us. The similarity of the courage and determination of Roosevelt and Trump after being wounded by assassins bullets has been commented on frequently the past few days. Lincoln, if he had survived, would have served his second term as the 16th president of the United States, bringing healing to the torn nation. Roosevelt failed in his attempt to serve as the 28th president of the United States, but his courage and determination is legendary. And Trump, embodying Roosevelts courage and Lincolns heart of charity toward his enemy, will fulfill his destiny to lead the righteous USA and free world toward an era of peace, prosperity, and well-being. Gods brilliant stroke of genius and chutzpah, in permitting the assassination attempt while saving his life, will help bring that about. If compound 368 had been available four years ago, fentanyl abuser George Floyd might still be alive -- and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin would probably not be in prison. Chauvin was charged -- and convicted -- of killing Floyd, which triggered the Black Lives Matter riots of 2020. But the fact is that fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, has killed more people (black and white) than white (or black) cops have, ever. Most of whom never actually killed anyone, either. Including, more than likely, Derek Chauvin -- who insisted he was trying to help Floyd, an addict with heart trouble who was also a criminal. Probably because he was an addict. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 73,838 people died as a result of fentanyl abuse in 2022 alone. That's more than all of the soldiers who died during 12 years of war in Vietnam. Plus all of the soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. And thats nothing compared with the deaths that might be coming; as many as 1.2 million by 2029, according to an estimate by The Lancet, a well-respected public health journal. Yet no one is "peacefully protesting" these needless deaths -- nor the effectively open border that has enabled Mexican drug cartels to flood the United States with this lethally dangerous but highly profitable narcotic that many experts consider to be even more addictive than heroin or crack cocaine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), "synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine are responsible for nearly all of the fatal drug poisonings in our nation. The Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels are at the heart of this crisis. These two cartels are global criminal enterprises that have developed global supply chain networks." Italics added to emphasize the point -- about the consequences of open borders. It is politically correct to be upset about the death of one man (and the ruined life of another man). But why is there so little upset about all of these other deaths? Perhaps because they don't serve a political purpose. Just as the open border does -- and to the benefit of the same interests, who don't care about the human suffering all of this causes. So long as it serves their interests. Which is why it'll be interesting to see whether compound 368 will get the interest it deserves. The term refers to a first-responder remedy for fentanyl overdoses -- the very thing Derek Chauvin had to deal with on the streets of Minneapolis. It works with naloxene -- which is already in use as an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. Naloxen works by rapidly replacing the deadly opioids in the body's opioid receptors, counteracting the effect of the drug. There are vending machines that dispense naloxene overdose kits for free in places such as Kansas City, which has been dealing with a 91 percent increase in drug-related deaths over the course of just five years (from 2015-2020). The naloxene vending machines were put into place as a way to help addicts help themselves before help can get there -- which can be the difference between life and death. "We have a huge substance use disorder issue in Kansas and the Wichita area, and opioid use and deaths from overdose are happening a lot, so this is one way we can provide a method to save lives," says Stacy Haines of the Douglas County Citizens Committee on Alcoholism (DCCCA). However, "the problem is much bigger than what a naloxone vending machine is going to solve. That is a tool and way to get naloxone in the hands of Wichitans 24/7, but its going to take a much bigger organized effort on behalf of everyone to curve this. Enter compound 368, which has yet to be named -- but could be a big help, both to the addicts and to first responders. According to a just-published study by Stanford University researchers in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, compound 368 enhances the effectiveness of naloxene because it is able to increase the binding of naloxone and turn the (opioid) receptors (in the body) off more completely." But only when naloxone is administered with compound 368. "Working with mice, the scientists found that . . . when they combined compound 368 with naloxone, opioids were more effectively blocked from binding. The more of this newly discovered compound was added, the better naloxone blocked opioids, including fentanyl and morphine," the study says. In lab experiments, mice were given naloxone by itself and compound 368 by itself. Neither worked as well as they did together. And that's why it's important they be used together -- assuming there's interest in doing something to prevent tens of thousands of preventable deaths from opioid overdoses. Compound 368 not only might have saved George Floyd (and Derek Chavin) it might save hundreds of thousands of Americans like Floyd, who are otherwise likely to die as a result of their abuse of opioids such as fentanyl. But only if there's enough interest in compound 368. Michael A. Letts, Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bullet-proof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Image: Pixabay // Pixabay License You read it here first: President Trump picked Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance to be his vice presidential running mate. Longtime AT contributor and veteran newsman Peter Barry Chowka made the revelation four days ago on July 11 here: A reliable source who I have known for more than five years and who enjoys unique access to former president Donald Trumps thinking told me in confidence on Tuesday that Mr. Trump has decided on J.D. Vance as his vice presidential running mate. Vance, 39, is in his first term as the junior senator from Ohio. He has been widely mentioned recently as one of three top possibilities for President Trumps running mate this year. ... and ... According to media reports, Trumps choice for his VP running mate will be announced at the latest on Monday morning, July 15 the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. If the choice is in fact J.D. Vance, you can say that you heard it first here at American Thinker. If someone else is selected, well, mea culpa. No mea culpas for Peter, whose source was good as gold. Axios tried to claim credit, but they were a day late and a dollar short; the credit goes to Peter Chowka and American Thinker. Besides that, the pick was a great, imaginative, choice on President Trump's part -- a youthful, 39-year-old, very smart, unusually talented, and articulate choice for the position, which in four years may well turn into the presidency itself. No bowing to DEI considerations, either, which is yet another gutsy aspect to this, just the guy who would help the ticket the most. Imaginative it was, and in more than one way. Vance, after all, has only been a senator for two years, which is unusual in a pick and makes Vance an automatic outsider, as Trump also is. And more unusual still, prior to his career in politics, he had been a man of literary merit, writing his 2016 award-winning Hillbilly Elegy bestseller about growing up in the rust belt, which had been made into a movie by Hollywood bigfoot director Ron Howard. Vance's background here calls to mind what Eric Hoffer once wrote (can't remember where, likely one of his later books), which was that whenever you learn that someone has an artistic background in an unrelated field, it's likely you are going to find someone unique and impressive. Most people are going to be interested in other things about him, such as how conservative he is, and whether he can govern, and everything there points to a winner. He had been one of the original #neverTrumps, but like many Republicans, came around when he saw Trump's performance as president, maybe a bit later than a lot of us, but onboard for sure. In some ways, he became more Trumpian than Trump, leading the charge about cutting off Ukraine aid when he later became a senator. He apologized for his earlier anti-Trump remarks which had gotten leaked from social media and President Trump seems to be perfectly comfortable with it. His loathing for Washington-induced wars reportedly was influenced by his original career, which was Marine, having grown up poor in Ohio in its rust-belt wasteland of twenty or thirty years ago, and seeing this as the way out. Long permawars of his youth from the Bush era shaped his loathing of unwinnable wars that devolved into NGO and consultant rackets, had no end point, and never ended in victory. It seems reasonable that that would influence him and drive him towards Washington's advice of avoiding foreign entanglements. A neocon he is not. The Marine career did him well though and got him into Yale law school, where he met his wife, Usha Chilukuri, 36, a daughter of Indian immigrants, who is from the upper middle class Rancho Penasquitos neighborhood of northern San Diego, albeit graduating from its-least-tony school, Mount Carmel High School, which is an older facility but still with good quality programs, known for its ace marching band and slogan, "It's great to be a Sundevil." Last time Rancho Penasquitos was in the national news was here, which gives you the flavor. It's kind of like Santa Clarita. Usha seems to be a hard-working meritocrat in her own right, and if I can guess, since I know this area, might have been motivated to work harder based on feeling a bit poorer than the other kids at the fancier schools. After the Marines, Vance went to Silicon Valley to become a tech-finance executive, working for Peter Thiel, making friends with the Trumps, particularly Don Trump, Jr., before moving back to his roots in Ohio, where he then ran for the Senate with President Trump's endorsement, and won handily. After that, he's been a fierce populist loyalist to Trump, his Midwestern rust-belt roots meshing well with Trump's own message and appeal to so many voters. Obviously, Vance is extremely smart if he could go to Yale and then find himself in someone like Thiel's orbit. Yet he also can talk to a lot of people from a lot of walks of life, including the left-behinds who have seen the globalist era give them the short straw, along with the arrogant, entitled Olympians of Silicon Valley. Both kinds of people would be useful to Trump, who already relates well to the Midwesterners, but would benefit hugely from alliances with at least some of the Silicon Valley baronies, particularly since giants such as Elon Musk and Bill Ackman have strikingly come out to endorse Trump after sitting on the fence for a long, long, time. Vance will bring a lot of that to the Trump party. Surely Vance must have characters like Mark Zuckerberg's number, know what he's about, and probably the dirt on the rest of them, too. And speaking of numbers, he must have Ron Howard's, too, probably in a friendly way. He'll help by being a young, vigorous, fresh face with a fresh perspective to add heft to Trump's bid to take out the Washington swamp. His beard is kind of unique, and gives him the frontiersman look, a net positive with voters. He will probably draw independents based on his own history of #neverTrump orientation. He'll welcome these kinds of people aboard, and make the Trump tent even bigger. I also like that he's from Ohio, the state that has given us so many great and warmly regarded presidents and other leaders -- from U.S. Grant to William McKinley to John Glenn. The state has kind of eclipsed in recent decades, despite reliably voting red, but with this pick, is back for an encore and has a good one. And for the cherry on the sundae, Vance and his brainpower and literary eloquence will demolish Kamala Harris in whatever vice presidential debate comes along this summer or fall. People will get ready for a demolition derby, some pitying the wretched, giggling, word-salad mess that will become of Kamala after running into Vance's intellectual buzzsaw. In all, he's going to add a lot, he stands to help unite the country, and it's likely he will be very popular. Bring it on -- the Trump train is already strong and Vance is the guy who can make it even stronger. What an imaginitive choice from Trump indeed! Image: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 Who is J.D. Vance and why would he be qualified to run the country if something unthinkable were to happen to Donald Trump? The answer in a word: 'He's not.' Oh, but that was two words. But that doesn't matter because he actually is qualified, for the very reason that he's not qualified. Simply put, he's not a career politician. He's a real person who represents real Americans. J.D. Vance, the freshman senator and best-selling author from Ohio, is Trumps running mate for the upcoming election. He is the first Millennial on a major party ticket and brings a refreshing change to the political landscape. Vances background is as diverse as it is impressive, making him a relatable and compelling candidate for vice president. J.D. Vance is young, and this youth can help bridge the gap between generations. He can connect with younger voters who might feel alienated by the older political class. Moreover, Vance can bridge the gap between the working class and the 'non-working' and 'ivory tower' white-collar class. His journey from a lower-class family in Middletown, Ohio, to Yale Law School, and eventually to the U.S. Senate, epitomizes the American dream. Vance's upbringing in a financially struggling family and his subsequent success story resonate with many Americans. His bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, outlines his life experiences and provides a raw and honest look at the struggles of the white working class in America. This background makes him relatable to the working class, while his education and professional achievements allow him to connect with the more educated and affluent voters. J.D. Vance has shown remarkable growth and change in his political views. He once disapproved of Trump but has since evolved to support him fully. This evolution represents not just personal growth but also a broader understanding of the needs and desires of the American electorate. Unlike career politicians who often remain rigid in their views, Vance's ability to adapt and grow is a valuable trait for a leader. Vance's military service as a Marine Corps Iraq combat veteran adds another layer to his qualifications. His firsthand experience in combat gives him a unique perspective on military and foreign affairs, something that is often lacking in career politicians. Furthermore, his legal background, with a dual undergraduate degree in political science and philosophy from Ohio State University and a J.D. from Yale Law School, equips him with a solid understanding of the law and governance. J.D. Vance represents positive change, not the type of change that leans towards socialism as seen in past administrations, but a change that can lead America back to its republican roots. His conservative yet populist views align well with Trumps vision for America, focusing on pro-worker policies and conservative values. In a political climate that is heavily focused on the age and cognitive abilities of its leaders, having someone young and sharp like J.D. Vance on the ballot is refreshing. His potential to lead America into a new era, bridging gaps and representing the true spirit of American resilience and growth, makes him a formidable candidate. So, while J.D. Vance may not be a traditional career politician, his real-life experiences, diverse background, and evolved political views make him uniquely qualified to step up if the unthinkable were to happen to Donald Trump. His candidacy brings hope for a future where America is led by those who truly understand and represent its people. Jerry McGlothlin is a seasoned political commentator and CEO of Special Guests, a publicity agency. He is known for his insightful analysis and strong opinions on contemporary political issues. Image: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 A helicopter carrying Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies crashed during a training exercise in Eagle Lake on Monday, July 15, 2024. The deputies suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash, officials said. Courtesy/Harris County Sheriff's Office Four Harris County Sheriffs Office deputies were injured Monday night when the helicopter they were in crashed in Eagle Lake, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. The crash happened during a training exercise, Gonzalez said. The helicopter they were in made a hard landing, injuring the deputies, an instructor and the pilot, Gonzalez said. MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: 41 bullet casings found at fatal shooting of Harris County Deputy Esqueda, DA says Advertisement Article continues below this ad None of the injuries were life-threatening, he said. All six people had been released from the hospital as of Tuesday morning. The deputies are all members of the sheriffs office SWAT team and were participating in a nighttime training program with an established training group, Gonzalez said. The remainder of the training program has been canceled and all of the participants have been sent home, Gonzalez said. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Aviation Administration are both investigating the crash, Gonzalez said. Eagle Lake is in Colorado County, about 70 miles west of downtown Houston. AT&T, one of the largest mobile carriers in the US, suffered a data breach earlier this year. A group of hackers managed to access the sensitive data of many company clients. Now, a new report claims that AT&T paid the hackers to delete the stolen data. According to Wired, AT&T paid around $370,000 to hackers from the ShinyHunters group to delete the compromised data. The report indicates that, after payment, the group sent a video showing that it actually deleted the data. Initially, ShinyHunters asked for up to 1 million dollars, but after a stage of negotiations, both parties settled on a lower figure. ShinyHunters reportedly got $370,000 from AT&T to delete compromised customer data The negotiation between AT&T and ShinyHunters would have been carried out through an intermediary known as Reddington. The report indicates that the same intermediary has already worked for ShinyHunters in negotiations with other affected companies. The script used for the breach had the potential to compromise the data of more than 160 brands. It is known that big names such as Ticketmaster and Santander Bank are on the list. Going back to AT&T, the stolen data included up to 6 months of user text and call records. The affected records were those made between May and October 2022. The company had already admitted this year that it suffered a previous hack in 2021, impacting user data from 2019. When news of the latest hack became known, AT&T attempted to calm the waters by claiming that data such as names, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth had not been compromised. However, the info obtained by hackers could be used to track the identities of those affected using online tools. Reddington claimed that the ShinyHunters group deleted the only existing complete copy of the data. However, the negotiator also warned that there may be excerpts remaining. AT&T would have paid the fee in Bitcoin on May 17. Other big companies were affected Its noteworthy that the data breach did not directly attack AT&T. Instead, it attacked Snowflake, a third-party cloud storage company trusted by other large companies. The ShinyHunters group managed to obtain the login credentials of a Snowflake employee. From there, they managed to access private data from third parties. Samsung was expected to introduce its new S series tablets at the recent Unpacked event. Unfortunately, it didnt happen. However, the company did reveal that the Galaxy Tab S10 series of slates will be available before the end of 2024. Now, Max Jambor, a reliable Samsung tipster, suggests that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series will launch in October. Samsung could first introduce the higher-end Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra variant in October According to the source, Samsung will first launch the higher-end Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra variant in October. Reiterating to a previous post on Allround-PC, the tipster claims that the Tab S10+ model would not be unveiled together with the Ultra variant. Some reports indicate that Samsung will not launch a base model of the Tab S10 series at all this year. The last two generations of the Galaxy Tab S series arrived in three models. However, this year, the company is going for a dual-variant lineup. Theres a possibility that Samsung will launch the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra alongside its Android XR headset. Both the products in these categories could go official at the upcoming Samsung Developers Conference on October 3. Notably, some previous reports suggested that Samsung will launch the Tab S10 series alongside the Galaxy S24 FE. It is merely speculation at the moment, so take this information with a grain of salt. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will be virtually identical to the Tab S9 Ultra in terms of design Notably, we published a batch of renders of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra in collaboration with OnLeaks. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will be virtually identical to the Tab S9 Ultra in terms of design. It will offer a large 14.6-inch display and a slim waistline. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor will power the top-tier Android tablet. The Galaxy Tab S10+ will go on a different route with its SoC by opting for the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. Sadly, no more details regarding their other specifications and pricing are available at the moment. Google is set to announce new Pixel devices next month at an event in Mountain View. Its a bit of a strange thing for Google, since Pixels are usually announced in October, and at an event in New York City or San Francisco. Not at Googles campus in Mountain View. However, it is rumored that Google has at least four Pixel smartphones to announce and at least two smartwatches. So theres lots to see next month. That brings us to the latest leak, which actually comes from Taiwans National Communications Commission (NCC) which is basically their version of the FCC. Like with the FCC, Google needs to send products over to the NCC for approval before they can be sold. And the NCC has decided to publish pictures of the phone. So we can see the Pixel 9 Pro Fold here, but it also appears to be a prototype and could be a final prototype. But we can tell based on the logo on the back, that it is not the final, final version. While we dont know exact dimensions yet of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (I really hope that is not the final name), it looks a lot like the OnePlus Open or OPPO Find N3. Which has a 18:9 aspect ratio main display, similar to a regular slab phone. That would be a big departure from the passport-style Pixel Fold the company released last year. Which I, and many others loved. Googles opting for a smaller battery this year In a surprising turn of events, Google is supposedly using a smaller battery for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, at just 4,560mAh. The original Pixel Fold was 4,727mAh, thats about 4% smaller. But lets face it, the Pixel Fold wasnt exactly known for its battery. Perhaps the new Tensor G4 is going to offer better efficiency than the Tensor G3 did; the Pixel 8 series with Tensor G3 fell in last place in almost every battery test this past year. Dont forget, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is jumping from a Tensor G2 to a Tensor G4, so its getting two generations of chip upgrades here. With a name like Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I cant help but think that Google might release a non-Pro foldable this year or at some point in the future. Which could be good for a cheaper price tag. The Pixel Fold was priced at $1,799 last year the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, the OnePlus Open did start at $1,599 and pretty much lapped both of those other foldables. If Google can offer the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at a lower price, it could really be a big seller. Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL also appear The NCC isnt just releasing pictures of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold either. They have also released pictures of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Now, from our understanding, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are going to be the same size, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL being a larger model. With the Pixel 9, we can see that it is still using a glossy back, similar to the Pixel 8. I thought for sure Google would use matte this time around since the Pixel 8a had a matte finish. While both Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL sport matte finishes, as well as the triple-camera bar on the back. All three models are sporting sharp edges around the camera bump, which many wont like. According to the NCC, we could also see faster charging, at least on the Pro models. As the Pixel 9 Pro is reportedly 25.20W, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is 32.67W. So its likely going to be 27W charging and 33W charging, respectively. Now for the battery sizes, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have a 4,558mAh capacity battery, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is 4,942mAh. Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL The UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is now investigating Microsoft for hiring former Inflection AI employees and acquiring licenses to use its technology. The situation has also caught the attention of the FCC and keeps the EU vigilant for possible effects on competition. Earlier this year, Microsoft AI was officially introduced as a new division of the company. Since then, Microsoft has been hiring high-profile talent to boost it, such as Mustafa Suleyman. The company also hired most of the staff from the startup Inflection AI. In addition, Microsoft paid around $650 million to license Inflection AIs technology. So, while the company did not officially buy the startup, the end result could be quite similar to that of a merger. The UKs CMA now investigating if Microsofts hiring of Inflection AI staff was a disguised merger Since it was not an official merger, the process did not pass through the scrutiny of antitrust regulators. This situation caused multiple organizations, such as the EU and the Federal Trade Commission (FCC), to investigate the matter. Now, the CMA of the UK joins the list of organizations examining whether everything has been done according to the law. Phase one of the CMA investigation will conclude on September 11. That day, depending on the result, they can dismiss the case or move to phase two to begin a more in-depth one. The CMA seems to consider that the hiring of Inflection AI staff and the acquisition of the startups technology could be a disguised merger. Microsoft would have done this to skip the requirements of official company mergers. Although it was not officially a merger, the outcome is similar to one. The CMA wants to ensure that the process will not have a negative impact on competition in the UK market. Microsoft claims to be complying with the law Microsoft sent a statement to Bloomberg in this regard. The statement says: We are confident that the hiring of talent promotes competition and should not be treated as a merger. So, the company seems to be sure that the law supports its actions. Amid pressure from regulators, Microsoft has taken some actions. For example, it resigned from its non-voting observer seat on OpenAIs board. This case is also under vigilance by regulatory entities. Although the company did not officially purchase OpenAI, it has invested more than $10 billion. Alarm has been expressed at the lack of a plan following the resurfacing of toxic blue-green algae on Northern Irelands largest fresh water lake. Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir earlier this month called for the urgent signing off by the Executive on an action plan to tackle the issue. It is understood to contain 37 actions, 17 of which needed Executive support. Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir (David Young/PA) Lough Neagh is the biggest freshwater lake, by surface area, in the UK and Ireland, supplies 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water and sustains a major eel-fishing industry. Noxious blooms covered large parts of the lough last summer and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be a major contributory factor. The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating more algal photosynthesis. Climate change is another factor cited, with the highest water temperature at Lough Neagh recorded last June. On Tuesday, the Lough Neagh Partnership said with the visible impact of the blue-green algae returning, it is profoundly disappointed that a plan has not been signed off on yet. Manager Gerry Darby said it is no surprise that the blue-green algae is back with a vengeance. It was only a matter of time with the right weather conditions that it would reappear, he said. We consistently campaigned over the winter for action to be taken, as we feared that momentum would be lost once the algae disappeared below the surface and it would be a case of out of sight out of mind. We met with the main political parties and, despite assurances that immediate action would be taken upon Stormonts return, in reality we have not seen any of the promised efforts to resolve the crisis. Gerry Darby, Lough Neagh Partnership manager on the shore of Ballyronan beach (Liam McBurney/PA) Whilst we have put on record that we have welcomed the plan presented by Minister Muir, we are utterly disheartened by the lack of consensus to approve and implement it. As a result, we face another summer watching this ecological disaster unfold, powerless to intervene. A railway boss has been summoned by the Transport Secretary to account for the companys woeful service, the Government said. Louise Haigh demanded immediate action from Avanti West Coast in a meeting with its managing director, Andy Mellors, after official figures showed its passengers faced some of the worst travel disruption in the country. The talks on Tuesday mark the start of a rail performance investigation in which the worst performing train firms will be called in by the Department for Transport (DfT) as cancellations reach record highs. Route directors at Network Rail have also been summoned to attend all meetings with companies to bring together track and train and hold both sides accountable, ending the culture of blame on the railways, the department said. Ms Haigh said: Britains railways are failing passengers day-in, day-out, and as Passenger-in-Chief Ive made it my number one priority to hold industry bosses to account. Thats why Ive called in the worst performing train operating companies starting with Avanti West Coast alongside Network Rail and demanded immediate action to raise standards. Change starts now. Through bold action to move fast and fix things, we can make sure passengers get the service they deserve with the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation. Office of Rail and Road figures show Avanti West Coast had the third worst reliability of all operators in Britain in the year to the end of March, with the equivalent of one in 15 trains (6.9%) cancelled. Ms Haigh accused the company during the general election campaign of providing a woeful service and said Labour would consider stripping the firm of its contract for the line running from London up to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Cumbria and Glasgow. Last week, several newly elected Labour MPs criticised cancellations and disruptions on the line during their journeys to take up their seats in the House of Commons. The Labour Government has promised to bring all train services in England into public ownership, saying it will do so as contracts expire or by ending agreements early in cases of poor performance. The party has also said it will press ahead with the creation of Great British Railways, a new public sector body to oversee the network first proposed by the Conservative government in May 2021. An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: We met the Secretary of State today alongside our colleagues at Network Rail to discuss the current challenges on the network. During the meeting, we outlined the issues which are unique to us as well as those affecting the industry a whole. It was a constructive session, and we look forward to holding more discussions on how we make further improvements to the railways in the coming months. Network Rail has been contacted for comment. The mother of British teenager Jay Slater has said our hearts are broken after a Spanish court confirmed his death and said his multiple injuries were consistent with a fall in a rocky area. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice confirmed the identity of the body with the use of fingerprint technology after the remains were found near the village of Masca in Tenerife on Monday. A spokesman for the court said the post-mortem examination report determined that the injuries he sustained were consistent with an accidental fall. In a statement issued through charity LBT Global, Mr Slaters mother Debbie Duncan said: I just cant believe it were here with the embassy staff waiting for an update and now its come the worst news. Mr Slaters body was found near the village of Masca on Monday (James Manning/PA) She added: I just cant believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken. The charity previously said the remains were found with the 19-year-olds clothes and possessions near his last known location. The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered. Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings. Following the discovery, Mr Slaters friend Lucy Law, who was the last known person to speak to him during a phone call on June 17, issued a tribute on her Instagram page. She said: Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was (sic) one of a kind Jay and youll be missed more than you know. Im sure youll have your dancing shoes polished and ready waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high. The Spanish Civil Guard released video footage of rescuers climbing rock faces and battling through scrub as they carried out the search. Part of the clip showed two members of the search team being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body had been found and recovered. A group of search and rescue workers near to the village of Masca during the hunt for the 19-year-old (James Manning/PA) Mr Slater had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. He had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out, but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled not relevant to the case. Spanish police said they had called off the search for the apprentice bricklayer at the end of June after helicopters, drones and search dogs were deployed to find him. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will say a confident, outward-looking UK is open for business at the G7 trade ministers meeting. He will set out the new Labour Governments strategy to reset relations and remove barriers to trade during his first international visit as Business and Trade Secretary. The trip comes in the same week that the new European Union relations minister heads to Brussels, and Sir Keir Starmer hosts the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace. At the meeting in Italy on Tuesday, Mr Reynolds will address his G7 counterparts as well as businesses. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the European relations minister (Matt Alexander Media Assignments) He will say: In the UK, we now have a strong government with an even stronger mandate from the British people. One that respects, wants to partner with and is open for business. My message to you today is simple Britain is back. A confident, outward-looking, future-facing UK is ready and willing to play our part on the international stage. We are seeking a closer, more mature, more level-headed relationship with our friends in the European Union our nearest and largest trading partner, and we also intend to forge better trading relationships with countries around the world. He will also set out how the UK plans to work with global partners to address some of the most pressing economic challenges, including by increasing the resilience of global supply chains. He will say: We are not naive about the scale of the challenges threatening global stability. Putins continued onslaught on Ukraine, disruption to supply chains in the Red Sea and superpowers like China using harmful policies and practices are distorting free, fair trade. Its why our Chancellor is pursuing a clear-eyed strategy of securonomics prioritising economic strength and resilience to increase market confidence and spur growth. Governments cannot rely on the invisible hand of the market to do this for them. Fair, open markets with healthy competition can only be achieved through purposeful interaction between governments, business, and institutions like the G7. Its why the UK wants to work in partnership with you to increase supply chain resilience. Doing so gives businesses the confidence to invest and grow by planning not just for the next year but for the next decade. Mr Reynolds is expected to hold his first meetings with G7 counterparts at the summit, including the vice-president of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis and German vice chancellor Robert Habeck. The Labour administration wants to repair the damage to relations with Europe caused by Brexit wrangling and strike a better deal with the European Union than the botched trade agreement signed by Boris Johnson. On Monday, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the new European Union relations minister, headed to Brussels to stress the Labour Governments commitment to resetting the relationship with the bloc. On Thursday, Sir Keir will welcome 45 leaders from European countries to Blenheim Palace as he seeks to forge an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to strengthen co-operation and closer work on defence with key allies such as France and Germany. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton discusses a proposed $26 billion multi-state opioid settlement during a news conference at the Houston Recovery Center Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 in Houston. Paxton encouraged cities and counties to sign on to the settlement agreement that could yield up to $1.5 billion for the state. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Huffman ISD superintendent gathered a group of roughly 200 teachers and staff members in the Hargrave High School cafeteria on the morning of Feb. 7 to encourage his employees to support a list of Republican primary candidates who opposed school choice ahead of the March primary. If we dont support those 16 representatives in the upcoming election, we roll into the next session almost assured that were going to face a universal voucher bill that will change the face of public education forever, Benny Soileau said, according to a meeting transcript. Solieau also spoke about the districts dire financial situation and his disappointment with Gov. Greg Abbotts push for vouchers in the 88th legislative session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The word on the street is that (Abbott) would have had an opportunity to become the attorney general at the federal level if he could deliver a voucher bill to the state of Texas, Solieau said. So he pushed real hard to try to make that happen, and he did it at the expense of 5.4 million public school kids in the state of Texas. Solieaus pitch put Huffman ISD among six school districts sued for illegal electioneering by Attorney General Ken Paxton over nine days, a lawsuit the district is continuing to fight. Paxton also sued the Denton, Frisco, Castleberry, Aledo and Denison ISDs, claiming the districts electioneering violated both the Texas Election Code and the Texas Education Code. The lawsuit against Solieau and the Huffman ISD school board alleges the district used state or local funds or other resources of the district to electioneer for or against any candidate, measure or political party. Solieaus reported $289,000 annual salary is specifically mentioned. The district denies all allegations and criticizes the states logic in its 19-page response filed by Thompson & Horton LLC Attorney Stephanie A. Hamm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The defense claims Solieau did not participate in electioneering because he didnt post, use or distribute political elements regarding any candidate and at most he orally communicated factual information. Furthermore, it claims Solieaus speech was directed at a room of individuals ineligible to vote for the House Republicans he suggested. Paxton filed the lawsuit as a politically motivated publicity stunt to help turn out anti-education voters, Hamm claims. Paxton has a long history of battling voter fraud so much so that in 2021 an all-Republican Court of Criminal Appeals struck down a law that allowed the attorney general to unilaterally prosecute election cases. Now, Paxton can get involved in a case only after a district or county attorney asks him to. The law prevents him from criminally prosecuting election code violations, but Paxton said that wouldnt stop him from seeking civil injunctive relief to attain a court order against school district employees who attempt to influence elections. The attorney generals office did not respond to a request for comment. Several of the school districts accused of electioneering worked quickly to resolve the issue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Frisco ISD board of trustees settled with Paxton after he pursued a temporary restraining order, and Castleberry ISD Superintendent Renee Smith-Faulkner signed an injunction agreeing that the district would not use any funds or resources to participate in electioneering. In the case against Denton ISD, Dean McGee, an education freedom attorney at the Liberty Justice Center, sent a letter to County District Attorney Paul Johnson requesting an investigation into the district for criminal election interference. The investigation led to the indictment of two Denton ISD elementary school principals with misdemeanor charges for alleged electioneering. Former Alexander Elementary Principal Lindsay Lujan and her husband Jesus Lujan, Borman Elementary principal, are still employed by the district, according to the Denton ISD website. McGee said he sent a similar letter to District Attorney Kim Ogg after Harris County voters reached out to him with concerns about Solieaus abuse of power. His letter demanded an investigation of Huffman ISD be initiated before April 11. In a response, the district attorneys office said it forwarded McGees request to the chief prosecutor of the public corruption division. In Denton, its very clear that the investigation was taken seriously and ultimately resulted in indictments, McGee said. I guess the most I would say is that, from my view of the facts, I think the facts would require the same outcome here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An investigator from the district attorneys office reached out to several Harris County citizens to gather information regarding Solieaus meeting. Several individuals signed affidavits claiming Solieau participated in illegal electioneering. The individuals also passed along a transcript and additional details regarding the Feb. 7 meeting, but have not received an update on the status of the investigation. The district attorneys office declined to comment on the issue. According to a whistleblower, the Feb. 7 meeting was the second time Solieau met with Huffman ISD staff in an effort to influence their votes. Ahead of the districts bond election in August, the superintendent told teachers they would receive a raise if the bond passed, the whistleblower said, but in February he claimed a lack of funding would prevent the district from following through. Letters from Palestinian children have been handed in to Downing Street, calling for an urgent ceasefire and end to the violence in Gaza. The messages to the Prime Minister, including a letter from the 15 year-old Palestinian Childrens Council (PCC) president, were handed over in a box which had the words Gaza Cant Wait printed on the outside. In her letter to Sir Keir Starmer, PCC president Mais Abdel Hadi says children in Gaza live in a constant state of fear and anxiety, with shells accompanying us around the clock, and asks why must we children pay such a horrendous price? 'Why must children pay such a horrendous price?' Mais Abdel Hadi, Gaza Today we handed in children's letters from Gaza at No.10 Downing Street for Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer Only an immediate ceasefire, halting arms sales and unfettered access to aid can stop the suffering. pic.twitter.com/JHKJ1JoQsX Christian Aid (@christian_aid) July 16, 2024 She is displaced with her family in Khan Younis Governorate. They have lost their home and belongings, and she says that psychological wounds worsen, and physical suffering increases. Ray Hasan, of the Christian Aid international development charity, and Reverend Claire Whitmore, from Christians for Palestine, were among the delegation who delivered the letters on Tuesday. Christian Aid is calling for the Government to signal its unequivocal support for upholding international humanitarian law and wants more humanitarian aid in Gaza. The conflict in Gaza has proved a thorn in Sir Keirs side since it began in October, with several senior Labour figures facing challenges at the General Election from Independent candidates amid discontent with the partys position on the war. Earlier this week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he hoped to see a hostage deal emerge in the coming days and called for an immediate ceasefire and a rapid increase of aid into Gaza during a visit to the Middle East. His first trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories as Foreign Secretary included meetings with political leaders and families of hostages held in Gaza. Mr Lammy said: I hope that we see a hostage deal emerge in the coming days. And I am using all diplomatic efforts, indeed last week with the G7 nations and particularly with (US secretary of state Antony Blinken) Tony Blinken, pressing for that hostage deal. And I hope too that we see a ceasefire soon and we bring an alleviation to the suffering and the intolerable loss of life that were now seeing also in Gaza. Jason Watkins starred in the show's third season as former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and he speaks to Yahoo UK about the experience. (Netflix) (Courtesy of Sophie Mutevelian /) The Crown has often had criticism levelled at it over the years, and the closer the Netflix show got to modern memory the more this increased but star Jason Watkins tells Yahoo UK how complaints over the show's historical accuracy disregards viewers' intelligence. Watkins starred in the show's third season as former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, the series explored a multitude of real-life events from the time like the 1966 Aberfan mining disaster which killed 116 children and 28 adults. The actor, who will soon return to screens in ITV's McDonald and Dodds, reflected on his time on the Netflix juggernaut for Role Recall. "The Crown is a behemoth, isn't it?" Watkins says of the series and the criticism it has received over the years. "And it is a brilliantly made piece of television. I don't know what the numbers are, but I think it's the most watched thing [on Netflix], and there are reasons for that. "I would say from the start what is the truth? Even a perfect historical book about an incident is only a view of what has happened. I think it's condescending to think that audiences would believe that as verbatim, I think audiences are intelligent enough to know what is a fictional account of real events. Reflecting on criticism of the show's historical accuracy, Jason Watkins said: 'I think audiences are intelligent enough to know what is a fictional account of real events'. (Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix) (Alex Bailey/Netflix) "You could say that Peter Morgan is a historian, it is his view on history... and [there are] some beautiful episodes that he's made throughout this." Read more: The Crowns head of research calls out criticism of the show's historical accuracy Reflecting on his time on the show, Watkins went on: "If I talk about my own experience, the Aberfan episode is such a heartfelt, extraordinary piece of television. "Having lost a child myself, being part of something about the loss of those children that is done in such an amazing way, with this incredible team and the emotional effect of that program, that would potentially affect change or [audience's] understanding of grief I'm incredibly proud of that. "You can invent, with a fiction[al show] based on real events, what may be going on inside a character's head, and all these views that Peter has about the mixture of public and private life within the Royal family it's his view on it." 'You could say that Peter Morgan is a historian, it is his view on history... and [there are] some beautiful episodes that he's made,' Jason Watkins said, naming Aberfan the episode he is most proud of. (Netflix) (Courtesy of Des Willie / Netflix) The actor starred in the series when Olvia Colman took on the role of Queen Elizabeth II. Netflix's hit series weathered quite a bit of criticism in its time, with royal biographers calling it "odious" and the depiction of Princess Diana's death in the final season also being torn to shreds by critics. Watkins adds that he feels the show should be celebrated by the British public because of what it was able to achieve: "I think we should just make sure that we take a lot of pride in this British project that was made, that has become this enormous international hit. And the Royal family, I would argue, is more popular than it's ever been, partly as a result of The Crown. "I was sort of torn apart by a historical biographer, a Royal biographer, [once] and I wish I'd said some of those things, but I felt slightly cowed by it. I perhaps should have been proud about what we had created, and also the way in which those shows are made." The Crown is available to stream on Netflix. McDonald and Dodds season 4 will premiere on ITV1 on Sunday, 21 July, and Yahoo's full Role Recall interview with Jason Watkins will be released on Thursday, 18 July. This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/jason-watkins-the-crown-criticism-125527077.html Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima on Strictly Come Dancing 2023. (BBC) Sacked Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima has said he kicked Zara McDermott in a single incident during the 2023 series. He had apologised at the time. The spokesperson told the BBC that this was a single incident and not something that went on in "weeks and weeks of training". "There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right," his representative Mark Borkowski told BBC News. "And he knows that. He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time." Zara McDermott has spoken out after the Strictly professional was dropped from the 2024 series. She wrote on Instagram: "I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming." Di Prima has left the show following allegations about his conduct against his 2023 series dance partner McDermott that were recently brought to light. Reports suggested the dancer was axed 48 hours after BBC bosses were presented with video evidence. In the wake of the news, Di Prima initially said in a statement: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime." What we know Graziano Di Prima responds Strictly Come Dancing's Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima. (BBC) (BBC/Guy Levy) Di Prima's representative said the dancer had "crossed the line" in discussion with the BBC and said that the choreographer couldn't clearly remember the incident. Di Prima's representative has denied the reports to the BBC that the dancer spat on McDermott. Following his exit from the BBC show, the choreographer has moved back to Italy where he is doing manual labour on a remote farm. It is the second time that Di Prima has spoken out after being dropped from the show. First he posted an Instagram post saying he "deeply regrets the events" that sparked his exit from Strictly. He shared a statement on Instagram saying: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime." Zara McDermott speaks out Zara McDermott has broken her silence on social media. (Instagram) (Instagram) McDermott has broken her silence on the allegations with an impassioned Instagram statement. The Love Island star said she had always dreamed of being on Strictly. "When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true," she said in a statement. "I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took." Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima dancing on Strictly. (BBC) (BBC/Guy Levy) Of the allegations, she added: "However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch. "I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. "The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up especially in a aworld where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly meas a lot. Love, always. Zara." BBC's response to Graziano Di Prima's exit Graziano Di Prima will not appear on Strictly 2024. (BBC) Di Prima has been part of the Strictly family since 2018. Previously, he has danced with Vick Hope, Judi Love and Kym Marsh. BBC spokesperson has confirmed Di Prima is "no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series". Instead, Strictly legend Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the show. The BBC said in a statement: "While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate." Read more: Strictly 2024 What we don't know Giada Lini's response Graziano Di Prima and Giada Lini pictured together in 2022. (Getty) (Joe Maher via Getty Images) Giada Lini has yet to speak out about the claims that saw her husband leave Strictly. Lini is also a dancer and a star on the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars. Before the drama unfolded, the couple gave a joint interview to OK! magazine where they discussed the impact their training schedules has on their marriage. Lini told the magazine: "When Dancing With The Stars begins in Italy, we are apart for three months. Of course, if one of us gets knocked out we can see each other, but of course, we hope we are not going out because we want to go all the way in the competitions." Di Prima spoke about how Strictly is one of the "toughest times" because he is apart from his wife. He said: "Its mixed feelings, because its the most wonderful time and Im doing what I love the most. I am so lucky, Strictly changed my life. But at the same time, I am apart from my wife. Its one of the toughest times. Strictly takes every minute of your life. From the moment you start until December, you work and live for Strictly." Strictly in crisis Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington dancing on 2023 Strictly series. (BBC) This is the latest drama to rock the 20th Strictly anniversary plans. Already this year there has been a lot of talk about the professional stars line-up. Amanda Abbington quit Strictly last year and later said Giovanni Pernice's teaching methods were "militant". After nine years on the BBC show, Pernice has left as the BBC investigate "serious workplace misconduct". Pernice said he "rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour". "I look forward to clearing my name," he added. Head judge Shirley Ballas has given her public backing to Pernice and she has said, "The truth will prevail." The investigation is ongoing and we are yet to find out the outcome. This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/graziano-di-prima-strictly-sacking-what-we-know-102846885.html Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced he will not be contesting the next general election. The ex-Fine Gael leader said the time has come for him to explore new options and opportunities. Mr Varadkar, 45, announced he would resign as taoiseach and Fine Gael leader in March, saying he felt he was no longer the right person to lead his party. He then described his decision as both personal and political. He was succeeded as party leader and taoiseach by Simon Harris in April. Mr Varadkar made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election at a meeting of the Fine Gael Dublin West Constituency Organisation on Tuesday evening. He said: I have been an elected representative for more than 20 years and have been elected on five occasions, first to represent the Castleknock/Blanchardstown area on Fingal County Council and subsequently to represent Dublin West in Dail Eireann in four consecutive elections. It has been the privilege of my life and I am so grateful to have had the chance to serve my community and my country as a councillor and a TD. I have decided that the time has come for me to explore new options and opportunities. I have never seen myself as a career politician and I am keen to see how I can make my contribution to society in other ways. He added: I shall, of course, complete my term in Dail and will continue to be a full time TD until it is dissolved. I am making this decision at a time when the Fine Gael party is in good shape. We have a new leader, a fresh ministerial team, professional and capable staff in headquarters and the Oireachtas. The party is well-funded, well organised and has had a successful local and European elections. He expressed confidence that Fine Gael could hold its seat in Dublin West and secure a historic fourth term in government. The convention to select a candidate or candidates to run for the party in Dublin West is scheduled for mid-September. Leo Varadkar resigned as taoiseach in April (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Varadkars announcement comes just weeks after former tanaiste Simon Coveney said he would not stand in the next general election. The next general election in Ireland would take place next year if the coalition government runs its full term, however there has been speculation that a poll could be called before then after Fine Gael and Fianna Fail performed well in recent European and local government elections. Mr Varadkar became Irelands youngest ever Irish premier when he took up the reins of the government at the age of 38 in 2017. His rise to the top made history as he became the first person from an ethnic minority to become taoiseach and he was also the countrys first gay leader. Born in Castleknock in 1979, Mr Varadkar is the son of an Irish nurse and an Indian doctor. He joined the centre right youth wing of the Fine Gael party while studying medicine at Trinity College Dublin. At the age of seven, he announced he wanted to become the minister for health when he grew up. After succeeding Enda Kenny to the role of Fine Gael leader, Mr Varadkar held the post of taoiseach from 2017 until 2020, and then returned to the role in 2022 following an historic agreement with Fine Gael coalition partners Fianna Fail and the Green Party. It was during a radio interview in January 2015 that Mr Varadkar came out as gay and said he would be campaigning in support of the same-sex marriage referendum later that year, some 22 years after homosexuality was decriminalised in the Republic. He has been in a long-term relationship with doctor Matthew Barrett. During Mr Varadkars time as taoiseach, Ireland passed the landmark referendum to liberalise its strict abortion laws. Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar and partner Matt Barrett (Niall Carson/PA) He also played a key role in the Brexit negotiations, with a famous meeting with then-prime minister Boris Johnson at a manor house on the Wirral in England seen as a significant moment in paving a way for the deal on the UKs exit from the EU. The agreement staved off the prospect of a hard trade border being introduced on the island of Ireland, but it did prompt years of further political turmoil, particularly within unionism in Northern Ireland, over the creation of a so-called Irish Sea border on the movement of goods between the region and Great Britain. Mr Varadkar was taoiseach at the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and announced a lockdown in arguably his most famous address while on an annual St Patricks Day trip to Washington DC. Gareth Southgate has stood down as England manager, saying it is time for a new chapter for the national team. He announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the Football Association on Tuesday morning, following the teams defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night. As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me and I have given it my all, he said in a statement. But its time for change and for a new chapter. Sundays final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager. Southgate took charge in 2016, following the teams ignominious exit to Iceland in that summers Euros and the short-lived reign of Sam Allardyce. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgates achievements in leading England to successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in his first tournament at the helm. Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgates successor is now under way and said the FA had an interim solution in place if needed, with the teams next matches coming in the Nations League in September. Southgate himself backed his players to go on and win the trophy we all dream of in the future. Gareth Southgates message as he stepped down as England manager (FA Handout/PA). I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St Georges Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power football has to drive positive change, he said. My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day and I am so grateful to them the brilliant team behind the team. We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. Im an England fan and I always will be. Bullinghams statement highlighted just how far England had come on the pitch under Southgate. In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine, Bullingham said. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years. Gareth Southgates England missed out on Euro 2024 glory (Bradley Collyer/PA). And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our mens team for over 50 years and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday. Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years. Bullingham also highlighted Southgates wider impact on the team, beyond the on-field achievements. We look back at Gareths tenure with huge pride his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique, he said. Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and (his assistant) Steve (Holland) achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them. England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley could be a contender to take on the national team reins in the interim (Jacob King/PA) Current England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, who led his group to Euros success last summer, would appear an obvious contender to take on the job on an interim basis, if not in the longer term. Southgate initially succeeded Allardyce on an interim basis in 2016. England take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 before facing Finland at home on September 10. Gething quits as Welsh First Minister following resignations from his Government Vaughan Gething is quitting as Welsh First Minister after four members of his Government resigned and demanded he leave office. He said he had taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister and will now discuss a timetable for the election of his successor. Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd following rows over his decision to sack former minister Hannah Blythyn and a furore about donations he took while running to be Welsh Labour leader, while Labours co-operation deal in the Senedd with Plaid Cymru has collapsed. He was only elected to the role in March and in a statement said he had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership but I recognise that this is not possible. In a defiant message, he denied any wrongdoing: My integrity matters. I have not compromised it. I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. Mr Gething, who became the first black leader of a European nation when he replaced Mark Drakeford as First Minister, said it had been an honour and privilege to show under-represented communities that there is a place for them, for us. Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Gething had made the difficult decision because he feels it is the best decision now for Wales. On Tuesday morning four ministers including Mr Gethings former leadership rival Jeremy Miles resigned and called for him to quit. Mr Miles, Mick Antoniw, Julie James and Lesley Griffiths posted their resignation letters online in an open show of discontent with Mr Gethings continued leadership. Mr Gething has been under pressure over a 200,000 donation to his campaign from Dauson Environmental Group, which is owned by David Neal, who has twice been convicted of environmental offences. In her resignation letter, Julie James told Vaughan Gething that she feared Welsh devolution would be at risk if he continued (Julie James/PA) It also raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest as the money came from a company which was loaned 400,000 by the Welsh government-owned Development Bank of Wales at a time when Mr Gething had been economy minister, although he was not involved in the decision. This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family, Mr Gething said. A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue. In 11 years as a minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities. His sacking of social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn added to the controversies around Mr Gethings leadership. Serving in the Welsh Government has been an immense privilege and solemn responsibility. It is with deep sadness that I resign today. pic.twitter.com/QqhIDNNxqg Jeremy Miles (@Jeremy_Miles) July 16, 2024 She was fired over the alleged leak of messages relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. The news website Nation.Cyrmu has denied that she was the source of the leaked messages, which showed Mr Gething claiming he would delete all correspondence from an iMessage group of Welsh ministers. Mr Gething has insisted that leaked messages to the media came from Ms Blythyns phone but said he has never tried to claim she was the direct source for a Nation.Cymru story on the contents of a ministerial iMessage chat. The pressure on Mr Gething continued to mount until Tuesdays ministerial resignations left his position unsustainable. Mr Miles, who quit as economy secretary, told Mr Gething: The events of the last few months, including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful. Its essential that we begin to repair the damage immediately, and I have reached the conclusion very regrettably that this cannot happen under your leadership. With great sadness i am resigning as Counsel General from the Welsh Government pic.twitter.com/jFS2eYi8S3 Mick Antoniw MS/AS (@MickAntoniw1) July 16, 2024 Ms James told the First Minister she feared that Welsh devolution would be at risk if he continued in the role. In her letter resigning as housing secretary, she said: We must begin to repair this damage immediately and I am extremely sorry to tell you that I do not think you are capable of being the leader who can lead us through that. Ms Griffiths, who resigned as culture secretary, said: I have reached the conclusion that we simply will not be able to put things back on track under your leadership, leaving me with only one realistic option at this point. Mr Antoniw told Mr Gething I do not believe you can continue as First Minister as he quit as the Welsh Governments counsel general. Urging the First Minister to put the country first, he said the Senedd was rudderless without a new leader. Plaid Cymrus leader Rhun ap Iorwerth demanded a snap election rather than allow Labour to choose another first minister to go through the revolving door of chaos. I want to thank Vaughan Gething for his service as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and as First Minister of Wales. pic.twitter.com/82ToNR0H56 Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 16, 2024 He said: Labour has put party interests ahead of the interests of the nation for too long. The people of Wales must be given the opportunity to elect a new government and an election must be called. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: Vaughan Gethings resignation is long overdue. But there can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales. Wales will remember. Vaughan Gethings short reign as First Minister of Wales has ended in scandal. Questions over a 200,000 donation to his Labour leadership campaign have dogged him since he became First Minister in March. A row over a leaked phone message which led to him sacking one of his ministers and Plaid Cymrus withdrawal of support for his Government added to the sense of chaos. The First Minister has been under pressure over a donation from the Dauson Environmental Group, which is owned by David Neal, who has previously been convicted of environmental offences. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with Vaughan Gething (Peter Byrne/PA) There have also been concerns about a possible conflict of interest in the money coming from a company which was loaned 400,000 by the Welsh government-owned, Development Bank of Wales (DBW). The loan from the DBW was given to Neal Soil Suppliers a subsidiary of Dauson in 2023 to help purchase a solar farm, at a time when Mr Gething was economy minister. Mr Gething has always insisted that he cannot take any decision relating to Dauson which is based in his constituency and the DBW is entirely independent of ministers. Plaid Cymru has ended its Co-operation Agreement with the Welsh Government with immediate effect. A statement from Plaid Cymru Leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth: pic.twitter.com/ftEzEfRqAj Plaid Cymru (@Plaid_Cymru) May 17, 2024 But Plaid cited the donation as one of the reasons for ending its co-operation agreement in the Senedd with the Welsh Labour administration. Labour had 30 seats of the 60 seats in Cardiff Bay following the 2021 election and struck a deal with Plaid to ensure a majority. Mr Gethings dismissal of minister for social partnership, Hannah Blythyn, following the leak of a phone message to the media was also highlighted by Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth in his decision to end the agreement with Labour. Ms Blythyn strongly denied leaking anything and said she was deeply shocked at her dismissal. I am deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened today. I am clear and have been clear that I did not, nor have I ever leaked anything. Integrity is all in politics and I retain mine. 1/2 Hannah Blythyn (@hannahblythyn) May 16, 2024 The First Ministers decision followed a report on the Nation.Cymru news website which featured a message posted to a ministerial group chat in August 2020 by Mr Gething, stating that he was deleting the messages in this group. He said the leaked message was from a section of an iMessage group chat with other Labour ministers and related to internal discussions within the Senedd Labour group. Mr Gething previously told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that lost WhatsApp messages were not deleted by him, but by the Welsh Parliaments IT team during a security rebuild. Mr Gething denied the leaked message contradicted the evidence he had given to the inquiry, adding it did not relate to pandemic decision-making but comments that colleagues make to and about each other. Jeremy Miles stood against Mr Gething (David Mirzoeff/PA) Mr Gething said he would quit as Welsh First Minister on Tuesday after four members of his government resigned and demanded he left office. He said he recognised that rebuilding and renewal was not possible under his leadership but said allegations of wrongdoing on his part were pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue. Mr Gething became First Minister after beating his only rival, the education minister Jeremy Miles, in the Labour leadership election following Mark Drakefords decision to stand down. Mr Miles won more nominations from his colleagues in Cardiff Bay, but Mr Gething triumphed by securing 51.7% of the votes cast in the election. Mr Gething became the first black leader of a European country, which he described as a matter of pride for a modern Wales but also a daunting responsibility for me and one that I do not take lightly. He joined the Labour Party at 17 to help campaign in the 1992 elections, has been in the Senedd since 2011 and in the cabinet since 2016. He rose to prominence as health minister throughout the Covid pandemic, a post he held from 2016 to 2021, before becoming economy minister. Mr Gething was born in Zambia in 1974, where his father, a Welsh vet from Ogmore-by-Sea in Glamorgan, met his mother, a chicken farmer. He has spoken openly about his experiences of prejudice and said in his leadership campaign he did not want anyone in Wales to feel that way. When he was two, his family moved to Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, where his father was due to start a new job, but the offer was withdrawn when he arrived with a black family. After his father lost his job in Abergavenny, the family moved to Dorset in England. Mr Gething later studied law at Aberystwyth University and unsuccessfully stood for the Mid and West Wales seat at the first National Assembly elections in 1999, before becoming councillor for the Butetown area of Cardiff in 2004. He stood for the Senedd elections again in 2011, when he successfully took the Cardiff South and Penarth Seat. He previously ran for the Labour leadership and first minister position in 2018, when he lost to Mr Drakeford. Boris Johnson has insisted Donald Trump would help to protect democracy against aggression after discussing Ukraine in a meeting with the Republican presidential nominee amid concerns about his threats to weaken US support for Kyiv. The former prime minister also said Mr Trump had responded with sheer indomitability following the assassination attempt against him at the weekend. The two men met on the fringes of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for around half an hour, over which period Mr Johnson said Ukraine was discussed at length. It was great to see president Trump, who is on superb form following the appalling attempt on his life, he said. Great to meet President Trump who is on top form after the shameful attempt on his life. We discussed Ukraine and I have no doubt that he will be strong and decisive in supporting that country and defending democracy. pic.twitter.com/OEVZPZsRE1 Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 16, 2024 I noted the courage, resilience and sheer indomitability with which he has responded. We discussed Ukraine at length and I know that he will give the strong and decisive leadership necessary to protect democracy against aggression. Mr Trump has expressed scepticism about Nato in the past, and his threats to reduce US support for Ukraine during the presidential election campaign have stoked fear in some Western capitals. Mr Johnson, who has cited Britains aid to Ukraine after Russias invasion in 2022 as one of the key achievements of his leadership, previously said he endorsed the Republicans presidential bid as long as he backed Kyiv. If he does the right thing and backs the Ukrainians, and I believe he will, a Trump presidency can be a big win for the world, he wrote in his Daily Mail column. Sir Keir Starmers Labour Government has said it will work with whoever the US electorate returns to the White House, but senior figures were on Tuesday forced to push back against widely criticised remarks by Mr Trumps running mate. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she did not recognise that characterisation after JD Vance described Britain under Labour as the first truly Islamist country with a nuclear weapon, while Defence Secretary John Healey suggested nobody in Britain would recognise that caricature. A killer who stabbed a woman 60 times during sex will now give evidence at his public parole hearing in private, the panel chair told attendees on the first day of proceedings. Steven Ling, a farm worker, was jailed for life in December 1998 after admitting murdering Joanne Tulip, 29, in Stamfordham, Northumberland, on Christmas Day a year earlier. A charge of rape was left on file. Parole reviews typically take place behind closed doors but legal reforms that came into force in 2022 allow some to be heard in public, when requested, in a bid to remove the secrecy around the process. Joanne Tulip was murdered on Christmas Day (Handout/PA) In April last year, Caroline Corby, the chairwoman of the Parole Board for England and Wales, granted an application for Lings fifth parole hearing to be held in public. On Tuesday, members of the press and public were able to watch the proceedings, taking place in the jail where Ling is being held, on a live stream. Ahead of the hearing, attendees were warned that they would not be able to see Ling, after he chose not to appear on camera. But on the first day of proceedings, the panel chair said Lings evidence will be heard in private. They said the panel considered hearing part of his oral evidence in public but recent developments have satisfied me as panel chair that this would not give you (Ling) the opportunity to contribute your best evidence. The media made a request to challenge the decision but were told they could not address the panel. A Parole Board spokesperson said in a statement: To ensure the panel could make a fair and informed decision based on the risk he presents to the public, it was very recently decided that Steven Lings evidence should be held in the private section of the hearing. This was to ensure there is opportunity for him to give his best evidence, and his ability to speak openly about specific areas of interest to the panel. The Parole Board understands that the public hearing attendees, especially the victims, were disappointed by these developments. We are very sorry that the victims were unable to observe all of the proceedings and understand the impact that this has had on them and their understanding of the process. Statements from Ms Tulips family were also heard in private and were described by the panel chair as extremely moving. She said: There can be no doubt that Ms Tulips murder has caused lifelong harm. Lings prison offender manager gave evidence in public on Tuesday, telling the panel that Ling has been afforded the highest level of trust in prison. She said her professional assessment is that he meets the test for release but that her preference is he be moved to open conditions first where he can gain confidence in his ability to be in the community after 25 years in custody. The proceedings heard that Ling has been struggling with anxiety and stress, which his prison offender manager said was linked to the fear of judgment, shame, guilt from his offending. She also said that he has always been aware of the impact of his offending on Ms Tulips family. He finds it very difficult to align himself with the person he was who committed that crime, she said. She added that Ling knows nothing he can say or do will ever make amends for what happened. There has also been confusion over the spelling of Lings first name with official records differing over the years, but the Parole Board and Ministry of Justice have since corrected and confirmed the spelling. The decision to hear Lings evidence in private follows the news that emerged last Thursday that double child killer Colin Pitchforks next parole hearing will no longer be held in public due to unforeseeable developments including fresh allegations. The Parole Board said that the allegations were in respect of relatively recent conduct and apologised for the increased stress on the families of the victims. Pitchfork, 64, was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling 15-year-old girls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. In June, there was a last-minute delay in murderer William Dunlops public parole hearing, which was branded absolutely disgraceful by the victims mother. The hearing for Dunlop, who strangled pizza delivery woman Julie Hogg in Billingham, County Durham, in 1989, was adjourned after an eleventh-hour request by the Ministry of Justice, the Parole Board said. Ms Hoggs mother, Ann Ming, complained to staff at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, and could be heard saying: Its absolutely disgraceful. Ms Ming campaigned for 15 years to bring Dunlop to justice for her daughters murder. Almost two hours after the hearing was supposed to begin, a statement was read out by staff announcing the postponement. An amended Parole Board statement issued later in the day made no reference to the Ministry of Justice requesting an adjournment having previously said new information was produced by the department at the last minute. Ling was initially ordered to serve at least 20 years behind bars but in 2009, a High Court judge cut the minimum term to 18 years. During sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, Mr Justice Potts told Ling: You inflicted appalling injuries on (Ms Tulip) while you were having sexual relations with her. Im also satisfied that there was in your motivation an aspiration of sadism. He added: You will never be released so long as it is thought you constitute a danger to women. The parole hearing will continue on Wednesday with more evidence to be heard both in public and in private, with the panel likely to make a decision at a later date. The King and Queen will attend a special sitting of Guernseys Parliament during the second day of their whistlestop trip to the Channel Islands. Charles and Camilla, who were in Jersey on Monday, are travelling to Guernsey in their first visit to the two bailiwicks, which are Crown Dependencies off the north-west coast of France, since the King acceded to the throne. A 21-gun salute from the Castle Cornet will mark their arrival on the St Peter Port seafront on Tuesday, where Charles will preside over a short special sitting of the States of Deliberation, Guernseys Parliament. The seafront setting means islanders can watch the events. The two-day visit comes as Charles returns to some public duties, despite his continued treatment for cancer. The King and Queen attended the Kings Parade outside Pomme dOr Hotel, Liberation Square in St Helier, Jersey (Andrew Matthews/PA) The King is known as the Duke of Normandy on the Channel Islands, dating from when William the Conquerors son, Henry I, seized the Duchy of Normandy, including the islands, in 1106. At official functions, islanders raise the loyal toast to The Duke of Normandy, our King. The States sitting will be followed by a Ceremony of Homage, a tradition that is observed when the monarch first visits Guernsey. Historic title-holders, seigneurs and dames of small parcels of land known as fiefs, will pay homage during the ceremony, which is held in French. Charles will be presented with some ceremonial silver spurs. The trip ends the day before the planned State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, which is also Camillas 77th birthday. Jersey and Guernsey announced special public holidays to mark the royal visits on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing possessions of the British Crown. When Queen Elizabeth II visited Jersey in 2001, she was presented with two dead ducks on a silver tray, part of an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when six seigneurs, lords of the manor, would pay homage to the sovereign as the Duke of Normandy with the mallards. Charles and Camilla last visited the Channel Islands during the Diamond Jubilee year of 2012. Peter Warren is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at peter.warren@houstonchronicle.com. Peter previously lived in Dallas, where he covered the sports as a freelancer for the Dallas Morning News and other outlets. He has been published in Texas Highways Magazine, DMagazine.com, the Star Tribune and Bowlers Journal International. Peter graduated from Northwestern University in 2021. A man who stabbed his 71-year-old mother to death in their family home after having paranoid delusions has been handed a hospital order. Shaun Emmerson, 51, was found to have stabbed Christine Emmerson 35 times to her neck and torso with a kitchen knife on August 3 last year, before he climbed on to the conservatory roof and called 999 to admit to the violent attack. Sentencing Emmerson at Lincoln Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Simon Hirst handed him an indefinite hospital order where he will be detained and treated for his paranoid schizophrenia. A jury, which deliberated for four hours after hearing three days of evidence, previously found Emmerson, of Kirk Close, West Ashby, Lincolnshire, did the act alleged against him. Jurors heard Emmerson thought he could hear his neighbours through the walls say they wanted to kill him in a painful way and believed that people would attack him in his sleep. During the call Emmerson made to police, he could be heard asking the operator to send armed officers to put me out of my misery and claimed the Department of Justice have been torturing me for the last 20 years. Emmerson, who was experiencing a psychotic episode when he killed his mother, was ruled unfit to enter a plea to the charge of murder or take part in the trial because of his mental illness. The fact-finding trial asked jurors to decide whether Emmerson did the acts alleged against him, rather than find him guilty or not guilty. The defendant, who appeared by video link on Tuesday from Arnold Lodge, a medium secure hospital in Lincolnshire, spoke only to confirm his name. Judge Hirst told the defendant: On 11th July, the jury found you killed your mum. You rang the police and told them you attacked your mum with a knife. I am satisfied that you are suffering from a mental disorder, namely paranoid schizophrenia. You will be readmitted to Arnold Lodge and detained at Arnold Lodge. The judge commended the dignity of Emmersons family members present in the court and said the emotions must be very mixed indeed and that it had been an incredibly difficult case. EastEnders actor Michael French has promised a lot of drama when his character David Wicks returns to the soap. The BBC has said French will return for a short stint later this year having last appeared in 2014, with him leaving after his relationship with Carol Jackson, played by Lindsey Coulson, broke down following their failed wedding attempt. David is the son of the late Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) and late Pete Beale (Peter Dean) and was known as a womaniser during his time in Albert Square. Speaking about his return, the 61-year-old said: I feel honoured to be asked to reprise the role of David Wicks once again. David Wicks was known for conducting endless dodgy deals (Lee Strickland/BBC/PA) It may only be a brief visit, but we know from his past that David never fails to create a lot of drama in a very short time. Some of the most famous storylines involving the character included David becoming sworn enemies with half-brother Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) after he embarked on an affair with his then-wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and that almost saw Ian killed. David was also known for conducting endless dodgy deals at step-father Frank Butchers car lot, and discovering that Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), the woman he had started developing feelings for, was in fact his secret daughter. David returned to Walford in 2014, which saw him have a heart attack on the day of his wedding before leaving the UK again for the US. EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: David Wicks is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most beloved rogues, and we are thrilled to welcome the talented Michael French back to the legendary role as we lead up to the shows 40th anniversary. Davids character was never shy of drama during his previous stints, and I can assure you this return will be no different. The BBC has not revealed the exact date Wicks will return to EastEnders, and has not given any indication as to why he will be coming back to Albert Square. The announcement comes after Jane Beale, played by Laurie Brett, returned to the square during Mondays episode. The UKs competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Microsofts hiring of senior figures from start-up Inflection AI, having previously raised concerns about close partnerships between firms in the sector. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was looking into Microsofts hiring of former Inflection staff, as well as entry into associated arrangements by Microsoft with the AI firm as part of a merger inquiry. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the creation of a new team, Microsoft AI, which will be led by British AI pioneer Mustafa Suleyman, who was the head of start-up Inflection AI, having previously founded DeepMind, the AI firm now owned by Google. A number of other Inflection staff have followed Mr Suleyman to Microsoft. Since then, the CMA has published a report raising concerns about the potential risks to open, fair and effective competition in the AI market. The report specifically identified what it called an interconnected web of more than 90 partnerships and strategic investments between a small handful of the biggest tech and AI firms, a set-up it warned could be used to consolidate power and resources within the sector. The competition watchdog then asked for views from interested parties on the partnerships, including those between Microsoft and Mistral AI, Amazon and Anthropic, and Microsofts links to Inflection. Amazon has invested around four billion dollars (3.2 billion) in Anthropic as it looks to gain an advantage in the AI race, while Microsoft announced a multi-year partnership with French AI start-up Mistral earlier this year, which is reported to include investment of around 13 million. Microsoft is also the biggest investor in ChatGPT maker OpenAI, while Apple has signed into partnership with OpenAI to embed ChatGPT into future versions of the iPhone as part of its Apple Intelligence scheme to bring more generative AI tools to its products. The CMA now has until September 11 to complete its initial investigation and make on decision on whether a more in-depth investigation is needed. Microsoft has been contacted for comment. Sir Lindsay Hoyle has suggested there is a need for more cats in Parliament after welcoming a stray named Clem to his family. The Commons Speaker joked there would be cats across the House to take care of the rodent population if I had my way, adding he would also love to see a Bring Your Pet Day in Parliament. He made the remarks in the presence of Attlee, dubbed head mouser of Speakers House, who is two-and-a-half years old. Clem, a stray cat who Sir Lindsay Hoyle has recently welcomed into his family (Jackie Storer/House of Commons) Named after former Labour prime minister Clement Attlee, Sir Lindsay said the brown tabby Maine Coon has been joined in the Hoyle family by three-year-old Clem a black cat with Bengal markings who turned up at our house one day. Animal-loving Sir Lindsay has a number of pets, including a tortoise named Maggie and a parrot named Boris. In 2014, calls were made for rescue cats from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to be deployed in Parliament to crack down on mice running riot on the estate. But the Commons was told a study had shown because of the size of the Westminster estate, one or two rescue cats would not be enough and a herd of cats would not be manageable. Clem is a black cat with Bengal markings (Jackie Storer/House of Commons) Sir Lindsay, on Attlees job for the Kings Speech on Wednesday, told the PA news agency: His role will be to keep the staff calm, hes a therapy cat as well, he works his way around the desks in the offices here and if need be hell go out and visit people and say, Look, Im around. Weve had the odd MP ring up and say, including the Clerk of the House, Oh theres a mouse in my office, can we borrow Attlee? and hes gone out. Sir Lindsay said Attlees good service is always welcome, adding: The good thing is he only asks for a pack of Dreamies. What hell do for a Dreamies in fact, hes looking at you now thinking you might have some. Attlee is a brown tabby Maine Coon (Richard Wheeler/PA) Asked about the role of therapy animals in offices, the Speaker said: If I had my way, Ill be quite honest, I think we should have cats across the House that look after the rodent population. I think itd be good for the House. Theres nothing better than seeing a cat. Anybody who likes cats are nice people. He added: Id love to have Bring Your Pet Day to Parliament, I think itd be fantastic. Maggie my tortoise is on the terrace at the moment. Boris the parrot is upstairs already, hes shouting away. Weve got Attlee but weve now got Clem. Sir Lindsay described Clem as part-Bengal but mixed with some alley cat I think, adding: Hes a black cat with Bengal markings in his fur. Hes quite cute, completely different to Attlee. I think its the Jekyll and Hyde of the cat society. He added of Clem: Hes a new stray thats come along that weve taken in. He turned up at our house one day. Trump had a bandage covering his right ear Donald Trump held back tears as he entered the Republican National Convention in his first public appearance since his assassination attempt. Trump, 78, looked emotional as he walked into the conference centre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the first day of the convention on Monday. Wearing a bandage over his right ear, the Republican nominee appeared defiant after Saturdays shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump waved at the packed arena and received a heros welcome, with cheering supporters giving him a standing ovation as Lee Greenwood sang God Bless the USA. A visibly emotional Donald Trump - Reuters He greeted his family, before taking a seat between commentator Tucker Carlson and JD Vance, his new running mate. Donald Trump Jr looked choked up as his father entered the room. The late-night appearance occurred hours after jubilant delegates nominated the former president to lead their ticket for a third time. Earlier on Monday, Trump announced that Mr Vance was his pick for vice president in the race to the 2024 election. He said Mr Vance, an Ohio senator, was best suited and would continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Donald Trump next to JD Vance The Republican convention came just two days after the attempt on Trumps life. Trump said his ear had been ripped through by a bullet on Saturday, when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at him from a nearby rooftop. The incident has prompted a full review by the federal government, and security at this weeks convention has been increased. Trump has called for national unity since the assassination attempt, in a marked departure from his recent attacks on Joe Biden, the US president. Mr Bidens campaign has suspended its political adverts in response to the shooting. The President said on Monday that his campaign would criticise Trump where appropriate, but admitted his previous suggestion his party should put a bullseye on their opponent was a mistake. Republicans have already capitalised on the attempt on their candidates life, calling for donations alongside a photo of a bloodied Trump raising his fist seconds after his ear was struck by a snipers bullet. Mr Vance held up his fist, just as Trump did after he escaped a sniper's attack - Julia Nikhinson Mr Vance joined other Republicans in raising a fist to Trump when he appeared at the convention. Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley told the convention that Americans should show the same strength and resilience as President Trump. Trump did not address the audience, with his acceptance speech scheduled for Thursday. 04:20 AM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live blog. The first day of the Republican National Convention has now come to an end. 04:05 AM BST Chair congratulates Trump and Vance Michael Whatley, the chair of the convention, congratulated Trump and JD Vance on their nominations as he closed the nights session. Senator Vance, congratulations, he said. President Trump, we are honoured to have you here tonight and on behalf of the entire Republican Party all across America, we are grateful for you to be our nominee for the 47th president of the United States of America. Trump fist-pumped and waved at supporters as he was led backstage, with Secret Service agents following closely behind him. 03:45 AM BST In pictures: Trump makes first public appearance at convention Donald Trump Donald Trump Donald Trump 03:39 AM BST OBrien: Trump is one tough son of a b---h Sean OBrien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, is currently on stage and has referred to Trump as one tough son of a b---h. His remarks drew a huge round of applause from the audience. You can have whatever opinion you want, but one thing is clear: President Trump is a candidate who is not afraid of hearing from new, loud and often critical voices, he said. I think we all can agree whether people like him or they dont like him, in light of what happened to him on Saturday, he has proven to be one tough son of a b---h. Sean O'Brien speaks during the Republican National Convention - AFP 03:35 AM BST Amber Rose: Trump is not racist Actress and model Amber Rose has spoken at the convention, rebutting the assertion that Trump is racist. The first person I knew who supported Donald Trump was my father. I was shocked, she said. She continued: My entire family is racially diverse and I believed the Left-wing propaganda that Donald Trump was a racist. My father said, No, hes not Amber, what are you talking about? And when I insisted, he said, prove it. So to prove my father wrong, I did my research and looked into all things Donald Trump. People have to do their research. I watched all the rallies, and I started meeting so many of you, his red-hat wearing supporters. I realised Donald Trump and his supporters dont care if youre Black, white, gay or straight its all love. 03:08 AM BST Trump appears emotional as he makes grand entrance Donald Trump Jr had tears in his eyes as his father headed towards the stage. Trump walked across the room to Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA and smiled as he joined his running mate, JD Vance, in the stands. Trump looked emotional as he clapped at the convention, next to Byron Donalds, Mr Vance and Mike Johnson. Trump saluted at the end of the song and joined chants of USA. He looked as if he was holding back tears. Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump 03:06 AM BST Trump arrives at Republican National Convention Donald Trump has entered the Republican convention hall with a bandage covering his right ear. Donald Trump Donald Trump 02:47 AM BST Kamala Harris ready to debate JD Vance Kamala Harris is ready to take on JD Vance in a vice-presidential debate, the Biden campaign has said. The potential head-to-head may give the Democrats a chance to regain momentum ahead of Novembers election after Joe Bidens disastrous performance against Donald Trump last month. Vice President Harris is prepared to debate JD Vance. We have accepted the proposal from CBS News to participate in that debate, and we feel very good, a spokesman for the Biden campaign said. Mr Vance has not officially agreed to the debate, having been named as Donald Trumps running mate just hours ago. Trump said he had accepted a debate invitation from Fox News on behalf of his yet-to-be-selected running mate in May. The Biden campaign claimed that Ms Harris is well-positioned to draw contrasts with Mr Vance, whom they labelled a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. The stakes may be higher than at previous debates, since both candidates will have to show they are presidential material who could take over if their running mates, who are 78 and 81 years old respectively, cannot fulfil the duties of their office. Ms Harris is reported to have called Mr Vance after he was named as Trumps running mate on Monday, but he did not answer. The vice president left a voicemail message instead. 02:22 AM BST Tense exchanges as Biden criticises media I dont plan on having another performance on that level, Joe Biden says of his debate. His NBC interview has had a few tense moments with Lester Holt, with the US President repeatedly criticising the media for not drawing more attention to Donald Trumps failings. Sometime come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, ok? The issues, he says as the interview concludes. 02:18 AM BST Biden: I screwed up in debate Joe Biden is asked about Democrats who have urged him to drop out of the presidential race. We knew this was going be a close race from the moment [Trump] announced, he says. If you look at all the polling data, polling data shows a lot of different things but theres no wide gap between us. Its essentially a toss-up race. He says of the debate: I had a bad, bad night I wasnt feeling well at all... I screwed up. Mr Biden then goes on to criticise the media for its coverage of Trumps debate performance, asking: Why didnt the press talk about all the lies he told? Asked about his contact with Barack Obama, he says he has not spoken to the former president in about two weeks. Asked who he listens to about staying in the race, he answers: Me. Ive been doing this a long time. 02:14 AM BST Biden: Well continue campaigning on Trumps legal issues Joe Biden says he will continue campaigning on Donald Trumps legal issues despite the shooting on Saturday. Sure, I can talk about what I think is appropriate, he says. 02:12 AM BST Violence is never, never, never appropriate Joe Biden is asked if the shooting on Saturday was a massive security failure. He answers: Ive had two meeting. in the Situation Room with all the intelligence communities of FBI, Secret Service Center and Ive asked for a totally independent analysis. And well see what happens in that. He again hits out and Trump on the January 6 riots, accusing him of supporting violence in the past. When you say theres nothing wrong with going to the Capitol, breaking in threatening people... and then you say youve got forgive people for that, that was just a normal response? Mr Biden continues: Violence is never appropriate. Never, never, never in politics. 02:09 AM BST I dont know if shooting will change race, says Biden Asked if the shooting on Saturday will change the trajectory of the race, Joe Biden answers: I dont know. And you dont know either. 02:08 AM BST Biden defends Trump criticisms Lester Holt suggests that Joe Biden is not turning down the heat. Mr Biden pushes back, saying he can criticise Donald Trump without descending into violent rhetoric. The idea of saying that you didnt win the election when every court in the land... said we won, he says. He goes onto criticise Donald Trump for using the word vermin. 02:06 AM BST Biden: Trump call was cordial - but his language is unacceptable Joe Biden says his phone call with Donald Trump was very cordial, adding: I told him how concerned I was. He continues: My first reaction was My God - look theres so much violence... theres no place at all for violence in politics in America and weve reached the point where its become too commonplace. Mr Biden goes onto to criticise Trumps language on the January 6 riot and Charlottesville white supremacist rally. He acknowledges it was a mistake to say Trump should be put in a bullseye but defended his criticisms of his Republican rival. Im not the guy that said I want to be a dictator on day one, Im not the guy that refused to accept the outcome of the election, he says. 02:02 AM BST Biden interview being broadcast Joe Bidens interview with Lester Holt is now being broadcast on NBC News. You can follow the latest updates here. 01:59 AM BST Trump: Biden couldnt have been nicer after shooting Donald Trump said his phone call with Joe Biden in the aftermath of his attempted assassination on Saturday was very nice. Trump, who has appealed for national unity since the a gunman opened fire at him while he was on Pennsylvania on Saturday, added: He couldnt have been nicer. Asked if the incident had changed him, the former president said I dont like to think about that but said it has an impact. 01:49 AM BST Musk to spend $45 million a month on pro-Trump PAC Elon Musk is reportedly planning to donate $45 million a month to a group working to elect Donald Trump, having endorsed the Republican minutes after the rally shooting on Saturday. The Wall Street Journal reports that Mr Musk, the richest man in the world, intends to back a political action committee called America PAC. Formed in June, it focuses on registering voters and convincing them to vote early. It has previously been reported that the billionaire gave an undisclosed sum to the group. 01:35 AM BST Trump and Vance to make joint appearance at RNC Donald Trump and JD Vance are expected to attend tonights convention in their first joint appearance since the former president announced his running mate. Both men will appear in the family box, CNN reports. 01:12 AM BST Biden: Trump wanted complete agreement from running mate Joe Biden said Donald Trump selected JD Vance as his running mate because he agrees completely with him. The US President told NBC News, in an excerpt from an interview to be broadcast tonight: Its not unusual, hes going to surround himself with people who agree completely with him. Even though, if you go back and listen to some of the things JD Vance said about Trump, he added, apparently alluding to the Ohio senators previous criticisms of the Republican. The Biden campaign has previously labelled Mr Vance, 39, a rubber-stamp for Donald Trump. 12:42 AM BST Reports: Trump to appear at RNC Donald Trump is expected to appear at the RNC tonight, according to US media. It will mark his first appearance before supporters since a gunman shot at him at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. 12:30 AM BST Vance and Harris teams working to set up call JD Vance did not answer a phone call from Kamala Harris, the vice president, because it came from an unknown number and he could not call back, according to CNN. Mr Vances team is said to be in contact with Ms Harris staff and is working to set up a call between the two. It is possible that the vice president will challenge Donald Trumps new running mate to a debate, after the Biden campaign said she was ready to go head-to-head with him. 12:25 AM BST Pictures: Vances name hastily added to Trump signs A "Trump-Vance" campaign sign displayed at the RNC - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg JD Vance's name is scribbled onto Donald Trump signs in marker pen - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images 12:15 AM BST Watch: RNC speeches get underway on first night 12:07 AM BST Trump has pulled off another triumph Donald Trumps choice of JD Vance for vice president is very exciting, and illustrates how Trump has conquered and transformed his party. When Trump ran with Mike Pence in 2016, it was a same-sex wedding to the Republican establishment. Pence was an orthodox conservative; insiders hoped that he might temper his boss. Vance, by contrast, is a total product of the populist revolution. Born to a blue-collar family in southwest Ohio, with a traumatic upbringing made famous by his book Hillbilly Elegy, Vance embodies the left-behind people Trump seeks to represent ground down by low paid work and an unhealthy culture (his mother struggled with addiction). Read Tim Stanleys take on Trumps new running mate here. 11:57 PM BST Another look at the Trump-Vance campaign plane 11:56 PM BST Vances name included on Trump jet JD Vances name has been plastered over Donald Trumps private jet after he was selected as the former presidents running mate. Images from senior campaign aides shows the Boeing 757 decorated with Trump in bold red letters, with Vance in a smaller font underneath. Donald Trump's plane has been updated to reflect his choice of running mate ahead of November's election - @JasonMillerinDC 11:48 PM BST Pictured: Delegates on the convention floor ahead of RNC speeches Delegates turn to pose for the official convention photographer at the end of the first session of the RNC - REUTERS/Mike Segar 11:44 PM BST Trump urges RFK Jr to drop out of race Donald Trump has urged Robert F Kennedy to drop out of the presidential race and endorse him in the interests of national unity. The two men are said to have met this morning in Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention is taking place. Trump appears to have suggested the move would bring the country together, echoing previous appeals for unity after a gunman attempted to assassinate him as he held a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Polling averages put Mr Kennedy at around nine per cent in an election where the margins are extremely tight, meaning his endorsement of Trump could have a dramatic impact. However, he appears to have declined to do so. Lots of rumours going around about my meeting this morning with President Trump, Mr Kennedy wrote on social media. Our main topic was national unity, and I hope to meet with Democratic leaders about that as well. No, I am not dropping out of the race. Stefanie Spear, the Kennedy campaigns press secretary, claimed the 70-year-old was the only pro-environment, pro-choice, anti-war candidate in the race. 11:41 PM BST Harris will not give an inch in Vance debate Senator Elizabeth Warren has claimed Kamala Harris will not give an inch when she debates JD Vance, as the Democrats lay down a challenge to Donald Trumps new running mate. The VP will take it to JD Vance. Ive known her for nearly 15 years, while shes been in every kind of fight on behalf of working families, and she is strong, Ms Warren said on a Biden campaign call with reporters. She knows what shes talking about and she doesnt give an inch. And she has the better end of the argument... The debate is going to have two parts to it. Its how strong our Vice President is and how good her economic issues are. 11:24 PM BST Pictured: Vance appears with his wife, Usha, on the convention floor JD Vance and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance arrive on the floor during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention - AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster 10:56 PM BST Trumps security to be increased during RNC Donald Trumps security will be ramped up during the RNC following the attempt on his life on Saturday, the Homeland Security secretary has said. Alejandro Mayorkas said: Both prior to and after the events of this past weekend, the Secret Service enhanced former President Trumps protection, based on the evolving nature of threats to the former President and his imminent shift from presumptive nominee to nominee. This includes enhancements related to securing the former President during the Republican National Convention this week. Mr Mayorkas did not clarify how Trumps security would be enhanced as they involve sensitive tactics and procedures but said it involved personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities. He added that Secret Service protection would be provided to Robert F Kennedy, the independent candidate whose father and uncle were assassinated in the 1960s. 10:48 PM BST Liz Truss praises Trumps leadership at Republican convention Great to be at @RNC in Milwaukee seeing President Trump get nominated. The leadership the West needs. pic.twitter.com/voOEd2iEsT Liz Truss (@trussliz) July 15, 2024 10:47 PM BST Biden admits mistake with Trump bullseye comment Joe Biden has said it was a mistake to talk about putting Donald Trump in a Bullseye after a gunman attempted to assassinate the former president on Saturday, It was a mistake to use the word, Mr Biden said in an interview with NBC News, to be broadcast later tonight. I meant focus on him. Focus on what hes doing. Focus on his policies, focus on the number of lies he told at the debate, he added. 10:14 PM BST Kamala Harris leaves Vance a voicemail Kamala Harris, the vice president, called JD Vance after he was named as Donald Trumps running mate, CNN reports. Mr Vance does not appear to have answered and Ms Harris left him a voicemail. 10:00 PM BST Vance a rising star - but has a way to go JD Vance has just entered the convention floor here in Milwaukee and is taking selfies and shaking hands as he makes his way through the crowd before he is formally nominated as the Republican vice presidential candidate. JD Vance attends the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images The crowd was shouting JD, JD, JD as he was introduced. But the reception is far more muted than it has been for any of the Trump family members who have been spotlighted on the floor today. Its a reminder than Mr Vance may be a rising GOP star, but he still has a way to go to introduce himself to a wider audience. 09:53 PM BST JD Vance greeted by RNC crowd JD Vance has appeared at the RNC and is being greeted by the crowd after being selected as Donald Trumps running mate. The Ohio senator is going around greeting delegates on the convention floor with his wife, Usha. 09:27 PM BST Trump Jr aggressively lobbied for Vance selection JD Vances selection as Trumps running mate comes after an aggressive lobbying campaign by the Republican nominees son, Donald Jnr, with whom the Ohio senator has developed a strong friendship. Don Jnr is said to set much store by Mr Vances ability to be an effective communicator. He will make a formidable opponent for Kamala Harris in the vice presidential debates - something insiders say Don Jnr has cited many times while making his case for Mr Vances selection. Ms Harris former aides appear to agree. The vice president believes of all of Trumps potential picks, Mr Vance would pose the greatest threat to her in a head-to-head, according to her former communications director Ashley Etienne. Hes an incredible debater, she told CNN last month. I think its going to be a challenge to see the two of them face to face. 09:26 PM BST How Vance can take Trumps message to the Rust Belt and suburbs JD Vance selection as the Republican vice presidential candidate offers Donald Trumps 2024 bid several assets. The 39-year-old Ohio senator is an extremely talented media performer and campaigner. He has the political intelligence to disseminate Trumps message to both working-class voters in the Rust Belt and highly educated voters in the suburbs. That is thanks to his unusual background. His ascent from humble origins in a depressed Ohio steel town to a lucrative career in Silicon Valley have given him first-hand experience of both worlds. His former boss, the billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel, remains a close friend and staunch supporter of his political career. Mr Vance has relied on his Silicon Valley ties as he campaigns for Trump, playing an instrumental role in encouraging West Coast donors to contribute to his war chest. 09:23 PM BST The rise of JD Vance, the Hillbilly the Left couldnt cancel This is probably unwise to admit, in the wake of JD Vances victory in the Republican primary election for the Senate seat of Ohio, but I quite liked Hillbilly Elegy when it was published in 2016. The book, which became a 2020 film starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close, was his story of bootstrapping his way from a volatile Rust Belt family, in one of the poorest regions of the country, up to the highest levels of Ivy League education. Vance described his childhood hardship with a flinty eye. He loved his protective grandmother, but he was the abandoned son of a man I hardly knew and a woman I wished I didnt. Read Jessa Crispins piece on JD Vance from May 2022 here. 09:17 PM BST Pictured: Trump siblings celebrate as father wins Republican nomination Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump celebrate as their father, Donald Trump, wins the Republican nomination - Joe Raedle/Getty Images 09:09 PM BST Defeated VP contenders back Vance Marco Rubio and Doug Burgum, the two other names on Trumps shortlist of potential running mate picks, have issued messages of support for JD Vance. Mr Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, praised Mr Vances record of service and said he would be a powerful voice for the America First Agenda. I look forward to campaigning for the Trump-Vance ticket to Make America Great Again he added. .@realdonaldtrump is the strongest leader to enter the political arena in modern American history! Today he selected @JdVance1 as his running mate, whose small town roots and service to country make him a powerful voice for the America First Agenda. I look forward to campaigning Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) July 15, 2024 Mr Rubio, the Florida senator who took on Trump for the Republican nomination in 2016, published a brief message on social media. #TrumpVance2024!!! he wrote. 08:50 PM BST How Vances selection is a blow to future Ukraine funding JD Vances selection throws the future of US support for Ukraine into doubt - should he and Donald Trump win the election in November. The Ohio senator has previously voted against the $60 billion support package for Kyiv and said he remains opposed to virtually any proposal that would prolong the gruesome war. JD Vance speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, August 2022 - AP Photo/LM Otero, File He said in a New York Times opinion piece in April that Ukraine could not overcome its manpower disadvantage, and that the US should be seeking to broker peace with Vladimir Putin. In practice, this would mean ceding large areas of Ukrainian territory to Russia. Mr Vance claimed Washington had sought to prolong the war because its been good for American business, saying the notion was grotesque. 08:43 PM BST Vance will bend over backwards for Trump The Biden campaign has claimed JD Vance would seek to ban abortion across the country and refuse to certify election results after he was selected as Donald Trumos running mate. It said in a statement: Donald Trump picked JD Vance as his running mate because Vance will do what Mike Pence wouldnt on January 6: bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda, even if it means breaking the law and no matter the harm to the American people. As Trumps running mate, Vance will make it his mission to enact Trumps Project 2025 agenda at the expense of American families. This is someone who supports banning abortion nationwide while criticizing exceptions for rape and incest survivors; railed against the Affordable Care Act , including its protections for millions with preexisting conditions; and has admitted he wouldnt have certified the free and fair election in 2020. Billionaires and corporations are literally rooting for JD Vance: they know he and Trump will cut their taxes and send prices skyrocketing for everyone else. 08:40 PM BST Vance: Bidens dangerous rhetoric caused Trump shooting JD Vance, who has just been selected as Trumps running mate, blamed Joe Biden for sparking the attempt on Donald Trumps life on Saturday. JD Vance arrives onstage after winning Ohio's Republican Senate primary on May 3, 2022 - Drew Angerer/Getty Images Mr Vance, has previously suggested the former president was Americas Hitler, said: The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trumps attempted assassination. 08:33 PM BST Trump becomes official Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has become the official Republican presidential nominee after receiving the votes of enough delegates at the Republican National Convention. Trump has been the presumptive nominee for months. But it was the vote of RNC delegates in Milwaukee that made it official Monday afternoon. Trump hit the necessary threshold with votes from his home state of Florida. 08:29 PM BST Trumps statement in full Trump's Truth Social post 08:28 PM BST Who is JD Vance? JD Vance made his name with the 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, a best-selling account of his Appalachian family and modest Rust Belt upbringing, which gave a voice to rural, working-class resentment in left-behind America. Critics have pointed to numerous awkward remarks one-time Never Trump guy Vance has made in the past, including calling the billionaire an idiot, noxious and reprehensible and suggesting he was Americas Hitler. Vance reinvented himself as a Trump supporter in recent years and ultimately won the ex-presidents key endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race. 08:20 PM BST MAGA caps and Trump memorabilia: Inside the Republican National Convention The roll call to officially nominate Donald Trump as the Republican 2024 candidate has begun here at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A delegation from each state is given a turn to speak on the floor and announce how many votes it is casting for the candidate. Trumps crowning as the nominee was never in doubt, but a stroll around the convention site offers a vivid illustration of just how in thrall to the former president the GOP has become. Scenes from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/5a5fVUysUV Rozina Sabur (@RozinaSabur) July 15, 2024 Red MAGA caps are everywhere. Many attendees are braving the sweltering heat to browse the stalls outside to browse the MAGA memorabilia. Trumps image has been lionised on a range of items available for purchase, from shot glasses to T-shirts. I even spied a pair of the former presidents golden high top trainers on display at one stand. Inside the arena, a loud cheer goes up each time Trumps name is mentioned. 08:17 PM BST Shouts of JD Vance ring out after running mate selection Shouts of JD, JD, JD have just gone up at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee ahead of Ohio senator JD Vances formal nomination as the GOP vice presidential candidate. 08:06 PM BST Welcome Hello and welcome to the live blog. Benedict Smith here. Well be bringing you all the updates from the Republican National Convention, where Donald Trumps running mate is expected to be announced. 08:05 PM BST Pictured: House Speaker wields gavel as RNC vote gets underway Speaker of the House Mike Johnson holds the gavel onstage ahead of the start of the first day of the Republican National Convention - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images 07:48 PM BST Vivek Ramaswamy urges the country to come together Vivek Ramaswamy, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur and political novice who ran in the GOP presidential primary, has distinguished himself as an aggressive voice on the right, saying often that the country is already at war with itself. So it was notable that in remarks at an event run by the conservative Heritage Institute at the RNC on Monday, he was toning down his rhetoric and urging the country to come together. The enemy is not the Democrats, it is an ideology, Mr Ramaswamy told the crowd at the Heritage Institutes Policy Fest event. Mr Ramaswamy compared the assassination attempt on Donald Trump to Abraham Lincolns assassination, telling reporters after his speech that Donald Trump, in some ways, has been given the chance now, the second chance that Abraham Lincoln didnt have to unite a country that, this time, didnt have to fight a civil war but avoids one. 07:37 PM BST Pictured: Republican delegates Republican delegates have been photographed at the RNC. Attendees say the Pledge of Allegiance - JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Delegates react - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images Delegates attend the first day - ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images 07:24 PM BST Trump has made his vice president pick Donald Trump has chosen his vice presidential candidate, according to CNN. The outlet reported that a Republican source familiar with the decision said it will be revealed for the first time at 4.37 pm ET (9.37 UK time). 07:21 PM BST Doug Burgum wont be Trumps running mate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has been informed that he will not be selected as Donald Trumps vice-presidential pick, according to Fox News. 07:20 PM BST Could Glenn Youngkin be a surprise ticket? Speculation is growing that Donald Trump could select Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin for his vice president nomination. Mr Youngkin had been considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate by those seeking an alternative to Mr Trump, but ultimately decided not to enter the race, a move that earned Mr Trumps respect. Mr Youngkin is also viewed as a reassuring figure by major Republican donor groups, including corporate CEOs, as well as suburban women. At his first rally after debating Joe Biden last month in Virginia, Mr Trump showered his praise on Mr Youngkin. Im honoured to be here with your governor, Mr Trump said. Hes got common sense, hes got great policy. Hes got the policy that made America great. 07:11 PM BST National anthem kicks off convention The convention and pledge of allegiance kicked off the convention. It was followed by chants of: USA! USA! USA! Republican National Committee's (RNC) chair Michael Whatley speaks - PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images 07:09 PM BST Marco Rubio out of the running Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been informed that he will not be Donald Trumps choice for vice president, according to Reuters. Mr Rubio was one of the challengers Mr Trump faced in the GOP primaries leading up to the 2016 election, but later became a staunch ally during Mr Trumps presidency. 07:06 PM BST Republican National Convention commences The Republican National Convention officially began as Chair Michael Whatley gaveled it into session. He initiated the proceedings with a moment of silence in remembrance of the shooting at Donald Trumps rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Michael Whatley - Leon Neal/Getty Images 07:05 PM BST Could Doug Burgum get the job? Doug Burgum, another of Donald Trumps former primary opponents, is also in the running for vice president. The 67-year-old is currently serving his second term as governor of North Dakota. Mr Burgum had a limited impact as a presidential candidate but has re-emerged on the campaign trail with his endorsement of Mr Trump. His low-drama demeanour reportedly impressed Mr Trump, something reminiscent of that which led to the selection of former Vice President Mike Pence in 2016. During an interview on Fox News radio, Mr Trump commented on North Dakotas near-total abortion ban, which Mr Burgum supported, calling it a little bit of an issue. I think Doug is great, but hes taken a very strong stance, Mr Trump remarked. 06:57 PM BST Direct line of sight to Trump should never have happened Homeland Security has admitted there were failings in the security arrangements to protect Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania. Alejandro Mayorkas, Homeland Security Secretary, told ABC News that a direct line of sight like that to the former president should not occur after Trumps ear was grazed by a bullet fired by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks on Saturday. He added that the gun attack which killed one spectator and hospitalised two others is being investigated through an independent review announced by Joe Biden on Sunday which the Secret Service said it will participate fully in. When I say that something like that cannot happen, we are speaking of a failure, Mr Mayorkas, who has previously appealed for calm during the presidential election campaign, also told CNN. The Secret Service, who are responsible for protecting current and former presidents, defended itself against criticism over failing to detect the gunman, claiming that its agents moved quickly during the incident to neutralise the shooter. 06:47 PM BST Local police fired during assassination attempt A law enforcement source told CNN that the Butler County Police Department SWAT Team also discharged a weapon on Saturday night at the Trump rally. This was in addition to weapons fired by the Secret Service and the shooter himself. Previous audio forensics had suggested that as many as three weapons were fired. 06:40 PM BST Delegates arrive for RNC Delegates have begun to arrive at the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin. Delegates are seen on the floor - KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images Delegates arrive - AP Photo/Morry Gash 06:32 PM BST Marco Rubio in the running for vice president As Donald Trumps selection for his vice-president candidate looms, Marco Rubio is also on the cards. Mr Trump and the 53-year-old had a contentious relationship during the 2016 Republican primary race. Mr Trump nicknamed him Little Marco in reference to his stature, while Mr Rubio made comments about Mr Trumps small hands. However, the Florida senator has since worked closely with his former rival, endorsing him early in this primary season. Mr Rubio spoke at a rally for Mr Trump in Florida on Tuesday. After the event, the presidential candidate said: Hes very good... Marco was great last night, very popular. And hes certainly one of the people that were looking at. 06:17 PM BST RNC set-up begins Preparations are being made ahead of the start of the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin. A person walks among seats with signs - REUTERS/Brian Snyder Delegates are seen on the floor - ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images Preparations are made - Leon Neal/Getty Images) 06:03 PM BST 1,700 US troops assisting RNC Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh announced on Monday that approximately 1,700 US service members will be involved in supporting the Republican National Convention this week. The majority will come from the National Guard, with a smaller contingent of active-duty personnel. She said: These personnel are comprised mainly from the Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota National Guard, and will be providing capabilities such as civil support, [explosive ordnance disposal], and security, and remain postured to respond to other emergent domestic requirements to protect life, property, and to maintain peace, order, and public safety. Ms Singh added that the service members will be assisting the FBI, Secret Service, and Milwaukee Metro Police Department in 24/7 operations. She emphasised that their deployment was pre-planned and unrelated to the recent assassination attempt. 05:53 PM BST Biden briefed by Homeland Security Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were briefed by Homeland Security and law enforcement officials on the investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. According to the White House, the briefing took place in the Situation Room and involved the participation of the attorney general, homeland security secretary, FBI director, as well as the director and deputy director of the Secret Service. 05:43 PM BST Who is vice-president contender JD Vance? Donald Trump is anticipated to announce his selection for his Republican running mate within the next few hours. On the list is JD Vance, a 39-year-old junior senator from Ohio, who has campaigned for Mr Trump on numerous occasions in recent months. After once identifying as a never-Trumper, Mr Vance rebranded himself when he sought election to the Senate in 2022, a campaign bolstered by crucial endorsement from Mr Trump. In office, he has vigorously supported many of the issues that resonate with Mr Trumps base. Mr Vance has indicated his role in the Senate could be more beneficial to a future Trump administration, though he has not ruled out the possibility of becoming vice president. I want to help him however I can, he said recently. 05:28 PM BST Activists arrive at RNC Demonstrators have begun arriving for the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A person wears a face cutout of Donald Trump - REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein Demonstrators hold a "Stop Trump" sign - Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg 05:21 PM BST Vice president announcement expected 9.30 UK time According to Reuters, the Trump campaign will announce Donald Trumps pick for his vice-presidential running mate at approximately 4.30pm ET (9.30 UK time today at the Republican National Convention. 05:18 PM BST Trump calls for Kennedy Secret Service detail Donald Trump has called for Robert F. Kennedy, who is running as an independent candidate in the presidential election, to be protected by the Secret Service. He wrote on Truth Social: In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection - immediately. Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do! The Secret Service is authorised to provide protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as their spouses, within 120 days of a general presidential election. 04:58 PM BST Trump addresses case dismissal Donald Trump has addressed US District Judge Aileen Cannons decision to dismiss his classified documents criminal case. He called them just the first step, urging for the dismissal of other cases against him which he labelled as witch hunts. Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: As we move forward in Uniting our Nation after the horrific events on Saturday, this dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts The January 6th Hoax in Washington, D.C., the Manhattan D.A.s Zombie Case, the New York A.G. Scam, Fake Claims about a woman I never met (a decades old photo in a line with her then husband does not count), and the Georgia Perfect Phone Call charges. The Democrat Justice Department coordinated ALL of these Political Attacks, which are an Election Interference conspiracy against Joe Bidens Political Opponent, ME. Let us come together to END all Weaponization of our Justice System, and Make America Great Again! 04:45 PM BST Trump Media stock soars Following the former presidents assassination attempt, shares of Trump Media and Technology Group surged over 30 per cent on its first trading day. As the companys largest shareholder with over 114 million shares, Donald Trump saw a substantial increase in his net worth, adding hundreds of millions of dollars. Trump Media is the parent company of Truth Social, the former presidents social media platform. 04:35 PM BST Vice president choice within next few hours Donald Trump is set to announce his vice presidential choice within the next few hours, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN. Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump had informed Fox News that he planned to reveal his selection today. 04:26 PM BST US Secret Service to participate fully in investigation US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said her agency would participate fully in the review of the security arrangements at Donald Trumps rally in Pennsylvania The agency has faced heavy criticism for lapses which enabled Thomas Matthew Crook to climb onto a roof and get a clear line of sight on the former president. Crook clambered onto the roof of the American Glass Research Building which was approximately 150 metres away from the podium. CNN reported that the Secret Service did not sweep that area, which was outside the perimeter of the secure zone, leaving the task to local law enforcement. Questions have been raised about the size of the perimeter and why nobody intervened when rally attendees flagged they had seen Crook climb onto the roof. Ms Cheatle, who was appointed to the post by Joe Biden in 2022, said she was confident about the security arrangements for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The Secret Service is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of protecting the current and former leaders of our democracy, she said. It is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously, and I am committed to fulfilling that mission. 04:00 PM BST Jill Biden phoned Melania Trump after shooting First Lady Jill Biden phoned Melania Trump following the attack on her husband at his campaign rally. The call took place on Sunday afternoon, the White House said without providing further details. Mr Biden and Trump spoke to each other on Saturday night. Following the shooting, Mrs Trump has called for unity as she recalled watching the bullet fly past the former presidents head. When I watched that bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realised my life, and Barrons life, were on the brink of devastating change, she said. 03:53 PM BST Trump to announce VP candidate today Donald Trump is expected to announce his pick for his vice presidential running mate on Monday, Fox News reporter Bret Baier reported. The likely contenders include Florida senator Marco Rubio, Ohio senator J.D. Vance and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum. 03:48 PM BST Trump: I am supposed to be dead Donald Trump said he is supposed to be dead and went on to describe the attempt on his life as a surreal experience. Im not supposed to be here, Im supposed to be dead, the former president said in one of his first interviews after a gunman opened fire at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, killing a spectator, wounding two and grazing Trumps ear. The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle, Trump told the New York Post en route to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. He also praised the secret service agents responsible for killing the shooter. They took him out with one shot right between the eyesThey did a fantastic job, he said. Its surreal for all of us. Speaking about the moment he raised his fist in the air after the gun attack, he said: I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot. 03:43 PM BST Trump shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition hours before attack - report The gunman who targeted Donald Trump in an assassination attempt had purchased 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun store prior to the shooting, according to a new report. A senior law enforcement source told CNN that Thomas Matthew Crooks bought the large amount of bullets just hours before the attack on Saturday. More than 20 guns were registered to the shooters father according to records, a law enforcement source also told the outlet, who added that all were purchased legally. 03:26 PM BST Roof where attacker perched was flagged as security vulnerability The rooftop that a would-be assassin perched on to shoot at Donald Trump on Saturday was identified as a security vulnerability prior to the campaign rally. The high position, 150 yards from the stage erected for Trumps speech, was designated as a potential weak point by the Secret Service days before the event, NBC reported, citing two sources familiar with the agencys operations. The roof of the building in Butler, Pennsylvania allowed gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks a direct line of sight to the former president as he opened fire, killing one spectator, injuring two and hitting Trumps right ear. CNN reported that the Secret Service did not sweep the building before the event, instead leaving local law enforcement to conduct security in that position, who were supposed to have stationed a counter-sniper team at the site. 03:09 PM BST Trumps classified documents case dismissed A US federal judge has dismissed the classified documents case made against former president Donald Trump. In a ruling on Monday, Judge Aileen Cannon said the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the case, violated the Constitution. Trump had pleaded not guilty last year to 40 federal counts accusing him of retaining sensitive national security documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after leaving office in 2021 and allegedly obstructing US government efforts to retrieve them. Lawyers for Trump had argued that Mr Smith was illicitly appointed and that his office was improperly funded by the Justice Department. Judge Cannon said: In the end, it seems the Executives growing comfort in appointing regulatory special counsels in the more recent era has followed an ad hoc pattern with little judicial scrutiny. 02:30 PM BST Motive behind Trump shooting still unclear The motive behind a 20-year-old gunmans attempt on the life of Donald Trump remained a mystery two days later with the suspect having been shot dead. The FBI, which has taken the lead in the investigation, has been unable to identify an ideology that may have driven Thomas Matthew Crooks to attack the former president. The agency said on Sunday that the social media accounts of Crooks, who was described by classmates as a loner, contained no threatening language, nor had they found any history of mental health issues. They said he acted alone and they had yet to identify a motive. Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to shoot Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday - AFP 02:11 PM BST Watch: Moment Trump shooter crawls on roof Footage circulating on social media shows the moments before a would-be assassin fired a volley of shots at Donald Trump. The video, which shows Thomas Matthew Crooks shuffling around on the roof as a spectator attempted to alert security, has added to the criticism facing the Secret Service over its failure to prevent the attack on the former president. Can you see him? asks one man. Yes, hes lying down, answers a woman. As Crooks rolls around, a male voice can be heard shouting officer, while two women cry hes on the roof. 01:52 PM BST Homeland Security admits failure in security at Trump rally Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted there had been lapses on the security arrangements at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania. When I say that something like that cannot happen, we are speaking of a failure, he told CNN. We are going to analyse through an independent review how that occurred, why it occurred and make recommendations and findings to make sure it doesnt happen again. Mr Mayorkas, who appealed for rhetoric to be toned down during the campaign, added: We are in a heightened threat environment, our incredible protective services adapt to that environment and make changes that are necessary. 01:29 PM BST No changes to security plan at Republican convention The Secret Service has said it has no plans to change its security for the Republican National Convention in the aftermath of the attack on Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the RNCs coordinator with the Secret Service, said she was not anticipating any security changes, We are confident in the security plans for this event and we are ready to go, she said last night. The agent added that the convention in Milwaukee, which Trump is expected to speak at on Thursday, was already deemed a national security event - the highest level it can be designated. 01:22 PM BST Bots push conspiracy theory that Trump shooting was staged Bot accounts promoting the theory that Donald Trumps assassination attempt was staged have helped to generate almost 600 million views for a wave of misinformation, writes James Titcomb. The social media analysis company Cyabra found that 45pc of profiles on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok spreading the theory that the shooting was orchestrated by Mr Trump were fake accounts. The hashtags #fakeassassination, #stagedshooting and #stagedbytrump were widely used across the four social networks, it said. Cyabra said the #fakeassassination and #stagedshooting hashtags received 404,000 engagements, such as likes, comments and retweets, and may have been viewed up to 595 million times. Read more here. 01:13 PM BST Watch: Moment Trump turns head as bullet passes 12:49 PM BST Shooting makes me stronger and Bulletproof: Trump T-shirts go viral The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has spawned a frenzy of online merchandise emblazoned with a picture of Donald Trump just after he was shot. Within hours of the shooting, businesses and independent sellers scrambled to create slogans and merchandise in what has become the latest in a long line of Trump products. The slogans Bulletproof, Legends Never Die, Grazed but not Dazed, Shooting Makes Me Stronger quickly appeared on cheap T-shirts. (The sales) exceeded my expectations. I didnt expect that Trump would have so many fans, said Zhong Jiachi, 28, owner of Paxinico, an online clothing merchant. He sold around 40 T-shirts with the image of Trump in the 24 hours after Trump was shot. Merchandise on T-shirts following Donald Trump attempted assassination - Twitter 'I will never stop fighting for America' slogan featured on a new shirt with a picture of Donald Trump immediately after the shooting - Twitter 12:21 PM BST Trump shooters neighbours allowed to return to homes Residents who lived close to the home of Trumps would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks were allowed to return to their homes on Monday morning. Crooks neighbours in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania were forced to evacuate after the FBI swarmed the area and searched the home of the shooters parents. CBC News reported that agency had left the scene after collecting evidence. 12:01 PM BST Trump uses picture of his bloody face to fundraise Donald Trumps website featured the now-famous image of him bloody and with his fist raised to urge supporters to donate to his campaign in the wake of this weekends shooting. The website redirected prospective donors to a page on fundraising platform WinRed that shows a black and white image of the former president that Trump himself described as iconic. It shows the Republican candidates defiant face streaked with blood and his fist high above his head after a bullet pierced his upper right ear at a rally in Pennsylvania. The image was captioned with the words FEAR NOT written in upper case letters. The page also carried Trumps signature and gave visitors to the website options to contribute at different levels. Donald Trump's website featured the image of him in the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt 11:47 AM BST King writes to Trump The King has written privately to Donald Trump after the former US president survived an assassination attempt, Buckingham Palace said. The Kings message was delivered on Sunday via the UK embassy in Washington DC. Buckingham Palace said the contents of the correspondence would be kept private. It is understood Charless message was in keeping with prime minister Sir Keir Starmers conversation with Trump, in which he condemned the violence, expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, and wished the former president and those injured a quick recovery. Donald Trump and then Prince Charles pose ahead of a dinner in June, 2019 during a three-day state visit - Getty Images Europe Donald Trump is seen arriving on Trump Force One in Milwaukee just a day after the shooting - Reuters 11:28 AM BST Trump is looking indestructible Surviving an attempt on his life on Saturday has added to Donald Trumps aura of indestructibility, the former UK ambassador to the US has said. It was another extraordinary example of the indestructibility of Donald Trump, Lord Darroch told Sky News. For a bullet to hit his ear, for others to whiz past him... he actually captured the moment at the end by raising his fist in that iconic photograph. He really does have an aura of indestructibility about him. 11:12 AM BST Trump says he raised fist knowing the world was looking Donald Trump has described the moment he raised his fist in the air as blood dripped down his face after being grazed by a bullet in an assassination attempt on Saturday. Its hard to describe what that felt like, but I knew the world was looking, he said in his first interview after a gunman opened fire at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, killing a spectator and injuring two. I knew that history would judge this, and I knew I had to let them know we are okay, Trump told the Washington Examiner on Sunday. The former president added that he was determined to reassure the nation that America goes on, we go forward, that we are strong. Trump also revealed that his last-minute turn of his head is what saved his life from the bullets of shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today, would we? 10:54 AM BST Watch: Biden asks America to settle differences at battle box In a speech attempting to calm the nations nerves after a would-be assassin targeted Donald Trump, President Joe Biden referred to the ballot box as the battle box twice. To call for action at the ballot box, no violence on our streets, thats how democracy should work, Mr Biden said. However, just a few seconds later, he referred to the ballot box as the battle box twice in quick succession. In America, we resolve our differences at the battle box, thats how we do it, at the battle box, not with bullets. 10:27 AM BST Pictured: Crowds gather in support of Trump People rally in support of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump in Huntington Beach, California - AP Attendees wave flags at vehicles at the rally in support of the presidential hopeful - AP Huge crowds gathered on Sunday - Shutterstock Supporters of Trump braved the heat to gather in Simi Valley, California - Shutterstock 10:16 AM BST Trump: I wont attack Biden in convention speech after shooting Donald Trump is set to deliver a whole different speech at the Republican National Convention to unite the nation instead of using the moment to attack his rival Joe Biden. In his first interview since the attempted assassination, the former president told the Washington Examiner: The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger. Had this not happened, this wouldve been one of the most incredible speeches. Honestly, its going to be a whole different speech now. It is a chance to bring the country together. I was given that chance. 09:59 AM BST Watch: Trump arrives in Milwaukee after assassination attempt 09:46 AM BST Victim of Trump shooting died while protecting his family A former fireman was killed while shielding his family from bullets as a gunman opened fire at a Donald Trump rally on Saturday. Corey Comperatore, 50, dived in front of his wife and daughter to shield them as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at the former president with a semi-automatic rifle in Pennsylvania. Allyson Comperatore said that her real-life superhero father had saved her life, calling him the best dad a girl could ask for. He threw my mom and I to the ground he shielded my body from the bullet that came at us...He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us. And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you, she wrote on social media. Read the full article here. Corey Comperatore who was murdered at the Trump rally, with his daughter, Allyson - Twitter 09:23 AM BST Secret Service denies diverting security resources to Jill Biden The Secret Service has denied claims that it diverted resources from Donald Trumps rally in Pennsylvania toward a Jill Biden speech. The first lady was speaking in Pittsburgh at the same time that the former president was in Butler County on Saturday evening. Reports surfaced, citing Secret Service sources, that extra resources had been allocated to Mrs Biden to cover her event, whilst Trumps regular detail had overworked and was supplemented by agents from different field officers. A spokesman for the agency said: We did not divert resources from FPOTUS Trump and protection models dont work that way. As far as field office teams, these are the candidate nominee operations teams that are added during election years for the heavy travel tempo. 08:49 AM BST Trumps split-second head turn saved his life Donald Trumps slight turn of his head in the split-second before shots rang out at his campaign rally on Saturday is likely to have saved his life, an expert has said. The former president had wanted to use and reference the jumbotron right before Thomas Matthew Crooks began firing at him, Dan Scavino Jr, a senior adviser to Trump, said on Sunday. Israeli special forces veteran Aaron Cohen told Fox News this small head movement was responsible for saving him from the assassins bullet that was mere centimetres from being fatal. Its very clear to me that had the presidents head been straight, and if that round had gone into the ear, it would have been lights out, Mr Cohen said. The fact that he just happened to be turned this way with that shot coming in is what saved his life. Thank God last nights rally was one in which President Trump wanted to use and reference the jumbotron, causing him to slightly move his head at the moment shots were fired. He is grateful for all of the prayers, love, and support out there, as he prepares for the GOP Convention Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) July 14, 2024 08:36 AM BST Trumps shooting will transform this election - just not in the way you think The attempted assassination of Donald Trump is symbolic of a democracy at its breaking point, writes Frank Luntz in a comment piece for The Telegraph. The polling paints a pretty bleak picture: over 80% believe the country is more divided now than at any time in their lifetime. A similar majority believe the US is seriously off on the wrong track. And the level of trust and confidence in the democratic institutions that govern the country, and the people who run them, are at historic lows. As leaders from both political parties rush to condemn the other for using rhetoric specifically designed to incite and divide, the American public sinks further and further into a morass of pessimism and polarisation. I was an active part of an increasingly loud chorus warning that violence was the logical outcome of the political hate in America today. And so it has. Read the full piece here. 08:21 AM BST Policeman spotted shooter in rooftop confrontation A police officer saw the shooter who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump but was unable to stop him before he opened fire, a local police chief has revealed. County Sheriff Michael T. Slupe told CNN that a policeman spotted Thomas Matthew Crooks crawling up the rooftop at a critical moment on Saturday but could not engage him at the campaign event in Pennsylvania. Sheriff Slupe said that an officer, responding to calls of a suspicious person on the roof, had hoisted himself up to see what was happening but Crooks had turned his gun on him. He said the officer let go of the ledge in order to save his own life before the gunmen opened fire at the crowd. He admitted that the gunman being allowed a direct line to Trump was obviously a failure. The Secret Service are facing serious questions about their security operation at the event as a spokesman recently confirmed that the agency relied on local units to fill out significant parts of its specialized protective units. Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by secret service agents as he is taken off the stage at a campaign event at Butler - AFP 07:55 AM BST Trump shooter rejected from high school rifle team Thomas Matthew Crooks, who tried to assassinate Donald Trump, was rejected from his high school rifle club for being a bad and dangerous shot. Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, opened fire at the former presidents rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one spectator, injuring two others and grazing Trump on Saturday. His classmate Jameson Myers told ABC News that Crooks was rejected and asked not to return after a pre-season session with the rifle team at Bethel Park High School. He didnt just not make the team, he was asked not to come back because how bad of a shot he was, it was considered like, dangerous, said Mr Myers. 07:41 AM BST Hello and welcome to our new live blog Well be bringing you the latest updates in the wake of the Trump shooting. Joe Biden talks to people welcoming him after stepping off Air Force One in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images During a high-stakes conversation at the White House with NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt on Monday, Joe Biden addressed his prior comments about putting Donald Trump in the bullseye, saying he thinks there needs to be more focus on the former presidents agenda. Holt asked Biden about the language he had used to describe Trump as an existential threat, and, on a call with Democratic donors, that its time to put Trump in the bullseye and the consequences for the election of the attempted assassination of his opponent two days ago in Pennsylvania. I didnt say crosshairs. I was talking about focus on, Biden said. The truth of the matter was, I guess what I was talking about at the time was, there was very little focus on Trumps agenda. The term was bullseye, Holt said. It was a mistake to use the word, Biden replied. I didnt mean I didnt say crosshairs. I meant bullseye I meant focus on it. Focus on what hes doing. Focus on his policies. Focus on the number of lies he told in the debate. Biden fumbled somewhat during the answer, leaving it unclear whether he was apologizing for telling donors to put Trump in a bullseye or whether he was correcting himself after using the word crosshairs instead of bullseye. Biden said: Look, Im not the guy that said, I want to be a dictator on day one. Im not the guy who refused to accept the outcome of the election. Holt pressed the president on whether he had done any soul-searching about whether his language could incite people who are not balanced. Biden said: Look. How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when the president says things like he says? Do you just not say anything because you might incite somebody? Look. I have not engaged in that rhetoric. Now, my opponent has engaged in that rhetoric. He talks about there will be a bloodbath if he loses, talking about how hes going to forgive all the actually, I guess suspend the sentence of all that were arrested and sentenced to go jail because of what happened at the Capitol. Im not out there making fun of like, remember the picture of Donald Trump when Nancy Pelosis husband was hit with a hammer, talking about it? Joking about it? Biden suggested that Trumps apparent forgiveness of January 6 rioters was also an incitement to violence. When you say that therres nothing wrong with going to the capitol putting up a noose for the former vice-president, and then you say youre going to forgive people for that? Biden said he had had two meetings in the White House situation room about the attempted assassination, and has asked for an independent review of the performance of the Secret Service. The question is whether they should have anticipated what happened, Biden said, noting that coordination with local law enforcement complicates the task of protection. Holt asked what Biden thought of questions about his decision to continue his run from Democrats in Congress. We knew it was going to be a close race from the moment he announced, Biden said. He cited polling data to say its essentially a toss-up race. Biden touted his record, likening it to that of Franklin Roosevelt in its success. Im old, Biden said. But Im only three years older than Trump, number one. And number two, my mental acuity has been pretty damn good. Ive gotten more done than any president has in a long time in three and a half years. Im willing to be judged on that. He added: The jobs not finished. The president became combative during the interview at that point, taking the media to task for ignoring Trumps conduct. Why dont you ever talk about the 18 to 28 times Trump lied? Biden said, incredulous at the question. I had a bad, bad night. I wasnt feeling well at all. I screwed up Why doesnt the press talk about all the lies hes told? Bidens one-on-one interview a relative rarity during his time in office comes amid continuing calls for the president to step away from his re-election run after his weak performance against Trump during a debate on 27 June raised questions about his age and fitness to serve. Bidens public appearances have been closely scrutinized since the debate for signs of personal weakness. ABCs George Stephanopoulos interviewed Biden on 5 July, and asked if he would publish the results of a neurological exam. The president refused. He pointedly displayed a command of foreign policy knowledge at an hour-long press conference at the Nato summit on Friday. The president has made increasingly forceful rejections of calls to withdraw. But that question had been expected to be at the center of the Holt interview tonight. It slipped in importance behind images of a gunman narrowly missing Trumps skull at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, nicking Trumps ear before being killed by Secret Service sniper fire. One spectator was killed and two others critically injured. The Republican National Committee opened its national nominating convention this week. Bidens interview with Holt is a bit of political counter-programming in a moment when all eyes might be expected to be on Trump. Biden addressed the public Sunday night to call for the temperature of political rhetoric to cool, and said as much again to Holt. Police are investigating a double shooting in Malmo after bodies were found in a burnt-out car rented by British citizens. The unidentified victims were gunned down and then the car was set on fire in an industrial area of Malmo on Sunday, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported. They had rented the car at Copenhagen airport and driven across the Denmark-Sweden border into Malmo, a southern city with about 300,000 inhabitants. Citing sources close to the investigation, Aftonbladet said the car had been rented by a UK citizen. A Swedish forensic team is working to identify the victims, and that police cannot identify them until that process is complete. Police sources also told Swedish media they have an idea of who the victims are. A Swedish forensic team is working to identify the victims - Mikael Nilsson Police have appealed for witnesses who saw a black Toyota car in the Fosie industrial estate where the shooting occurred, Kerstin Gosse, of the Swedish police, said. We are interested in talking to people who have seen the car. Its a black Danish-registered Toyota of model RAV4, she said. We dont think they are Danish citizens, thats all we can say now ... observations that you think could have something to do with this event during that time span are of interest. As the victims had crossed international borders during their journey, Interpol has also been brought into the investigation. Police declined to comment on whether the murders were linked to gang violence when questioned by Swedish newspaper Expressen. Malmo is one of several Swedish cities wrestling with an organised crime wave, while Sweden has the second highest gun crime death rate in Europe after Albania. Since 2013 the number of shooting incidents has doubled in Sweden according to statistics, while drug and gun crime has steadily risen since the early 2000s. A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are supporting the families of two British men reported missing in Sweden and are in touch with the local authorities. WASHINGTON Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday called on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign, minutes after his longtime Democratic colleague was found guilty on federal corruption charges. In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign, Schumer said in a statement. Menendez, who previously served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was found guiltyof accepting bribes of gold and cash from New Jersey businessmen and acting at the behest of the Egyptian government. The jury found him guilty on all 16 felony counts, including extortion and acting as a foreign agent. Emerging from the courthouse shortly after the verdict, Menendez appeared defiant and vowed to appeal the verdict. Obviously, Im deeply, deeply disappointed by the jurys decision, the three-term senator said in brief remarks to the press. I have every faith that the law and facts were not sustained in that decision, and that we will be successful upon appeal. I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country, he said. I have never, ever been a foreign agent. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) was found guilty on federal corruption charges. Andrea Renault/Star Max via Getty Images Other prominent Democrats were quick to re-up their past calls for Menendezs resignation after the jurys verdict, which came after a nine-week trial in which prosecutors said the New Jersey senator abused the power of his office to enrich himself and his wife while shielding allies from criminal probes. I reiterate my call for Senator Menendez to resign immediately after being found guilty of endangering national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system, New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. If he refuses to vacate his office, I call on the U.S. Senate to vote to expel him, said the governor. This is a sad day for the Garden State, said Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.). Following this extremely serious verdict, I once again call on Senator Menendez to immediately resign and for his access to classified national security information to be revoked. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the president pro tem of the Senate, said shes been calling on Menendez to go for nearly a year. Now that hes been found guilty on all counts, I strongly reiterate my call for him to step down, Murray said. No one is above the law its pretty straightforward. She took a jab at the GOP for choosing to overlook Donald Trumps criminal acts. Now if only my Republican colleagues would apply the same standards to the convicted felon who is running for president of the United States as their nominee, she said. Earlier Tuesday, fellow New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker said his heart aches over Menendezs trial. I did call on him to resign, Booker said on MSNBC. You know, this is a person Ive served with for 10 years. The things hes accused of, I have seen not seen in my my working with him. Hes now before a jury of his peers. Im watching it very closely. I think its a sad and sobering day for New Jerseyans to see their senior senator under this kind of criminal indictment, he said. Windfarms supplied as much as a third of the national electricity markets power early on Tuesday morning. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/EPA The wintry blast sweeping across eastern Australia has set a record for electricity demand in Victoria and propelled wind generation in New South Wales to new highs, with energy authorities preparing for another power peak on Tuesday evening. Victoria broke a 17-year record for maximum winter electricity demand, with the tally reaching 8,612 megawatts at 6pm on Monday, the Australian Energy Market Operator said. The demand beat the previous record set in July 2007 by more than 250MW, but that may be challenged as soon as Tuesday evening, Aemo said. By mid-afternoon, temperatures across much of Melbourne were 10C or less with wind chill taken into effect. A cold snap has seen Victoria break a 17-year winter record for maximum electricity demand 8,612 MW at 6:00 PM last night. The previous record of 8,351 MW was on 17 July 2007. AEMO will work with industry to keep the electricity on during another expected peak-demand tonight. pic.twitter.com/Tf7K8C0ZLf AEMO (@AEMO_Energy) July 16, 2024 The windy and cold conditions brought snow to elevated regions from Tasmania to NSW. Gusts topped 100km/h at Mount Hotham and Thredbo ski resorts, Weatherzone said. Windfarms, though, were in their element, supplying as much as a third of the National Electricity Markets power early on Tuesday morning. The NEM covers about 80% of Australias population, spanning from Queensland to Tasmania and South Australia. Windy, sunny conditions push out gas and reduce coal use in the national electricity market, even during mid-winter. (Via @OpenNem ) pic.twitter.com/i1DwIDiArU @phannam@mastodon.green (@p_hannam) July 16, 2024 According to Geoff Eldridge, an energy analyst for Global Roam, wind generation in NSW reached 2,293MW just after midnight. Prior to this weather event, spurred by a deep low off Tasmania, the previous record for the state was set in April 2024 at 2179MW. Over the full 24 hours, the average wind generation was 1,914MW, Eldridge said, beating the previous high of 1,863MW set during that cold snap in April last year. The widespread and powerful winds also meant the grid barely burned any gas in the past day or so, unlike earlier in the winter. A combination of cold, still days and gas production interruptions at Victorias Longford site prompted Aemo to issue a threat notice given the pace of the draw down in gas supplies in Victoria and NSW. The prospect that industries might need to have their gas supplies temporarily cut off to ensure households could keep their heating on has since abated. The return of windier weather that reduced the need for gas-fired power generation has helped. Still, winter is only halfway over and lengthy periods of cool, calm conditions could return to Australias south-east. Aemo has said deliverability risks could continue until the end of August if the daily drawdown of gas at Victorias main Iona storage site exceeds 200 terajoules a day. Donald Trump shooting: what you didn't see behind the scenes Second-by-second footage of the shooting of Donald Trump from new angles has shed fresh light on the security failings that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to unleash a volley of shots at the presidential candidate. The Telegraph has taken video filmed by members of the public and synchronised it with the official broadcast footage of the rally in Pennsylvania to show what was going on behind the scenes. Officerhes on the roof Shooter spotted by Trump supporters outside the rally perimeter After Trump starts speaking on the stage at around 18.04 local time, members of the public outside the secure zone see Crooks clambering onto the roof of a building 430ft away from the podium and bear crawling along the roof with an AR15 semi-automatic rifle. At 18.09:35 a man standing outside the perimeter fence says: Look, theyre all pointing. Someones on top of the roof, look, there he is right there. Right there, you see him? Hes laying down, you see him? His female companion replies: Yeah, hes laying down. At 18.10:07, around 86 seconds before the shots are fired, a male witness points to Crooks on the roof and says: Yeah look, there he is, as another man shouts: Officer, officer! A local sheriff has said that Crooks was identified as a suspicious person before Trump started speaking but officers lost track of where he was. Hes got a gun! Crowd warn they can see a gunman moments before shots fired Six seconds before the shots are fired, at 18.11:27, a man in the crowd screams: Hes got a gun! Five seconds after that another man shouts: Hes got a gun - hes on the roof. One second after the second man speaks, at 18:11:33, the first of three shots is fired, followed by two more shots closely spaced in less than two seconds. Two seconds after the last of the three shots, five shots are fired in rapid succession, taking around a second, killing Crooks. Snipers delay Secret Service has gunman in sights before shots fired at Trump Footage taken from the crowd shows two snipers on a rooftop to Trumps right, with rifles on tripods pointing in the direction of Crooks. The sniper nearest to the camera, who is kneeling and looking through his telescopic sight, appears to be looking straight at Crookss position, but lifts his head from the gunsight at the precise moment the first shot from Crooks is heard. He instantly bobs his head back down to the gun sight and pulls the gun slightly towards himself to take aim, but Crooks manages to fire off three shots in the space of two seconds before the snipers manage to return fire. Two seconds after the last of the three shots is fired by Crooks, the snipers fire off five shots in rapid succession in less than a second. In another video, a member of the public has a camera trained on Crooks as he fires his rifle. There is a scream, and a woman can be heard shouting Ross, get over here! The five shots from the sniper position sound like corks popping, and a man says: Hes turning this way, be careful. Thirty seconds after the shots, a woman says: Someone got shot. Hes right there, laying down. A man says: What the f--- is going on? A man with a gravelly voice says: Dude, thats exactly why we need f---ing Trump here. The life-saving head turn Trump moves in the fraction of a second it takes for the bullet to reach him The difference between life and death for Trump appears to have been a slight turn of his head to look at a giant chart displayed on a board to his right a fraction of a second before the bullet hits him. If Trump had not turned his head the bullet may well have passed through the back of his skull. A Telegraph analysis has broken down the half second between the shooter deciding to pull the trigger and the bullet nicking Trumps ear to show how close he was to being killed. Around 400 milliseconds - or four tenths of a second - before the bullet hits Trump, Crooks decides to pull the trigger. At this precise moment, Trumps head is at an angle to the shooter, meaning Crooks has successfully lined up a lethal shot. Research shows that it typically takes a quarter of a second, or 250 milliseconds, for a message from the brain to reach a gunmans finger and pull the trigger. In this tiny window, Trump begins to turn his head to look at a graphic on immigration statistics to his right. The lock time of an AR15 - the time it takes the hammer to hit the round in the chamber after the trigger is pulled, is around 10 milliseconds, and the .22 calibre bullet, travelling at around 3,000ft per second, takes 140 milliseconds to reach Trump, whose head is now aligned with the gunmans position, meaning the bullet hits his ear but misses his skull. Chaos as bodyguards draw in Secret Service crowd around Trump seconds after shooting As the shots are heard, chaos breaks out in the crowd. Most people duck, there are screams, but some, including a woman sitting directly behind Trump, have the presence of mind to whip out their mobile phones and film the immediate aftermath. Trumps bodyguards take around three seconds to reach him and shield him from Crookss position. Someone in the crowd says: Oh God, a lady got shot in the stands, while on the podium the bodyguards surrounding Trump can be heard saying: Hold, hold, when youre ready, on you. Seconds later one of them says: Shooters down, shooters down. Let me get my shoes Trump to the Secret Service in the immediate aftermath of the shooting Fifty seconds after the last of Crookss shots are fired, a bodyguard on the podium shouts: Lets move, were clear! Another says: OK sir, come on, as Trump is helped to his feet. His response is to say: Let me get my shoes, which have come off in the scrum of bodyguards forming a shield around him. A female bodyguard with a blonde bun picks up one of his shoes and throws it off the stage, as a male voice says: I got you, sir. Again, Trump tells them: Let me get my shoes. The bodyguards try to persuade him to move off the stage as he asks for his shoes again, and as the female bodyguard points out the shoe she has thrown off stage, she locks arms with her male colleagues around Trump and says: Shield. It is at this point, one minute and 10 seconds after the shots, that Trump raises his fist and shouts: Fight, fight, fight. People in the crowd behind him respond by shouting: We love you! before breaking out into a chant of USA! USA! USA! The iconic photograph Behind the lens video shows how Trump turned shooting into opportunity A group of photographers are standing to Trumps right as the bodyguards get him to his feet. Among them is Washington Post photographer Jabin Botsford, who is filming the whole event on a GoPro attached to his head while also taking still photographs. As Trump gets to his feet, the photographers realise he is going to be taken off the stage from the other side, so they move around the front of the stage, taking pictures as they go, and end up at Trumps left. At 18.12:53, a minute and 20 seconds after the shots, Trump raises his fist as Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, standing in the perfect spot below him, captures an image of him in total defiance, with an American flag suspended behind him creating a moment that will define the presidential race. Mr Vucci later said: I started photographing everything I could, and said the only thing going through his mind was: Slow down, think, compose. Sunglasses and a gun fumble Response of Secret Service agents raise further questions about security operation As Trump is bundled into the waiting vehicle, some of his Secret Service bodyguards appear flustered and distracted as they face the crowd. A female bodyguard tries and fails to holster her pistol, feeling for the holster on her waistband but missing by a distance, while another seems preoccupied with putting her sunglasses on. As Mr Trump gets into the vehicle, someone in the crowd can be heard shouting: We need a medic up here! China receives high international recognition for contributions to Aid-for-Trade initiative 10:20, July 16, 2024 By Yan Yu ( People's Daily Aid for Trade is a way to help developing countries address trade-related obstacles that constrain their ability to engage in international trade. Its primary objective is to improve the trade capabilities of developing countries, particularly the least-developed ones, and facilitate their integration into the global trade system. During the 9th Global Review of Aid for Trade recently held by the World Trade Organization (WTO), China's Ministry of Commerce held a session themed "Aid for Trade: China's Practice on Food Security." A Chinese agricultural expert aiding Burundi talks to local farmers after a bumper harvest of hybrid rice. (Photo/Wu Peiyang) At the session, Lin Zhanxi, inventor of Juncao technology, and Yang Huade, head of a team of senior Chinese agricultural experts assisting Burundi, shared how China's Juncao technology and hybrid rice technology have significantly boosted food security in the least-developed countries. At the session, Seruwaia Kabukabu, a 46-year-old farmer who lives in Serea village of Fiji's Naitasiri province, shared the changes brought about by China's Juncao technology to local residents. Kabukabu developed a passion for Juncao technology after being trained at the Juncao demonstration center in Nadi, Fiji, in 2019. Later, she led local women, disabled individuals and students to grow Juncao mushrooms. "Juncao technology is a great gift that China has sent to Fijian people, which allows more Fijian farmers like us to increase income and improve our livelihood," said Kabukabu during the session. Evrard Ndayikeje, director general of the National Agency for the Promotion and Regulation of Cooperative Societies in Burundi, said that with the strong support of China, Burundi has introduced Chinese rice technologies, built agricultural value chains and set up rural cooperatives to develop rice trade, aiming to realize Burundi's vision of turning into "emerging country in 2040 and developed country in 2060." The Aid-for-Trade initiative was proposed at the sixth WTO Ministerial Conference held in December 2005, to help the international community recognize the importance of trade for development and mobilize resources to address trade-related constraints faced by developing and least-developed countries, said Song Wei, a professor with the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, during an interview with People's Daily. Since its inception, China has actively responded to the initiative, fulfilled its international obligations, and helped other developing countries, particularly the least-developed ones, to improve their trade capabilities so as to facilitate their poverty reduction and independent development processes, added Song. Mao Xiaojing, head of the Institute of West Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC), Ministry of Commerce, noted that China has made multifaceted efforts to provide aid for trade to other developing countries, especially the least-developed ones, over the years. Photo shows Fijian children harvesting mushrooms. The Chinese government has promoted Juncao technology for mushroom cultivation in Pacific island countries including Fiji, to advance local development and improve local people's livelihood. (Photo provided by the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center) She said that China has strengthened trade-related infrastructure construction in recipient countries for better transportation and trade facilitation, and granted zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of taxable products from Togo, Eritrea and other least-developed countries to help them expand exports. Besides, China has established relevant platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) to offer these countries favorable treatment and policy support, such as providing free standard exhibition booths to the least-developed countries. Moreover, through technical support and personnel training, China has also helped recipient countries to improve their production capabilities, expand trade volume, improve trade structure and facilitate trade development. Recently, a group of Rwandan students visited Jinhua University of Vocational Technology in east China's Zhejiang province, to learn livestreaming e-commerce. This visit was inspired by the successful story of James Kimonyo, Rwanda's ambassador to China, who had promoted Rwanda's coffee on a Chinese livestreaming platform two years ago. The ambassador's efforts resulted in the rapid sales of the coffee products, which garnered the admiration of people in African and other developing countries for the magic of Chinese e-commerce. Nowadays, China's e-commerce companies are expanding into developing countries, facilitating the access of local products to broader markets. "For example, some Chinese e-commerce companies have provided cross-border e-commerce training for many African countries to teach local people how to sell their products to China and other markets via e-commerce platforms. These training sessions have helped local residents boost their income and employment prospects, while also promoting local women's employment," said Song. In recent years, China has been actively leveraging its e-commerce experience to assist other developing countries, especially the least-developed ones, in reducing poverty and promoting economic development, which has become a new highlight of the Aid-for-Trade initiative, added Song. Gerd Muller, director-general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), noted that aid programs launched by China have forcefully enhanced the localized production capabilities of least developed countries and supported their sustainable development. Taufiqur Rahman, head of the Development Division of the WTO, said China's development has provided a source of strength and references for other developing countries, and China's Aid for Trade efforts have helped the least-developed countries in their own development. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) A House of Commons calling card in the North Antrim constituency where Ian Paisley Jr was ousted as MP in the general election just over a week ago. Photograph: Paul Faith/The Guardian For more than half a century, the Paisley family dominated North Antrim in a political equivalent of the Giants Causeway. Just as ancient volcanic fissures created a swath of interlocking basalt columns, Ian Paisley Srs hellfire rhetoric forged a unique brand of unionism and a family dynasty in this corner of Northern Ireland. The Free Presbyterian preacher turned his Democratic Unionist party (DUP) into an electoral behemoth and passed his Westminster seat to Ian Paisley Jr, who held it from 2010 with huge majorities. Elections came and went and the House of Paisley stood immovable, not quite a Unesco world heritage site but part of the landscape. And then on 4 July Jim Allister of the hardline rival Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) won the seat by 450 votes in a seismic upset. While the rest of the UK digested Labours landslide, Northern Ireland gaped at North Antrim. Just over a week later, with the shock still reverberating, voters in the former Paisley bastions agree on one thing: Junior had it coming. We lost Ian Paisley but that was a welcome loss in my eyes. He sank himself, said Chris Bowyer, 65, who chairs a community group in Ballykeel 1, a housing estate in Ballymena. You expect people to go out and fight for the union and not just to go off on holiday. It was a reference to Paisleys suspension from the House of Commons in 2018 for becoming a paid advocate for the Sri Lankan government and failing to declare family holidays worth at least 50,000. Im glad to see the back of him, said Barry Lorimer, 64, a former merchant seaman. I didnt see the value of the man. Coming from a unionist it was a brutal dismissal but even those who voted for the DUP founders son conceded his name had become associated with scandals and hubris. He was a good speaker but he made mistakes, said one supporter, who gave his name only as Freddy. Paisleys downfall was part of a wider splintering of the unionist vote that replaced three of the DUPs eight MPs with Allister of the TUV plus Robin Swann of the Ulster Unionists and Alex Easton, an independent unionist. The result, depending on your perspective, is either an incoherent babble of voices that weakens the unionist cause or is evidence of varied vitality in unionist ranks. To outsiders, Paisleys ouster, the most spectacular and unexpected DUP loss, might appear a body blow to those who are determined to keep Northern Ireland British. His father, who died in 2014, embodied resistance to Irish nationalism and London betrayal and made the family name synonymous with no surrender, no retreat. Paisley Jr, now 57, abjured biblical thunder but was an articulate, charismatic heir who gave no quarter to Sinn Fein, the Irish government or wobbly British ministers. And yet his fall has occasioned little anguish among unionists. In fact many even some members of his own party are exultant and relieved. He didnt really have a role and made life difficult for the leadership, said one DUP official. There will be less mischief. For a dynasty launched with brimstone, it is a quiet epitaph. Paisley had a complicated relationship with the DUP head office since his fathers lieutenant, Peter Robinson, replaced Paisley Sr in 2008. It was a deft toppling of an ageing leader that angered the Paisley family and that US Democrats can only envy. Paisley Jr insisted he did not want the crown but remained a prince, shuttling between Westminster, Belfast and TV studios flamboyant, outspoken, high-profile, under-employed. Robinsons successor, Arlene Foster, kept him at arms length, leaving his undoubted talents untapped, and turned a blind eye to solo runs. The maverick, after all, kept North Antrim a DUP citadel. When Paisley partied with Nigel Farage, or boasted of links with the Trump family, some in the constituency rolled their eyes and others enjoyed the show. Junior made little secret about expensive tastes, fuelling wild rumours such as his wearing 6,000 shoes. In fact that was the cost of a flight to New York he billed for a charity appearance, 10 times what the then Irish tanaiste, Simon Coveney, paid to fly economy to the same event. When the Sri Lanka holidays and lobbying emerged, Paisley Jr apologised and appeared to ride it out, as he had other money related disclosures. A 2018 recall petition failed. But the revelations were having a drip-drip effect, said Dessie Blackadder, the editor of the Ballymena Guardian. His downfall began with the scandals. It had a cumulative effect. Other factors drained support: unionists blamed the DUP for the post-Brexit Irish Sea border and accused the party of overselling a deal that supposedly ended border checks. Prosecutors lodged sexual offence charges against the partys former leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. The Ulster Unionists fielded a weak candidate in North Antrim so anti-Paisley sentiment coalesced around Allister, a barrister and forensic critic of the sea border. Even so, Paisley Jr appeared stunned when the TUV leader pipped him. Last week the DUP office in Ballymena was closed and Paisley Jr remained silent, not responding to interview requests. His posters have come down, leaving the Paisley name invisible. He thought he was going to get his shins kicked but got a full kicking, said Blackadder. People were flabbergasted but life goes on. People arent talking about him, theyre talking about how cold it is. It remains unclear what Paisley will do next. Few expect Gavin Robinson, the DUP leader, to field him for the Stormont assembly. The other question is whether unionist parties can manage their fractures to present a coherent case for the union and repel Sinn Feins push for a referendum on Irish unification. The republican party is now the biggest in local government, Stormont and Westminster. There is little appetite to mourn Paisley Jr. His downfall is good for the union, said Jeffrey Dudgeon, a commentator and former Ulster Unionist politician. His replacement has a good sense of history and is unforgiving and unforgetting. Geordie Nicholl, 47, a labourer with a home bedecked in union flags for Orange Order parades, said Paisley reaped the partys sins on Brexit. The DUP took us for fools. Wilbert Gilmore, 84, another Ballymena voter, said he used to march under the Paisley banner when it was a bulwark against sellouts. Then Paisley sold us out. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary (left), with Governor Sarah Bott, during a visit to HMP Bedford in Harpur, Bedfordshire - Joe Giddens/PA Fast-track removals of foreign criminals are expected to be pledged in the Kings Speech on Wednesday as part of efforts to tackle the prison overcrowding crisis. Ministers are to review proposals to reduce the number of foreign offenders held in jails in England and Wales in order to free up as many as 10,000 places to ease shortages. Options could include more prisoner transfer deals where offenders are deported to serve their sentences in their home countries, early removals of criminals before they have fully completed their sentences, and expelling lower level offenders from the UK. There were 10,422 foreign nationals in jails in England and Wales at the end of March this year, up from 10,148 at the same point last year. That represents around 12 per cent of all prisoners with each costing the taxpayer 47,000 to accommodate, feed and rehabilitate, totalling nearly 500 million a year. The moves come after Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, announced on Friday that thousands of criminals will be automatically released 40 per cent of the way through their prison sentences, rather than at the halfway point in order to prevent jails in England and Wales running out of space. In a speech at Five Wells prison in Wellingborough, she said she had no option because of the risk that the prison crisis could lead to a collapse of the criminal justice system within weeks, leading to the total breakdown of civil law and order. Prisoners released early will include violent offenders serving sentences under four years for crimes such as assault, as well as burglars, robbers and thieves. Sex offenders, terrorists, domestic abusers and those jailed for over four years for serious violence will be excluded as well those subject to parole. It is projected by officials that the early release scheme, due to start in September, could reduce the prison population by around 5,000 - half the number of foreign offenders. It is believed officials in the Ministry of Justice are reviewing measures set in motion by Alex Chalk, the former justice secretary, before Rishi Sunak called the snap summer election and the Tories crashed to defeat. Talks had been opened with Poland and Romania to explore the possibility of replicating a deal with Albania, where around 40 of the most dangerous criminals from the Balkan state have or are being returned to serve the rest of their sentences in their home country. Mr Chalk also introduced an emergency measure where foreign prisoners serve shorter sentences than Britons. Under the early removal scheme, they can be freed from UK jails and deported to their homelands up to 18 months earlier than a British prisoner would be released if serving the same sentence. Foreign prisoners face lifetime bans from returning to the UK under the scheme. This means some lodge human rights or other legal claims while in prison in an attempt to remain in the UK, particularly if they have put down roots and have family in Britain. Another option being drawn up by the Home Office would entail foreign shoplifters, thieves and drug dealers being deported rather than prosecuted. The lower level foreign offenders would be spared jail and instead given conditional cautions under which they would be expelled and banned from returning to Britain. This scheme is targeted at reducing foreign prisoners on remand who have been charged but not yet convicted. As of March 2024, there were 3,422 foreign prisoners on remand, up from 3,132. The remand population has risen from 11,000 in 2020 to a record 16,458, partly because of backlogs in crown court cases. It now accounts for nearly 19 per cent of all prisoners. Feltham young offender institute in west London holds 84 boys aged 15 to 18. Photograph: Kirsty OConnor/PA A young offender institution has been identified as the most violent prison in the country, with teenage inmates refusing family visits to keep their relatives away from danger, a watchdog has found. HMYOI Feltham A in west London, which holds 84 boys aged 15 to 18, registered 320 incidents of disorder in the year to March, up 300% on the previous 12 months, said the chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor. A report released on Tuesday said prison authorities found 343 weapons during the year, compared with 122 the year before. The use of force by staff, usually in response to violence, rose by 68%. Recorded rates of violence in the year leading up to March 2024 had been higher than any other establishment in England and Wales, the report said. There had been 410 incidents of violence, a substantial increase on the 182 in the 12 months before the last inspection. The report comes as the Prison Service in England and Wales comes under intense scrutiny. On Friday the justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced that thousands of prisoners would be released early from September because of an overcrowding crisis in adult jails. Inspectors found that children held in Feltham A booked fewer than half of the allocated visitor sessions to meet their relatives. In our interviews, some children said they did not want their families to visit because of the risk of violence breaking out in front of them, the report said. Taylor noted that that the prison achieved healthy test scores in a 2022 inspection. It was disappointing to return to find there had been a deterioration in standards, with levels of violence now the highest of any prison in the country, he said. The inspectors visited the facility this March. The report said they found hardworking, dedicated staff doing their best, but that children were not safe enough, were locked in their cells for too long and the provision of education was inadequate. The use of segregation was found to have increased significantly, the inspectors said, with seven children found to have been segregated for more than 50 days and two for more 100 days. Inspectors raised concerns about childrens access to education, with the use of 266 keep-apart instructions to stop children who had fought from coming in to contact with each other. These meant that rather than being placed in lessons with children who had similar abilities and interests, boys were allocated to classes based on who they could mix with without fighting, the report said. Taylor said the immediate crisis of overcrowding in jails should begin to ease soon as long as there were no further crises in the summer. Speaking to the Guardian in Londons Pentonville prison, where he formally opened a scheme to train prisoners as bicycle mechanics, Taylor said there remained wider problems of reoffending and of many having not enough to do while serving sentences. I hope that at least the immediate pressure that somebody sentenced to custody cant get into custody, the worry that things will fall over, I think whats encouraging is that weve moved away from that, or with any luck we will have assuming we get through the summer without any difficulties, he said. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: The criminal justice system is in crisis and as this report clearly shows, this is placing great strain on the youth estate. As the chief inspector recognises in his report, the governor and frontline staff are now making every effort to drive improvements and reduce violence. But we know there is much more to do and we are committed to increasing the support these children need to turn their lives around. Hospice UK said the sectors finances were in their worst state in 20 years as small and wildly varying state funding has failed to keep up with rising demand and running costs. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA One in five hospices in the UK are cutting services amid the worst funding crisis in two decades, a report has warned, with soaring numbers of patients being pushed back into the NHS. Research by Hospice UK found small and wildly varying state funding had failed to keep pace with growing demand and rising running costs. That means inpatient beds are being cut, staff made redundant and community services restricted, with fewer visits to dying patients in their own homes, according to the charity, which represents more than 200 hospices across the country. Hospice UK said the sectors finances were in their worst state in 20 years. A fifth of hospices have cut or closed their services in the last year or are planning to do so, the charity said. Toby Porter, its chief executive, said: Too many hospices are in crisis. The small and wildly variable amount of state funding they receive has failed to keep pace with rising costs. Many hospices are therefore running deficits that can only mean one thing more cuts to essential care services, or even service closures. Were already seeing redundancies at some major hospices. Porter said the timing could not be worse, given the increasing demand for end-of-life care. When hospices cut services, patients are pushed back into the NHS, ultimately costing the taxpayer more, he said. We know that our health and social care services in the UK are under immense strain, yet thousands of hospice staff are desperate to help, if only hospices could be properly funded. Deborah Paris, the executive chair of Rowans Hospice in south-east Hampshire, said the gap between costs and income had risen significantly, which was not a sustainable position. We have met with NHS commissioners to negotiate urgent, additional funding, and used the opportunity to re-emphasise the significant contribution that the hospice provides and the work that will fall to the NHS if we must reduce our capacity, she said. Unfortunately, as further funding has not been forthcoming, and following a range of earlier efficiencies across the organisation, we have had to reduce the level of our provision and make some staff redundant. These are heartbreaking decisions to have made, but we have no other choice but to take these steps. Jeremy Lune, the chief executive of Prospect Hospice in Swindon, said it had had to reduce the number of beds in its inpatient unit to six, despite having room for 12. This decision isnt enough, as we still face a 1m deficit. The need for our palliative and end-of-life care is growing, while funding is dwindling, creating an unsustainable situation, he said. Emma May Ward, a clinical nurse specialist for Marie Curie in the West Midlands, said: Every day my team and I see the devastating impacts of overloaded and underfunded end-of-life care services in hospices and delivered in peoples homes. Increasingly, we are finding families at crisis point, distressed and not knowing where to turn, often forced to call 999 or go to A&E when they dont need or want to. Too many people are falling through the cracks, and too many people are dying in avoidable pain. The Department of Health and Social Care said the government would shift the focus of healthcare out of hospitals into the community, adding: We recognise that the care system, including hospices, will play a vital role in doing this. Brown said getting rid of T-levels would be calamitous and costly. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA Gordon Brown has called on the new government to retain the Conservatives technical qualifications, which Rishi Sunak had promised to ditch. In a foreword to a report, Brown argues that T-levels are one of the few genuinely successful new ideas and initiatives of the last decade and that scrapping them would be calamitous and costly. Labour previously said it would review them after taking office. T-levels were introduced in 2020 as the Conservatives gold-standard vocational qualification for post-16 students in England, but many in the sector have raised concerns about the mass defunding of other popular vocational qualifications, including BTecs. There have been also been problems with low uptake and high drop-out rates, while last week an exam board was fined 300,000 over major failings with papers sat by health and science T-level students in 2022. Before the election, Bridget Phillipson, now the education secretary, said Labour would pause and review the plan to scrap BTecs once in office. Rishi Sunak pledged to replace T-levels and A-levels with a new baccalaureate-style qualification known as the Advanced British Standard if the Conservatives were re-elected. The new report featuring Browns T-level endorsement was compiled by the lobbying consultancy WPI Strategy and funded by Lord Sainsbury, one of the original architects of T-levels. It calls for an end to the wild west provision of vocational qualifications and urges the new government to accelerate the rollout of T-levels by cutting public funding for lower-quality and overlapping courses including BTecs. T-levels have the potential to create a new skilled workforce for the next three-quarters of our century with the promise of good pay in the very sectors of the economy where we are experiencing key shortages and in the industries of the future, Brown writes. Low-quality technical courses might be cheap to teach and easy to pass but they suppress talent rather than release it, and the reality is that employers dont really value such courses when taking on new workers. A current fear is that those with a vested interest in marketing and selling their own lower-quality courses will attempt to pull the wool over parliamentarians eyes and argue that Labour should pause and review the technical education system yet again. These calls should be ignored. It would be calamitous and costly to slow the rollout of T-levels or pause the changeover of funding from lower quality to higher-quality qualifications. The former Labour education secretary David Blunkett, who has previously criticised the scrapping of BTecs, said: T-levels have a really important part to play but they are in their infancy and the statistics demonstrate that an urgent review of both timescale and what is working should be an imperative. Bill Watkin, the chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said: T-levels are a welcome addition to the qualifications landscape but it would be reckless to scrap BTecs when there is no evidence to suggest that T-levels are close to being a genuine replacement or can be offered at scale. David Hughes, the chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said the report underplayed some of the T-level implementation problems. Thats why we are pressing for an urgent review of every single T-level to ensure that they deliver the outcomes that this report and its authors are aiming for, he said. A Department for Education spokesperson said: We support T-levels as a high-class vocational qualification which gives young people a firm foundation for their future, and will confirm our next steps shortly. Dr Chaudhry, from Coulsdon, south London, was suspended from medical practice for five months - Cavendish Press (Manchester) Ltd A Harley Street doctor has been suspended from treating patients for five months after he carried out a 3,500 non-essential penis filler procedure during lockdown. Dr Mohammed Sefahn Chaudhry, 35, kept his private clinic open using his website and put up 1,000 worth of Barbie tip rhinoplasty and lip filler treatments as giveaways in a prize draw on social media in 2020. Dr Chaudhry was reported to the General Medical Council after the patient who underwent the penis filler procedure claimed his genitalia had been left misshapen and had developed a lump. The unnamed man, known as Patient A, also alleged Dr Chaudhry had posted before and after pictures of his penis on his website without his permission, forged paperwork and raised his voice at him when he complained about the results of the procedure. At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), Dr Chaudhry, from Coulsdon, south London was found guilty of serious professional misconduct relating to non-essential work during the pandemic and was suspended from medical practice for five months. But a disciplinary panel cleared him over allegations he failed to give proper treatment to Patient A and also rejected claims Dr Chaudhry posted the before and after pictures online after comparing the images in question to another picture of the mans penis which he sent to an expert witness in the case as evidence. The panel also ruled the clinical notes and consent form completed on 4 May 2020 were more likely than not to have been signed by Patient A. The doctor ran two cosmetic clinics, Dermis Clinic Ltd and MC Medical Aesthetics Limited. Dr Chaudhry was found guilty of serious professional misconduct relating to non-essential work during the pandemic - Cavendish Press (Manchester) Ltd The investigation began in October 2020 after Patient A complained about his penis filler procedure which was carried out after he was contacted over WhatsApp the previous April in a marketing call by one of Dr Chaudhrys work colleagues. The Manchester hearing was told Patient A had wanted increased penis girth as his partner was not satisfied. He said in a statement: The call was purely logistical e.g., when they could see me, how I could get there (given this was during the Covid pandemic), whether Dr Chaudhry had a London clinic etc. I confirmed that I was circumcised and asked whether my skin would adapt to the filler, and I was advised that it would. Patient A underwent the procedure on May 4 with Dr Chaudhry and in June attended a second consultation in which he said the filler had not hardened and his penis started to look misshapen. He said there was a lump and the filler remained soft and claimed Dr Chaudhry suggested further filler should be injected for free. On July 18, Patient A attended Dr Chaudhrys clinic for a third consultation and procedure and it was agreed that the enzyme Hylase be injected into his penis to dissolve the lump. But in his statement, Patient A alleged: Dr Chaudhry raised his voice, implying that he was out of pocket as he had provided some of the filler for free and that it was my fault the filler hadnt hardened. I didnt think this was very called for. Before and after images He subsequently claimed he saw before and after images of his penis on the PenisFill website insisting he recognised it in the before pictures due to the positioning of the lump and claimed the after picture was of his penis immediately after the initial procedure. Dr Chaudhry denied wrongdoing, claiming the picture was of another patients penis, and insisted: I deny raising my voice at any time during my appointment with Patient A. He seems to be seeking ways to get a refund. He added: During the Covid pandemic my understanding and belief was that the treatments I offer are medical. Therefore I never viewed them as non-essential. Every client that came to us during the pandemic, who was seeking treatments for purely cosmetic reasons, were not seen and advised to come after restrictions had been lifted. Our clinic was not open as normal and has strict Covid policies and protocols. I would also like to state, that the area that I work in was an extremely grey area during the pandemic. My colleague doctors, working on the same street, were performing hundreds of cosmetic-only procedures. I was not intently or purposefully breaching Covid legislation. Again I am very sorry if this has put the public confidence in doctors at risk and jeopardising the professions reputation. I have learnt many valuable lessons from this process. He also said the clinics no longer offered treatments as prize giveaways. In suspending Dr Chaudhry, Ms Amarjit Sagar, the MPTS chairman, said: The tribunal did not accept that Dr Chaudhry could have possibly thought that he was permitted to remain open during the period of the pandemic. There was wide press coverage and daily broadcast updates about the risks of the spread of Covid-19 yet despite this, Dr Chaudhry chose to continue to work and remain open. Patient A had not been in pain with his penis and there was nothing to suggest he required urgent medical attention. The tribunal was therefore satisfied that treating Patient A by injecting him with penis filler was non-essential treatment. It determined that in continuing to work, Dr Chaudhry ignored the constraints imposed on the general public and acted as if these did not apply to him. During this period, family members could not attend the funerals of their loved ones and major surgeries needed to be postponed. Dr Chaudhry would have been aware of the seriousness of the situation. Obliged to keep patients safe Fellow practitioners were under pressure working during Covid-19 conditions to keep the public safe, and Dr Chaudhry was also obliged to keep patients safe, in this case by closing his clinic. The tribunal considered this behaviour to be deplorable and as the public endured the restrictions imposed by Government guidance he continued providing non-essential treatment for financial gain. The tribunal considered that Dr Chaudhry was prompting customers to break Covid-19 guidelines by incentivising them with aesthetic procedures worth 1000. Ms Sagar added: Dr Chaudhry should have acted promptly to ensure patient safety and as director should have closed the clinics and cancelled any patients that were booked in. Failing to do so posed a risk to patients who were travelling, possibly on public transport, to see him, as well as mixing with any staff members at the clinic. He has shown no remorse. Kat Torres, pictured in April 2024. She was sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking and slavery of women (BBC/Jack Garland) An Instagram influencer and former Brazilian model, who went from living in poverty to partying with Leonardo DiCaprio, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking and slavery of women. Katiuscia Kat Torres was convicted on June 28 in Rio de Janeiro after being caught in Maine and deported to Brazil where she was arrested in November 2022. The investigation began when two Brazilian women vanished in early 2022, causing the FBI to launch a search in the US based on information that they were living with the wellness influencer. Torres, who had millions of followers on Instagram, was convicted of human trafficking and the slavery of one of those women, the BBC reported. Charges have also been filed against Torres in relation to a second woman, according to the outlet. In a BBC documentary filmed earlier this year, Torres maintained her innocence from a Rio prison. Kat Torres was sentenced in Brazil to eight years in prison for human trafficking and slavery of women (Franklin County Sheriffs Office) Torres was crowned Miss Caieiras in 2012 and became a successful model before she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She then used her influencer lifestyle to gain millions of followers on Instagram. She later worked as a model in Paris, and was photographed partying with Leonardo DiCaprio at an event in Cannes. Now, more than 20 women have come forward to share their harrowing experiences of living with Torres including Desirre Freitas and Leticia Maia Alvarenga, the two women who sparked the FBI search, according to BBC who reviewed court documents and Freitas memoir about her experiences. The pair, along with a third woman, who the BBC is calling Sol, were recruited by Torres and introduced as the witch clan to her followers, according to the BBC. Torres would reportedly recruit women to come work for her and in exchange offered them a place to stay at her mansion in Austin where she promised to help them achieve their dreams. But within weeks, many of the women found reality was not what had been promised, they said. Freitas said Torres pressured her into working at a local strip club, and said that if she did not comply she would have to repay all the money she had spent on her, which she did not have. Freitas was also terrified because Torres had threatened to curse her for not following orders. Sol, who spoke to BBC, said there were strict house rules at the Austin mansion. The women were not allowed to speak to each other and they needed Torres permission to leave their rooms, even to go to the bathroom. Any money they made at their jobs were handed over to Torres. Torres was a former model and was seen with celebs including Leonardo DiCaprio (Getty) It was very difficult to, you know, get out of the situation because she holds your money, Sol told the BBC. It was terrifying. I thought something could happen to me because she had all my information, my passport, my driving license. While Sol was able to leave with the help of an ex-boyfriend, others were not as lucky. Some of the women were told they needed to work as prostitutes as punishment. Torres reportedly told Freitas that she needed to switch from working at the strip club to being a prostitute. When Freitas refused, Torres took her to a gun range, which scared her into giving in. Many questions haunted me: Could I stop whenever I wanted? Freitas writes in her book. And if the condom broke, would I get a disease? Could [the client] be an undercover cop and arrest me? What if he killed me? Freitas recalled Torres had set a quota of $3,000 a day, and if they could not make it, they were not allowed to return to the house that night. I ended up sleeping on the street several times because I couldnt reach that, Freitas said. Freitas added that Torres threatened to report her to the police if she ever tried to stop prostitution, which is illegal in Texas. By September of that year, the womens loved ones had grown worried after months of no contact and launched social media campaigns to try to find them. But Freitas said their brunette hair had been dyed platinum blonde, making both women unrecognizable, and their cell phone contacts had been blocked. Torres began to panic because of the media attention and they moved from Texas to Maine. She posted videos on Instagram featuring the two women, who denied being held captive. The social media campaigns are what helped another woman, identified only as Ana, realize she had possibly been one of the victims. Like many of the other women, Ana was attracted to Torres rags-to-riches story when she came across her Instagram page in 2017. She kind of resembled hope for me. She seemed like she had overcome violence in her childhood, abuse, all these traumatic experiences, Ana told the BBC. Desirre Freitas was deported safely back to Brazil in December (Franklin County Sheriffs Office) Ana, who was looking for an escape after moving to the US from Brazil on her own and being in an abusive relationship, moved into Torres New York apartment in 2019 to work as her assistant. She was on the cover of magazines. She was seen with famous people such as Leonardo DiCaprio. Everything I saw seemed credible, she said. But Ana found that Torres could not do basic things without her, like taking a shower, because she did not want to be alone, according to BBC. She had to be by Torres side, and was only allowed to sleep for a few hours at a time on a couch covered in cat urine, she said. She was never paid. Now, I see that she was using me as a slave she had satisfaction in it, Ana told BBC. I felt like, Im stuck here, I dont have a way out. I was probably one of her first victims of human trafficking. When Ana saw the news about the missing women and their connection to Torres, she contacted the FBI to see what she could do to help. In November 2022, the police were able to convince Torres, Freitas and Maia to attend a welfare check in person at Franklin County Sheriffs Office in Maine, the BBC reported. By December, both women had been safely returned to Brazil. Torres was deported to Brazil where she was arrested on human trafficking charges. Leticia Maia Alvarenga was found in Maine after an FBI search in 2022 (Franklin County Sheriffs Office) In April 2024, she told the BBC that she was innocent and denied the allegations against her. When I was seeing the people testifying, they were saying so many lies. So many lies that at one point, I couldnt stop laughing, she told the outlet. People are saying I am a fake guru, but at the same time, they are also saying that She is a danger to society because she can change peoples mind with her words. On June 28, a Brazilian judge sentenced Torres to eight years in prison for the human trafficking slavery of Freitas. The judge concluded that she had lured the young woman to the US for the purpose of sexual exploitation, the BBC reported. Torres lawyer told the BBC she has appealed her conviction and maintains her innocence. An investigation into the allegations from other women is ongoing in Brazil. Desirre writes in her book that she wants her story to help others. Im not fully recovered yet, Ive had a challenging year. I was sexually exploited, enslaved and imprisoned, she wrote. I hope my story serves as a warning. Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in the leg in March in a warning. Iran has harassed dozens of exiled journalists amid unprecedented transnational repression. Photograph: Guardian An Iranian television presenter, who was attacked in London by men believed to be acting for the Tehran regime, has fled abroad saying that he no longer felt safe in the UK. Pouria Zeraati said the UKs approach to the threat posed by Iran on British soil could not guarantee his safety. Zeraati, a presenter for Iran International, a Persian-language news channel, was stabbed by a group of men outside his home in Wimbledon, south London, in March. Related: Iran accused of threatening terrified BBC staff in London Leading up to the attack, the London-based channel received repeated threats from Iran, with UK intelligence services foiling at least 15 plots to either kidnap or kill employees of the TV station. Now, reluctantly, the 36-year-old has left London with his wife, saying the UKs strategy towards the Iranian regime meant that it felt able to strike on British soil with few repercussions. Speaking from a location he did not want to publicise, Zeraati said: The place I live right now is a little safer. Officers from SO15, the Metropolitan Polices counter-terrorism command, have briefed their counterparts of the risk posed to Zeraati by the Iranian regime. There have been communications between the UK police and the police here, Zeraati said. They know about my situation and have taken extra measures to make sure Im safe. Before his move, SO15 officers had attempted to reassure Zeraati that he would be secure in the UK. Transnational repression is the state-led targeting of refugees, dissidents and ordinary citizens living in exile. It involves the use of electronic surveillance, physical assault, intimidation and threats against family members to silence criticism. The Guardians Rights and freedom series is publishing a series of articles to highlight the dangers faced by citizens in countries including the UK. The police said, You are safe right now. You are living in a safe country, there is no severe and imminent threat. But I replied that there was no imminent threat against me before the attack. His 3,000-mile move will raise fresh questions over how safe the UK is for dissidents targeted by foreign states. Counter-terrorism police are continuing to investigate the attack, with one line of inquiry being that the group who attacked Zeraati belong to a criminal gang from eastern Europe. The Iranian regime has used criminal proxies to target critics on western soil previously hiring individuals with no apparent link to Iran makes it harder for police to counter a potential attack. Less than four hours after stabbing Zeraati in the leg, three suspects flew out of Heathrow airport. Zeraati said a Met officer had warned him that a follow-up attack might be fatal. One of the officers involved in the case said what they did to me was a warning shot. When criminal gangs warn someone before killing them, they stab them in the back of the leg. It was a very clear message: We will kill you next time. A recent report based on testimony from dozens of exiled Iranian journalists living in the UK revealed that the level of transnational threat they are facing is unprecedented. Almost 90% of journalists from the country surveyed by the press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders confirmed they had experienced online threats or harassment in the past five years. Last year, staff at the BBCs Persian-language news service in London told the Guardian that they were terrified of walking alone after being harassed by the Iranian authorities. Despite such levels of intimidation and signs that Iran was prepared to orchestrate physical attacks on UK soil, Zeraati said the UKs approach meant the Iranian regime was able to act with near impunity. After revelations last December that Tehran was plotting to kill two other Iran International journalists in Britain, the Foreign Office announced sanctions against members of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, Zeraati who said he had recovered physically, though not mentally, from the attack said the sanctions were too obscure and did little to punish Tehran. Related: We live with a gun to our heads: how Iran is targeting protesters in Britain They were nonsense sanctions, he said. The attack on me happened about three and a half months later. That shows the policies are not working. Instead, he said, the UK should hurt the Iranian regime by targeting their assets and showing there was a financial consequence for committing criminal acts on British soil. If there is some sort of consequence like that, the Iranian regime will reconsider acting like this, added Zeraati. Zeraati is among many calling for the British government to proscribe the IRGC, an arm of the Iranian state, as a terrorist organisation. The previous UK governments position was to swerve the issue to maintain direct diplomatic relations with Iran. The new Labour government is reported to be unlikely to rush into a decision. Iran International says it provides independent coverage of events in the country but the regime in Tehran has declared it a terrorist organisation and said its workers would be pursued by its security services. The Iranian charge daffaires in the UK, which serves as the head of its diplomatic mission, has denied any link between the Iranian regime and the attack on Zeraati. The Metropolitan police has been contacted for comment. Jay Slaters mother Debbie Duncan has paid tribute to her beautiful boy after Spanish authorities confirmed a body found in Tenerife was that of the missing teenager. In statement she said: I just cant believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken. Court officials said on Tuesday that injuries sustained by Mr Slater were compatible with an accidental fall. Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area, a court spokesperson said. Debbie Duncan with Jay Slater (left) and the search efforts on Tenerife (right) (ES Composite) The Canary Islands High Court of Justice confirmed that Mr Slaters documents were found on the body, and said everything suggests the teenagers cause of death was an accidental fall, though no official cause has been determined yet. In a statement carried by the BBC, it said: It is confirmed that the documentation that was on the body found yesterday in the mountains of Masca belongs to Jay Slater and everything suggests that it was an accidental fall. Charity LBT Global said remains were found on Monday with the 19-year-olds clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca. Mr Slater had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. He had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out, but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled not relevant to the case. The Airbnb Casa Abuela Tina in Masca where Mr Slater stayed (PA Wire) Spanish police called off the search for the apprentice bricklayer at the end of June after helicopters, drones and search dogs were deployed to find him. Following the discovery, Mr Slaters friend Lucy Law, who was the last known person to speak to him during a phone call on June 17, issued a tribute on her Instagram page. She said: Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was (sic) one of a kind Jay and youll be missed more than you know. Im sure youll have your dancing shoes polished and ready waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high. Jay Slater and Lucy Law (ES Composite) An account which appeared to below to fellow friend Brad Hargreaves wrote: No words. Nothing will be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always. His mother, Debbie Duncan, is also said to be completely devastated alongside other family members who had personally searched for the missing teen. The day before her sons body was discovered, she described him as a "loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to so many". She also criticised online comments and conspiracy theories that ran wild since the teenagers disappearance. The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered. It released video footage of rescuers climbing rock faces and battling through scrub as they carried out the search. Part of the clip shows two members of the search team being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body had been found and recovered. Sir Keir Starmers government dug in as it faced a Labour revolt over the two-child benefit limit. A Labour MP is ready to table an amendment to the Kings Speech to axe the restriction. But Treasury minister James Murray gave no indication that the Government was ready to agree to the move so soon after getting elected. He stressed the new Government would not be making unfunded spending commitments. However, Sir Keir was facing a Commons showdown over the policy which is opposed by many Labour MPs. The row could be a major test of his leadership early in his premiership. Liverpool Riverside Labour MP Kim Johnson has slammed the two-child benefit cap as cruel, punitive and pushing struggling families into further poverty. She tweeted: I am laying an amendment to the Kings Speech calling for the cap to scrapped - immediately lifting 250,000 children out of poverty. I have long campaigned against the two-child benefit cap. This policy is cruel, punitive and is pushing struggling families into further poverty. I am laying an amendment to the King's Speech calling for the cap to scrapped- immediately lifting 250,000 children out of poverty. https://t.co/2IpuTUaJ24 Kim Johnson (@KimJohnsonMP) July 10, 2024 Mr Murray, a former deputy mayor for housing in London, was grilled on the issue as he did the morning media round for the Government. Ealing North MP Mr Murray told Times Radio: The fact that child poverty is so high in this country is appalling. We want to set out a comprehensive strategy to reduce child poverty. The last Labour government made huge progress on tackling child poverty. We are going to do that again now that we are in government. But on the two child benefit limit, he added: On this specific issue, obviously there are tough decisions to be taken. But we are never going to be making unfunded spending commitments because we know that that way lies economic chaos which hurts the poorest the most. The Scottish National Party has joined Labour MPs in pushing for a Commons vote on the controversial restriction. Liberal Democrat MPs have also backed scrapping the cap. John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, said last week that he is ready to table an amendment to the Finance Bill, which would be debated in Parliament after the Budget in the autumn, to ditch this benefit limit. But a crunch vote could now come much sooner during a debate over the Kings Speech which is set to be delivered on Wednesday. The cap, introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, prevents parents claiming Universal Credit or child tax credits for a third child, except in very limited circumstances. Figures published recently by the Department for Work and Pensions showed there were 1.6 million children living in households affected by the cap as of April this year, up from 1.5 million to April 2023. Of these, 52 per cent of children were in households with three children, 29 per cent in households with four children, and 19 per cent in households with five or more children. The Resolution Foundation has said that abolishing the two-child limit would cost the Government somewhere between 2.5 billion and 3.6 billion in 2024/25, but that such costs are low compared to the harm that the policy causes. Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri. Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here. You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com. Amos Nangyo, centre, leads an anti-kidnapping vigilante group in Pala, south-west Chad. Photograph: Joris Bolomey/AFP/Getty Images Tired of waiting for the authorities to come to their aid, young men in the Mayo-Kebbi Ouest region of south-west Chad are banding into vigilante groups, using bows, arrows and spears to fight gunmen who have turned kidnapping into a professional pastime. We guide the gendarmes in the bush, but we are also the first to go after the criminals after a kidnapping, said Amos Nangyo, head of one of the units in Pala, capital of the region, which borders Cameroon, told Agence France-Presse earlier this month. In the last decade, the Sahelian tri-border area of Liptako-Gourma where Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger meet has become a hotspot for booming jihadist activity. But another crisis is brewing in a nearby area that some have called the triangle of death: the area from Mayo-Kebbi Ouest and Logone Oriental in Chad to Cameroons North Region and Lim-Pende in the Central African Republic. Official data is hard to come by for this area and many people do not report incidents for fear of further attacks. But Chadian authorities say ransoms paid in the area amounted to 43 million Central African Francs (CFA) in 2022 and increased to 52.4 million CFA the following year. In February, a Polish doctor and her Mexican colleague were abducted from the Tandjile region but was freed a week later, after a combined rescue mission by Chadian and French forces. Approximately 86 million CFA was paid in ransom in six incidents between February and May 2023 in Cameroons Northern Region, according to a recent report by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. --- The rise in abductions is happening alongside small arms trafficking, cattle rustling and drug trafficking. Economic interests, rather than ethnic or religious grudges, are driving kidnappings, according to experts. In west and central Africa, porous borders are the norm, allowing terror groups such as Boko Haram, for example, to move along the diagonal from northern Nigeria to the Cameroon-Chad-CAR corridor to find possible victims as well as criminal allies to finance their jihadist ventures. Other regional players include ethnic Fulani herders, who experts say can be both perpetrators and victims, given their nomadic lifestyle and the complex nature of criminal activity in the zone. The Fulani, perceived as having a lot of money by virtue of having herds of cattle, have long been targets of kidnapping. But some herders, grieving the loss of their cattle and other belongings to rustling, or tired of being harassed by security personnel, have turned to kidnapping too. There are also the zaraguinas, gangs of rampaging bandits and mercenary rebels who are active in the forests of northern CAR, some having migrated in from its neighbours such as Chad. With the presence of foreign counterparts like the Wagner group in CAR, some local mercenaries have moved to Chad. Targets include traders, civil servants, aid workers and anyone who seems remotely important or likely to have relatives and friends capable of raising ransoms. Insecurity escalated south of the Sahara in 2011 after the Nato-led ousting of Muammar Gaddafi opened a highway for the southward flow of small arms and light weapon, galvanising rebel activity from Mali to Nigeria. This made Chad, a country with a history of long-running domestic conflicts and a reputation for breeding warriors in the hinterlands, even more fertile ground for armed non-state actors who export themselves to stoke conflicts or extinguish them elsewhere. Remadji Hoinathy, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies for Central Africa and Lake Chad Basin who is based in NDjamena, said the geography and even the demography and anthropology of that zone was key to its emergence as a recruitment centre for armed groups and a nucleus of the kidnapping crisis. A lot of people in Chad [have] grown up with rebellions [and learned] that the only life they have is a link with weapons, he said. They are finding ways of living by the gun either you are a rebel with the army, or you end up as a mercenary, kidnapper, in banditry or Boko Haram. The perpetrators have thrived partly because of weak state governance architecture but also because of spaces and forests that serve as criminal hideouts. Combined, the three countries in the corridor account for almost a tenth of the area of Africa but only 4% of its population. Their borders with Maghreb states, which have local conflicts waged by actors with transnational communal ties, stretch for thousands of kilometres. Worse still, the armies in the corridor are stretched by conflicts at their other borders. Chad is very concerned about security on the border with Sudan in the east, so theyve moved their capacity to better monitor that border, said Ulf Laessing, director of the Sahel programme at German thinktank the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. That might be a reason that they are not able to effectively guard the border with Cameroon as before. The kidnappings have had an adverse impact on movements of goods, cattle and humans across the corridor. Farmers are also scared to work, leading to rotting harvests and depleting food volumes. This in turn could cause damaging economic ripples across the region, according to a January 2024 report by Global Initiative. Following the 2023 coup in Niger, and with instability continuing in Libya, Sudan and the Lake Chad basin, Cameroon has become the main trade artery for Chad and the CAR. The majority of imports and exports into these countries now pass through the tri-border region, the report said. Last October, service chiefs from Cameroon and Chad met in Yaounde to discuss a bilateral cooperation to tackle cross-border crime. But experts say more action must be taken to dismantle criminal networks, including a structured regional collaboration to increase security and patrol remote forest zones. Until then, the local vigilantes in the corridor are staying alert to protect their families and communities. Its dangerous volunteer work and we ask the state for means to [help] us, Nangyo told Agence France-Presse. The King shakes Caroline Freeman by the hand on a walkabout in Guernsey - ITV The King fondly reminisced about childhood dance lessons after a surprise reunion with a former partner who taught him the polka during his visit to Guernsey. The monarch was greeting members of the public in St Peter Port when he came across Caroline Freeman. The pair had danced together when he was just four years old and she was nine. They were taught by the Vacani School of Dance, which gave lessons in dancing and social etiquette befitting ladies and gentlemen of the upper class and where the young prince is said to have excelled at the Highland Fling. Recalling the lessons with Marguerite Vacani, the King told Ms Freeman: What was so marvellous was that I had the same dance teacher as my mama, she was terrific. And I promise you, all your tuition helped hugely. Ms Freeman urged the King to keep up with the lessons, to which he replied: Dont worry, I will, I need more. Caroline Freeman was glad to have spoken to the King in St Peter Port - ITV Speaking after their encounter, Ms Freeman told ITV: It was really rather something, Im so glad its happened. Hes kept up with his Scottish dancing but he says he doesnt do so much at the moment as you can imagine, having not been too good. But its so lovely to see everybody turn out for him and he was looking very well, I thought. She revealed that during the Kings lessons, she would step in as his dance partner as she was a few years older and of a similar size. She said he was a talented dancer and very charming, adding that she taught him the polka. It was very au fait in those days, she explained. You had to do the waltz, the foxtrot or this and that and the polka was quite fun for little ones. He was only four, Princess Anne was there but she was practically a toddler, it was a lucky and great privilege. The Vacani School of Dance, which was founded in 1915, counted Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret as former pupils. Every week, Marguerite Vacani and her niece Betty Vacani would visit Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle to teach the royal children with the help of a young Ms Freeman. The King and Queen met Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey goat, and gave it a royal title - Andrew Matthews/PA Wire The Queen sported a bandage and hobbled through a visit to Guernsey after spraining her ankle when she tripped in her heels. During the trip, the King sampled a new craft beer named in his honour, the Queen was given some vintage cheddar for her birthday and a group of schoolchildren serenaded her in their local language. The couples visit to the Channel Island on Tuesday may have been relatively brief but it contained all of the ingredients of a successful royal tour: sunshine, flag-waving crowds and some traditional dancing. The King delighted the locals by speaking in French, chatted knowledgeably about seaweed and bestowed a royal title on a rare breed of goat. The Queen could be seen with a bandaged right foot after her fall - CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images He also enjoyed a nostalgic chat with the daughters of his former pilot instructor, who had taught him how to fly helicopters in 1974 and was given a kiss on the cheek by resident Kathleen, 91. Meanwhile, the Queen appeared to be suffering slight discomfort due to her minor injury, commenting that she wished she had flat shoes as she hobbled around. But she ploughed on, using an umbrella as a walking stick as she perused local craft stalls, sampled apple juice, delicious rhubarb and ginger ice cream and cheese. Camilla, who celebrates her 77th birthday on Wednesday, marvelled at the traditional Guernsey jumper, saying: They really do keep the cold out. Theyre originally a fishermans jumper. The King was persuaded to take a sip of a locally brewed beer, called Charles to mark the Coronation. King Charles tries the new Guernsey ale that was brewed and named in his honour - Victoria Jones/Shutterstock The pump for the Charles beer was on display in Saint Peter Port - Andrew Mathews/PA Wire If youre tempted, Sir? said Sir Richard McMahon, the local bailiff, gesturing towards a full glass. The King asked when it was brewed and whether much had been sold before politely taking a sip. Id better not have too much, he chuckled. The Little Big Brew Companys head brewer Daniel OBrien later revealed that the Charles beer had been a huge hit and the first batch had rapidly sold out. His colleague, Simon de la Rue, said: Its gone gangbusters. The King seemed to really like it. He said it had a good aroma but that he shouldnt drink too much at this time of day. Dave Domaille, of Guernsey Dairy, gave the Queen some vintage cheddar cheese, telling her: Its an early birthday present. His Majesty greeted wellwishers who came out to meet him in St Peter Port - CHRIS JACKSON Inside a marquee at the end of the pier, the couple joined 77 residents and military veterans for a tea party. Among the guests was the family of Capt Peter Voute, who taught Charles how to fly at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. Capt Voute, who died in February aged 85, once said that the future King was one of the most natural flyers he had taught. His niece, Nicky Gaudion, wrote to the Kings office to say that her uncle, who was also an usher at the Kings wedding to Diana, Princess of Wales, was terminally ill. Sitting at the table, Charles reminisced about the old days. He said: It was an incredible time for me, we had great fun. I loved it and it was too short a time. Capt Houtes daughter, Tricia Howitt, said afterwards: We thought wed get a generalised note from Kings office passing on his condolence but we received a letter which moved us really deeply. The King and Queen are presented with the loyal address from Alderney during a visit to Les Cotils at L'Hyvreus - WPA Pool Her sister, Carina Howitt, added: We were very surprised and we felt very touched that he remembered our father. The King later granted a special royal title to a rare breed of Golden Guernsey goats, rescued from oblivion by a local woman called Miriam Milbourne in 1924 and then hidden at her home when Guernsey was occupied during the Second World War. The breed is now known as the Royal Golden Guernsey goat, marking the first time in recent history that such a title has been granted to livestock. To mark the moment, an engraved brass goat bell on a collar was placed around the neck of an eight-year-old goat called Summerville Tamsin, which had been washed with Head and Shoulders, especially for the occasion. Very smart bell, the Queen said admiringly as the King gave it a stroke. The Queen said hello to Summerville Tamsin who wore a new engraved brass bell around her neck - Andrew Matthews/PA Wire Camilla, an avid reader, was also given a private tour of author Victor Hugos home, Hauteville House, which she declared a remarkable treat. The property, built on the heights of Saint Peter Port, is where Hugo wrote many of his masterpieces, including much of Les Miserables, Toilers of the Sea, and The Man Who Laughs. Hugo lived there for 15 years during his exile from France and left the property to the French government, which preserved it as a museum in his honour. The King and Queen had earlier arrived on the island to the sound of a 21-gun salute, marking the first visit by a reigning monarch since Elizabeth IIs in 2005. The King presided over a short outdoor sitting of the States of Deliberation, the islands parliament, featuring a fanfare, two verses of the National Anthem and the Lords Prayer delivered in French. Before they left, a group of schoolchildren from Sark sang Happy Birthday to the Queen in the islands native language, Sercqaise. But after a brief rest at home, both King and Queen will be straight back to it on Wednesday, when they take centre stage for the State Opening of Parliament. Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, wants 'purposeful interaction' between government and business - THOMAS KRYCH/ZUMA PRESS WIRE/SHUTTERSTOCK The Business Secretary will pave the way for greater economic regulation by arguing the invisible hand of the market cannot deliver growth. Jonathan Reynolds will use his first major speech in office to lay the groundwork for a more interventionist approach, based on red tape and higher subsidies. Addressing fellow trade ministers from the G7 nations on Tuesday, he will also set out plans to pursue a closer, more mature relationship with the European Union. His remarks come after Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, said she would mirror the economic policies of Joe Biden with her own brand of securonomics. The US president has overseen a huge programme of public spending, mostly on subsidies for green energy, to promote domestic manufacturing. He has also introduced $1.4 trillion (1.1 trillion) of extra red tape, according to the American Action Forum, earning him the moniker of regulator-in-chief. Global challenges Mr Reynolds will argue the actions of states like Russia and China, which are distorting free, fair trade mean the UK must take a similar approach. We are not naive about the scale of the challenges threatening global stability, he will tell the G7 summit in Southern Italy. Its why our Chancellor is pursuing a clear-eyed strategy of securonomics prioritising economic strength and resilience to increase market confidence and spur growth. Governments cannot rely on the invisible hand of the market to do this for them. Fair, open markets with healthy competition can only be achieved through purposeful interaction between governments, business and institutions like the G7. Free markets The phrase invisible hand of the market was coined by Adam Smith, the free market economist, in his 1776 work The Wealth of Nations. It refers to the principle that businesses and people, acting self-interestedly, will often deliver the best economic outcomes and allocation of resources. Smith used the concept to argue that governments did not need to intervene to force international traders to invest in their own home country. Mr Reynolds will also use the meeting in Italy to press Labours case for a closer trading deal with the EU, which the party says will help boost growth. He is set to hold his first meetings with Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commission vice-president, and Robert Habeck, the German vice-chancellor. A level-headed relationship In the UK, we now have a strong government with an even stronger mandate from the British people, the Business Secretary will say. My message to you today is simple Britain is back. A confident, outward-looking, future-facing UK is ready and willing to play our part on the international stage. We are seeking a closer, more mature, more level-headed relationship with our friends in the European Union our nearest and largest trading partner and we also intend to forge better trading relationships with countries around the world. Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out Britain rejoining the EUs Single Market and Customs Union, or accepting the return of free movement of people. But the Prime Minister has said he wants to strike a new deal on agricultural exports, which could require Britain to effectively copy and paste EU rules on food safety. He is also hoping to seal a pact on professional qualifications that would make it easier for British people to work in Europe and vice-versa. Paddle boarders soaking up the sun in Stratford-upon-Avon last week. (Getty Images) (Jacob King - PA Images via Getty Images) The UK could experience a heatwave in the next few days as the Met Office said temperatures across the country are set to soar this weekend. Temperatures will begin rising on Saturday with most areas of the country expected to see the mercury hit 20C, this will continue into Sunday with predictions of mid-20s forecast across the UK. This trend is expected to continue and peak on Tuesday with temperatures nearly touching 30C in London, with forecasts predicting slightly cooler temperatures on Wednesday. The Met Office said Monday and Tuesday could reach "heatwave criteria." Deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office David Hayter said: As we go through the weekend, the jet stream will weaken to the west of the UK, generating an area of high pressure that will slowly move in across the UK. High pressure means the air is sinking from higher in the atmosphere and that brings drier, settled and sunnier weather." Below Yahoo News has collected Met Office maps showing the predicted temperatures over the next few days, at the predicted peak time of 4pm. The predicted temperatures on Saturday. (Met Office) The predicted temperatures on Sunday. (Met Office) The predicted temperatures on Monday. (Met Office) The predicted temperatures on Tuesday. (Met Office) It comes after the hottest day of 2024 so far was recorded last Friday, with temperatures reaching 31.9C at St James Park, central London. This was dubbed a "mini-heatwave", but fell short of a fully-fledged heatwave, which would have required above-average temperatures over a longer period of days. What is a heatwave? The Met Office says a heatwave is "an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity". It said the UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of "at least three consecutive days" with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold differs according to country or county, from 25C in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the south west of England to 27C on the south east coast of England and reaches 28C in London and other inland areas in the south and south east. Heatwave thresholds in the UK. (Met Office) What causes a heatwave? According to the Met Office, heatwaves are more common when high pressure is allowed to develop over a particular area, typically in summer. Because high-pressure systems are slow moving, they can persist over an area for an extended period, days or even weeks, bringing hot conditions. The Met Office said: "They can occur in the UK due to the location of the jet stream, which is usually to the north of the UK in the summer. "This can allow high pressure to develop over the UK resulting in persistent dry and settled weather." The Met Office said climate change is making heatwaves more likely, with heatwaves 30 times more likely to occur now than they were before the Industrial Revolution because of the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Is climate change making heatwaves worse? Many experts have said climate change has pushed up sweltering summer temperatures. Dr Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College London, said in July 2022 that the soaring temperatures facing the UK would not have been as high without global warming. Every heatwave we are experiencing now has been made more frequent, longer and hotter because of climate change, she said. Of course, every extreme weather event has also an element of just the chaotic natural variability of the weather system. There would have been high temperatures without climate change, but they would not have been as high as what we will see no matter what exactly we will see, we know for sure it would have been cooler without climate change. Heatwaves are made more intense and frequent mainly because overall temperatures are higher due to global warming, and so, when weather systems such as summer high pressure occur, the heat they bring is amplified. Here's what the upcoming weather will be like for each region of the UK, according to the Met Office. London and the South East Friday and Saturday A bright start to the day with fair weather cloud building through the day and the chance of the odd, isolated light shower possible during the morning. Light winds. Maximum temperature 24C. Plenty of evening sunshine, particularly in the southeast. Cloud increasing overnight to give clear spells. Winds remaining light and feeling less humid than yesterday. Minimum temperature 14C. On Saturday, sunny spells and the risk of isolated light showers during the afternoon. Any showers easing during the evening. Light winds, freshening on the south coast later. Maximum temperature 25C. Sunday to Tuesday Dry throughout, plenty of sunshine, although perhaps hazy at times. Light winds with temperatures expected to be very warm. South West Friday and Saturday A fine day with sunny spells. Isolated, mostly light, showers popping up at times, but many should stay dry. Feeling pleasant with temperatures near the seasonal average. Maximum temperature 21C. Calm evening with late sunny intervals. Largely dry overnight, though the odd shower may fringe into western coasts. Cooler than recent nights, particularly in rural areas. Isolated fog patches. Minimum temperature 11C. Scattered showers developing across the region on Saturday, some of which could be heavy at times. Warm sunny spells in between. Light winds. Maximum temperature 21C. Sunday to Tuesday Mostly dry for Sunday and into next week with sunny spells, though areas of wispy cloud will make sunshine hazier at times. Potentially an isolated shower on Tuesday. Temperatures expected to be warm. Midlands Friday and Saturday A fine day with sunny spells in the West Midlands. Isolated, mostly light, showers popping up at times, but many should stay dry. Feeling pleasant with temperatures near the seasonal average. Maximum temperature 21C. A bright start in the East Midlands, especially in the east with fair weather cloud building through the morning. The odd isolated light shower possible during the late morning or early afternoon. Gentle winds. Maximum temperature 23C. A calm end to Friday in the West Midlands with late sunny intervals. Staying dry overnight, perhaps with the odd mist and fog patch developing. Cooler than recent nights, particularly in rural areas. Minimum temperature 11C. In the East Midlands, showers will quickly die out during the evening . Variable cloud allowing clear spells to develop at times. Gentle winds remain. Minimum temperature 13C. On Saturday, scattered showers will develop across the region, with the potential for heavy and thundery downpours at times. Occasional sunny spells in between. Light winds. Maximum temperature 21C. In the East Midlands, sunny spells and the risk of isolated light showers during the afternoon. Any showers easing during the evening. Light winds. Maximum temperature 23C. Sunday to Tuesday Mostly dry for Sunday in the West Midlands and into next week with sunny spells, though areas of wispy cloud will make sunshine hazie. Dry throughout the East Midlands, plenty of sunshine, although perhaps hazy at times. Light winds with temperatures feeling warm. North East Friday and Saturday A bright start, especially in the east with fair weather cloud building through the morning and the odd isolated light shower possible. Gentle winds, but breezy over the Pennines. Maximum temperature 21 C. Showers quickly dying out during the evening but likely returning towards dawn. Becoming increasingly cloudy. Winds easing across the Pennines with gentle winds across the region. Minimum temperature 11C. Sunny spells and scattered showers on Saturday, easing during the evening. Light winds. Maximum temperature 19C. Sunday to Tuesday Dry on Sunday with plenty of sunshine, feeling very warm. Cloudier Monday with bright spells. On Tuesday, mostly cloudy with light rain during the afternoon. Light winds throughout. Tourists on Monday at Teignmouth, Devon, UK. (Alamy) North West Friday and Saturday A fine day with sunny spells. Isolated, mostly light, showers popping up at times, but many should stay dry. Feeling pleasant with a moderate breeze and temperature near the seasonal average. Maximum temperature 19C. Calm end to Friday with late sunny intervals. Staying largely dry overnight, though cloud building across Cumbria may produce an isolated shower. Cooler than recent nights, particularly in rural areas. Minimum temperature 11C. Scattered showers developing across the region on Saturday, with the potential for heavy and thundery downpours at times. Occasional sunny spells in between. Light winds. Maximum temperature 20C. Sunday to Tuesday Mostly dry for Sunday and into next week with sunny spells, though areas of wispy cloud will make sunshine hazier at times. Potentially an isolated shower on Tuesday. Turning warmer. People soaking the afternoon sunshine on Wimbledon Common on Sunday. (Alamy) Scotland Friday and Saturday Dry and bright on Friday morning in Edinburgh and the Borders with some good sunny spells in the east, but scattered showers will develop from late morning, persisting through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 19C. Bright spells and scattered showers at first on Friday evening, dying off through the evening leaving a mainly dry night, but a chance of some showers persisting towards southern Borders. Minimum temperature 10C. Mainly dry and bright Saturday morning with sunny spells, but a chance of some showers towards southern Borders. Scattered showers will develop from late morning, easing off in the evening. Maximum temperature 21C. Sunday to Tuesday A warm few days in Edinburgh and the Borders from Sunday to Tuesday staying dry with plenty of sunshine, although cloudier for a time later Monday with the odd spot of rain. Northern Ireland Friday and Saturday Dry and bright towards eastern counties in the morning with sunny spells, cloudier with the odd shower possible in the north and west. Scattered afternoon showers developing from late morning, persisting through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 19C. Scattered showers at first, but these will gradually die out through the evening. Cloudy but mainly dry through the night, with the chance some showers in the south and west. Minimum temperature 9C. A largely cloudy but mainly dry morning on Saturday. Becoming brighter as cloud breaks up through the day, allowing the odd shower to develop in the afternoon, dying out in the evening. Maximum temperature 20C. Sunday to Tuesday A largely fine and dry Sunday with plenty of sunshine. Cloud and drizzle likely on Monday, mainly in the west. Largely dry again with some sunshine on Tuesday. Wales Friday and Saturday A fine day with sunny spells on Friday. Isolated, mostly light, showers popping up at times, but many should stay dry. Feeling pleasant with temperatures near the seasonal average. Maximum temperature 21C. Calm evening with late sunny intervals. Largely dry overnight, though the odd shower may fringe into western coasts. Cooler than recent nights, particularly in rural areas. Isolated fog patches. Minimum temperature 11C. Scattered showers developing across the country on Saturday, with the potential for heavy and thundery downpours at times. Occasional sunny spells in between. Light winds. Maximum temperature 21C. Sunday to Tuesday Mostly dry for Sunday and into next week with sunny spells, though areas of wispy cloud will make sunshine hazier at times. Potentially an isolated shower on Tuesday. Quite warm. Read more A minister hailed the enormous strength of diversity as he rejected a claim by Donald Trumps running mate that Britain is now the first nuclear Islamist country. Treasury minister James Murray was responding to JD Vance telling a National Conservatism event about a discussion he had with a friend in which he pondered: What is the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon? And we were like maybe its Iran, maybe Pakistan already kinda counts, and then we finally decided maybe its actually the UK since Labour just took over. Asked about this, Mr Murray told Sky News: I dont know what he means by that. Obviously we disagree on those particular comments that he has made. He added: But the relationship between the UK and the US is more important than any individuals. Its about the relationship between our countries which goes back so long and which is so important for our national security and economic growth. Lammy reportedly has good relations with JD Vance, Trumps VP pick. But here is what Vance said about Labour 2 weeks ago: What is the 1st truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon? Maybe it's actually the UK, since Labour just took over pic.twitter.com/1nGATPnnxE Antonello Guerrera (@antoguerrera) July 16, 2024 Pressed on the Islamist jibe against the UK by Trumps vice president pick, 39-year-old first-term senator Vance, Mr Murray added: In Britain, we are very proud of our diversity. Im very proud that we have a new Government, Im very proud that our Labour government is committed to national security and economic growth. Im very clear where we are, I dont really know how that comment fits in. On the Vance remarks, shadow veterans minister Andrew Bowie said: I disagree with the Labour Party fundamentally on many issues, but I do not agree with that view, quite frankly. I think its actually quite offensive, frankly, to my colleagues in the Labour Party. We need to relearn how to disagree agreeably. Despite the rhetoric by senator Vance, new Foreign Secretary David Lammy is said to have had several constructive meetings with him. Speaking on Times Radio earlier, Mr Murray stressed the new Government was setting out its strategic defence review in the face of a dangerous time around the world. He added: Labour puts national security at the very heart of what we are doing, what we said in Opposition, and now we are in government its at the heart of how we approach government. We set out our absolutely iron-clad commitment to Nato, to national security, to making sure that we are responding to the threats that we face. Sir Keir Starmer has said that spending would be responsibly increased to bolster Britains hollowed-out armed forces. The new Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product) at the Nato summit in Washington last week. He has stressed how vital it is for Nato members to increase defence expenditure but he is yet to put a date by which this spending level of 2.5 per cent of GDP will be reached in the UK. According to the Ministry of Defence, the review will aim to strengthen UK homeland security, bolster Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and modernise and maintain the nuclear deterrent. It will be led by former Nato secretary general Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, and draw on military and foreign policy experts such as Dr Fiona Hill and General Sir Richard Barrons. Lord Robertson warned of a deadly quartet as he referred to threats from China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. A defence review team will also be established to engage with serving and retired members of the armed forces, the defence industry, the general public, academics, Parliament and the UKs allies. Sir Keir said: We live in a more dangerous and volatile world. My Government will forge a new clear-eyed approach to our national defences, equipping us to tackle international threats head on while keeping the British people safe and secure. We will make sure our hollowed-out armed forces are bolstered and respected, that defence spending is responsibly increased, and that our country has the capabilities needed to ensure the UKs resilience for the long term. Jay Slater, an apprentice bricklayer from Lancashire, disappeared in Tenerife on June 17 - Pixel8000 Jay Slaters death was caused by trauma injuries consistent with falling in a rocky area, officials said as they formally identified his remains. On Tuesday, teams were seen still searching the area where the 19-year-old was found as locals claimed it was hard to understand how he got there. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice said it had identified the teenagers body with the use of fingerprint technology after the remains were discovered near the village of Masca in Tenerife on Monday. Debbie Duncan, Mr Slaters mother, said in a statement: I just cant believe it were here with the embassy staff waiting for an update and now its come the worst news. The 55-year-old added: I just cant believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken. LBT Global, a charity which provides crisis support for British families overseas, previously said the remains were found with the young mans clothes and possessions near his last known location. The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where his body was discovered. Following a preliminary post-mortem examination, a Canary Islands High Court of Justice spokesman said: We have positively identified [Jay Slater]. We can confirm from fingerprints that the body is that of Jay Slater and the death was due to polytrauma compatible with a fall in a rocky zone. Polytrauma is a medical term which describes multiple fractures and injuries to body organs. Mountain rescue workers, volunteers, drones, dogs and helicopters spent weeks hunting for the teenager, who had been visiting Tenerife with friends to attend the NRG music festival. Video footage released by Spanish police showed people clambering across near-vertical rocky mountainsides covered in thick vegetation while looking for Mr Slater. He left the festival sometime between 3am and 6am on Sunday June 16 in the car of two other British men he had met earlier that evening, and stayed at an Airbnb property they had rented on the islands west side near Masca. Ofelia Medina Hernandez, the owner of the cottage, saw him outside just before 8am the following morning. After she told him the next bus to his resort in Los Cristianos, in the south of the island, would not come for two hours, Mr Slater decided to start walking. She drove past the teenager around 10 minutes later, and said he was walking quite fast. Twenty minutes later, Mr Slater phoned his friend Lucy Mae Law, who had been with him at the music festival, saying he was lost, thirsty, had one per cent charge left on his phones battery and had cut his leg on a cactus. She called the police, and the apprentice bricklayers phone was last recorded at a point north of the cottage he had stayed at. Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan, who is said to be 'deeply distressed' Search efforts continued After 12 days of searching, the Guardia Civil said its hunt for the teenager had ended but the case remained open, promising that any new clues will be investigated. Mr Slaters family, who flew to Tenerife, continued their search for him after police said official efforts were ceasing Yet the Guardia Civil later said it had continued efforts to locate him. A family source told The Sun that Mr Slaters mother was completely devastated. They added: Its the news theyve all been dreading. She has a lot of questions which she hopes will be answered in the coming days. It hasnt completely sunk in yet. The hardest thing for her is to hear he was found so close to the original search site. Its hard to take. It means its entirely possible they have walked past his body whilst searching for him. It seems incredible so many people walked that area and yet he was so close. As we have seen with mountainous terrain and ravines, it does happen no matter how hard that is to believe. Funeral arrangements Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to organise the return of Mr Slaters remains to the UK. He said: The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height. There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible. We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest back. We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere. Meanwhile, the remote valley where Jay was found was searched again by rescue teams on Tuesday, Sky News reported. One local told the broadcaster that it was exceptionally difficult to safely navigate down the valley on foot. Another resident said: It is sad - the spot where they found him shows he had gone a long way into the ravine. It is hard to understand how he got there. More than half a million people joined a Facebook group where bizarre theories about Mr Slaters disappearance were posted. Ms Duncan described them as awful comments that were very distressing for the family to read. Some media commentators suggested the police had pretended to shut down the initial search in the hope that amateur detectives would pack up and go home. The Victorian premier also confirmed that donations from the CFMEU to the state Labor party had been paused. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP Victorian premier Jacinta Allan says federal Labor is already taking steps to suspend the CFMEUs construction division from the Victorian party, as she defends her handling of a letter outlining allegations about the union. Allan on Monday said she had written to police and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (Ibac) to investigate allegations of criminal links within the union, reported by Nine newspapers on the weekend. The Victorian branch of the CFMEU was placed into administration following Nines reports. Related: Jacinta Allan seeks suspension of CFMEU construction division from Victorian Labor party Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Allan said she was confident the national executive would suspend the unions construction division from the state Labor party over allegations of criminal links. As Ive said yesterday, Ive spoken to the prime minister on the path ahead and, as of this morning, I note that I am the only head of a government in this country who has outlined a clear, a detailed plan to confront this national menace, she said. She also confirmed that donations from the unions construction division to the Victorian Labor party had been paused and tough new anti-bikie laws would be introduced to state parliament next month. Allan faced questions on reports in Nine newspapers that she had taken a year to respond to an Indigenous labour-hire firms allegations of reprisals by CFMEU. The report revealed that the firm sent Allan documents in 2022 in support of claims that CFMEU officials were threatening violence and banning non-union preferred companies on state and federal construction projects. Allan, then the states infrastructure minister, acknowledged the delay. Ive had the opportunity to examine where the processes didnt meet the expectations that I expect, she said. Allan said when the letter was formally lodged with her office, and the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA), it was acted upon. She also wrote to Shane Patton, the chief commissioner of Victoria police, to raise the allegations. Correspondence released by Allans office on Tuesday showed she wrote to Patton in June last year, advising that the MTIA had informed her the authority was anecdotally aware of a small number of possible criminal incidents on government infrastructure projects. She said further information obtained by the transport department and the MTIA did not find evidence of systemic, widespread criminal activity, but the matter was being referred to police. Given that this issue has been raised with me and the potential seriousness of possible criminal activity in worksites operated by contracted providers on major infrastructure projects, I feel duty bound to also raise this matter directly with you, Allan wrote. Patton said on Tuesday that the referral did not meet the threshold for criminality and no further action was taken. Allan said the industrial relations powers were held by the commonwealth, but the state government had provided advice, assistance, information to any organisation that has raised concerns with us about pursuing those matters with the federal government, in terms of the allegation of criminal behaviour. Allan also urged the federal government to review and if necessary, terminate CFMEU enterprise bargaining agreements on Victorian construction sites to prevent possible criminal activity. Guardian Australia understands a decision on the suspension from the partys Victorian branch could occur as early as Wednesday, when Labors national executive and the Australian Council of Trade Unions were due to hold separate meetings. Earlier on Tuesday, the Victoria police chief commissioner confirmed the forces crime command had begun assessing the governments referral of the matter to determine whether the allegations met the criminal threshold. Theres potential threats, theres influence potential in contracts. Whether it meets the criminal threshold, though, is a different matter, Patton told ABC radio. Patton said he could take a month or two to sift through all the material before police rule one way or another. He said police would liaise with Ibac. The Victorian and South Australian branch of the union was on Monday placed into administration by the national office. The allegations have prompted calls for the union to be deregistered. But its national secretary, Zach Smith, said that would be a retrograde step. What deregistration means is that workers lose their representation overnight on issues like safety and wages and conditions, he told ABC radio. A memorial sign is placed near the site of Trumps attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/Reuters Three days after Donald Trump came close to being assassinated by a snipers bullet, the town of Butler, Pennsylvania, was attempting to return to normality as questions continue to swirl about security lapses that preceded the shooting. It is now believed that Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect, was spotted by law enforcement officials on the roof of a glass research company at 5.45pm, nearly 30 minutes before shots were fired that injured Trump, killed a former fire chief and injured two others in the crowd. According to local news reports, a police officer with the countys emergency services warned a command center that a man with a range-finder had been scoping out the roof of the building that would become Crookss reported firing position. The man, believed to be Crooks, later returned with a backpack. At the time of the shooting, at 6.15pm, moments after Trump began to address the crowd, the eight-member team of snipers and spotters from Beaver countys emergency service unit were inside the research factory when the suspect was already on the roof. Failures in the operation to protect the former president known to the US Secret Service as a zero-fail mission is now the focus of at least three federal investigations. Related: Trump shooting motive remains elusive as FBI pores over suspects home town On Tuesday, the Secret Service director, Kimberly Cheatle, who is facing calls to resign and will testify before a congressional committee on Friday, said the presidential protections agency had decided not to guard the roof because it was too slanted. That building in particular has a sloped roof at its highest point. And so, you know, theres a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldnt want to put somebody up on a sloped roof, she told ABC News. The decision was made to secure the building from inside. On Sunday, Cheatle sent an email to her agents praising their fast efforts to move Trump to safety after shots were fired. Trumps rally came at a busy time for the agency it had just wrapped up security at the Nato summit in Washington and was preparing for the Republican convention in Milwaukee. On the day of the Butler rally, it was also detailed to protect the first lady, Jill Biden, in Pittsburgh, and Vice-President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. The Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, vowed on Tuesday to discover what went wrong, a day after president Biden announced an independent investigation. Weve got to get answers obviously, the Louisiana congressman told Republican delegates in Milwaukee. Obviously, there were security lapses there. We have a job to do, and it will be done. The renewed focus on security failures in Butler comes after efforts to establish a motive for the shooting have come up short. The FBI has said the suspects cellphone yielded little, but it has emerged that 10 weapons were recovered from the shooters home, and he had visited a gun range south of Pittsburgh a day earlier. He had also purchased a step ladder from Home Depot and 50 bullets from a local gun shop on Saturday morning. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper team after he had fired about eight shots at Trump. That came 86 seconds after rally-goers first tried to alert police officers to the threat. In the new video obtained by the Washington Post, a man can be heard to shout shouts Officer! Officer! as others point toward the building. Hes on the roof! a woman says. The video clip also shows a police officer looking up toward the roof of the building. In Butler on Tuesday, townsfolk said they were divided over whether the officer who scaled the ladder to confront Crooks but then turned back was a hero or had failed in their responsibility. The Butler county sheriff, Michael Slupe, defended the officers decision to stand down. People think the officers are supermen like you hold on the roof with one hand while you are hanging on for dear life and pull a gun out. It doesnt work that way, Slupe said. At a minimum, some said, the attempted intervention probably caused Crooks to panic and put him off his aim. Ben Berry, a 38-year-old masonry worker from Butler, said the people in the audience were disappointed that after waiting in the heat for eight hours, Trumps address was brutally cut short by the assassination attempt. It would suck no matter who you were going to see. People are upset about that but happy that hes still alive, Berry said. They could have killed Trump with all the time they lost. Its messed up that witnesses had seen the shooter, and now the Butler police are trying to blame it on the Secret Service and theyre trying to blame it on the local cops. The Butler county district attorney, Richard Goldinger, said the Secret Service had ultimate responsibility for security of the event, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that theyre in charge, so they have to make sure all the Is are dotted and the Ts are crossed. Three days after Trumps attempted assassination thrust the farming community into the spotlight, residents say they are keen to put the episode behind them. In two weeks, the Butler farm show, which began with a plowing contest in 1947 and is said to be one of the best in country, is set to take place on the same fair ground as Trumps rally. We are a farming community, and people prepare for it all summer for it, so its a big deal, said Kayla Wynn, 40, who is planning to bake bread, pies and cupcakes for competition. Wynn predicted that the event would be more somber than usual. People will put on their best face because thats what we do around here, but its not going to be the same. Ultimately, she said, the community would rally around the local police: We would always support our local police. We all know them, theyre part of the community. I dont like to think they would have made a mistake I think they startled the kid but theyre beginning to feel some heat from the community. A community member speaks to police at a security cordon after one person died following a police-involved shooting in Milwaukee. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Police officers in Milwaukee shot and killed a man about a mile from the Republican national convention on Tuesday, authorities and witnesses of the shooting said. Security arrangements for the convention have come under the microscope since Saturday, when Donald Trump, the former president and Republican nominee for president in Novembers election, was the subject of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The officers involved in Tuesdays shooting were from Columbus, Ohio, a police union statement said, adding that no officers were injured. Body-camera footage released Tuesday night showed the man, who was identified by a family member as Samuel Sharpe Jr, brandishing a knife at another man before he was shot by officers. Neighbors said the man killed was a regular at a homeless encampment in the neighborhood. The man did not appear to have any connection to the convention, or any plans to go closer. In the aftermath of the shooting, activists and neighbors responded with outrage at Sharpes killing and the presence of out-of-state officers apparently patrolling a Milwaukee neighborhood. Milwaukee has blood on its hands, said Ryan Clancy, a state representative from Milwaukee. This is not near the RNC. The police should not be here. About 4,000 officers from other states and cities are in Wisconsin for the convention. Columbus, Ohio, provided a police dialogue team to work on demonstrations. The Milwaukee fire and police commission suspended the citys policy of releasing body-camera footage within 15 days of a police shooting for the duration of the RNC. Alan Chavoya, outreach chair of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, a group that lobbied against the suspension of the body-camera policy, decried the Ohio officers for coming here and treating our people this way. I was shocked, said Sonia, a resident of the apartment complex adjacent to the site of the shooting, who spoke to the Guardian but asked to be referred to by her first name for privacy. The police let people in the area know before the [convention] we wouldnt have to deal with out-of-town law enforcement, but here you go. Citing law enforcement sources, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said the shooting happened near North 14th Street and West Vliet Street, about a mile outside the Republican national convention security perimeter. Linda Sharpe, who identified herself as the cousin of the man killed, said she wanted answers. He had a dog, he loved people and he loved animals, she said. Abbott has made people think about the border crisis not as a crisis at the border, but more a crisis in the interior of the country, Chishti said. The sentiment is changing even as immigration experts say Abbotts crackdown has done little to deter migrants. Just a few years ago, as Trump left office, voters were divided on finishing a border wall and staunchly opposed to his push to separate migrant families. Now, even Democrats are pushing restrictions to the asylum system Biden campaigned on rebuilding in 2020, and polling shows a majority of voters are open to much more radical ideas, including mass deportations. The governor has long shot down questions about seeking higher office. But he has laid down a road map for a national bid, showing its hard to lose on immigration enforcement in the current political climate. In politics now, especially where the Republican Party is, you only get one bite at the apple, and he has to make it count, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. He is a national figure in many regards. But it hasnt translated to real political power, at least outside the state lines. Abbotts appeal will be tested this week like never before as he seeks to translate his policy victories at the border to a broader Republican audience, who will be focused on immigration Tuesday with the RNCs planned Make America Safe Again theme. The governor, who is expected to address the convention Wednesday night, is not known for being a charismatic speaker and has not always been warmly welcomed by ultraconservative voters. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks alongside former President Donald Trump during a tour to an unfinished section of the border wall on June 30, 2021 in Pharr, Texas. The barrage has catapulted the third-term governor, 66, into the national spotlight at a moment when Republicans are feeling hopeful about their chance to retake the presidency in November and eyeing who could one day pick up the torch after Trump. Immigration is a familiar target for Republicans, especially when a Democrat is in the White House. But Abbott has taken it to new levels, leveraging billions of state dollars on a militarized crackdown, arresting and detaining thousands of migrants, busing many more to Democratic-led cities and attempting to seize deportation duties from the federal government. He is effectively acting as the Trump administration in exile, said Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. As Donald Trump claims the GOPs nomination this week in Milwaukee, no Republican has done more than Abbott to keep the former presidents signature issue top of mind for voters across the nation. And in the process, hes tethered himself to the partys ascendant right wing. For three years now, Abbott has delivered a near daily version of the same indictment, hounding President Joe Biden on immigration in news conferences, on social media, in Fox News appearances and trips to South Texas. And the federal government and the Biden administration does not care about it, the governor said in June 2021. Children were afraid to play outside. Ranches were being destroyed. Neighborhoods were overrun by drugs, human smuggling and gun-wielding immigrants. Keep pushing the line further In Texas, Abbott has benefited from Republican voters near-endless appetite for border security. State GOP voters, primarily older and white, consistently say the border is the most important issue facing the state, that the country allows too many people to immigrate legally and that more should be done to secure the border regardless of what the crossing trends, state spending or current policies may be. When all of your voters are telling you what the No. 1 issue is, poll after poll, year after year and theres almost nothing you can do thats going to cross any sort of red line, at least with your voters then the only thing to do is essentially keep pushing the line further and further, said Joshua Blank, a political scientist at the University of Texas at Austin. Thats what weve seen here. Abbott began calling for troops at the border as far back as his first run for attorney general, more than two decades ago adopting a popular GOP proposal in the wake of 9/11. But the border crackdown now underway is likely beyond anything the younger, more moderate state Supreme Court judge foresaw. In 2002, Abbott balked at criticism of his calls to send soldiers to South Texas as an attempt to militarize the border. Now hes boasting of a permanent armed presence, with Texas opening a National Guard base in Eagle Pass, where miles of razor wire lining the Rio Grande already give it the feel of a war zone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Border Patrol agents search for people attempting to cross the US/Mexico border in Eagle Pass, TX as seen from Piedras Negras, MX on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The biggest shift, however, has been his declaration of a migrant invasion. In his first run for governor, Abbotts campaign reportedly warned other Republicans on the ticket against using such inflammatory language, fearing it could turn off Latino voters, an increasingly powerful voter bloc in Texas politics Abbott was bent on winning over. His campaign launched a Spanish-language website and ads and regularly emphasized his personal connection to the community by noting his wife, Cecilia, would be the first Hispanic first lady of Texas. At the state GOP convention, he addressed the crowd in Spanish. Juntos somos una familia, Abbott told the crowd. Together, we are one family. As Abbott moved into the governors mansion at the beginning of 2015, he faced a party transformed after years of tea party activism. Business-minded immigration policies once championed by the GOP, such as work permits and tuition for undocumented students, were out of favor, seen as amnesty by immigration hard-liners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas also was becoming an epicenter of immigration after years of California and Arizona bearing the brunt of it. The Rio Grande Valley began to emerge as a top corridor as smugglers identified train routes there that could more easily carry asylum-seeking families into the country. Abbott ratcheted up restrictions, signing a show-me-your papers law in 2017 that critics warned would lead to racial profiling. He also made Texas the first state to refuse to resettle refugees and banned so-called sanctuary cities, where law enforcement is discouraged from disclosing a persons immigration status. After Biden took office, the governor started a crowd fundraiser to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Yet Abbott was under pressure to do more as he approached the end of his second term. When challenged in 2021 by far-right gubernatorial candidates who called his approach to the border weak, he declared on Tucker Carlsons Fox News program that he had assigned thousands of National Guard troops to South Texas who were laying down razor wire at that very moment. Joe Biden believes in open border policies, Abbott said on the segment. That leaves it to the states now to step up and do everything we can to hold onto the United States of America until Republicans can regain control of Congress and the presidency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad National Guard stand for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Even in the face of a rare political misstep, Abbott has been undeterred. After he levied new safety inspections on trucks coming into Texas from Mexico, cross-border trade ground to a near-halt with vehicles backed up for hours waiting to get into the state. He quickly eased the inspections amid bipartisan backlash and after getting agreements from all four of the Mexican governors whose states share borders with Texas to do more immigration patrols south of the Rio Grande. A week later, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called the program despicable and Abbott threatened to reinstate the inspections. The governors office declined to make him available for this story. Those who have worked with Abbott say its not his views that have shifted, but the reality on the border. Crossings reached historic levels during Bidens time in the White House, centered more than ever on Texas border towns strained by the unprecedented migration. I think the evolution there is natural in the respect that any observer cannot look at that situation and say we dont have a problem, said John Colyandro, a lobbyist and former policy director for Abbott. Abbott has always had a knack for reading the Republican tea leaves. While he may not deliver the folksy, charismatic speeches of his predecessor Rick Perry, he has shown repeatedly he knows how to stay on top of what voters want. Abbott has never come close to losing an election. Abbotts a quick study, said Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University. Over time, Jillson said, Abbott has evolved from a steady, studious policymaker to more of a political gunslinger. His public rhetoric about the border has grown increasingly dark since 2020, according to a Hearst Newspapers analysis, which tracked and measured his documented remarks over the past two decades. And he has hammered it more than ever since Biden took office, in more and more negative terms. Loading... Critics have warned that politicians inflammatory rhetoric has dangerous consequences and point to the mass shooting in 2019 in El Paso, where a gunman killed 23 people after allegedly posting a hate-filled screed railing against a Hispanic invasion of Texas. Abbott began calling migration at the border an invasion in 2022, after fending off two right-wing primary challengers and resisting calls from former Trump officials to declare one. The governor argued the Constitution allows states to defend themselves in the face of an invasion, and he declared the massive uptick in crossings amounted to just that. In January of this year, Abbott drew headlines when he said Texas was doing everything to stop migrants short of shooting them. The only thing that were not doing is were not shooting people who come across the border, because of course the Biden administration would charge us with murder, he said. The Deputy Prime Minister has hit back after Donald Trumps candidate for US vice president described the UK under Labour as the first truly Islamist country with a nuclear weapon. Ohio senator JD Vance, who was chosen as Mr Trumps running mate on Monday night, made the comments in an address to the National Conservatism conference in Washington DC last week. Saying he had to beat up on the UK, he told the conference he had been discussing with a friend which would be the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon. He said: We were like maybe its Iran, maybe Pakistan kind of counts, and then we sort of decided maybe its actually the UK since Labour just took over. But to my Tory friends, I have to say, you guys have got to get a handle on this. Figures from both the Labour Party and the Conservatives hit back at Mr Vances comments on Tuesday morning. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told ITV that Mr Vance had said quite a lot of fruity things in the past and she looked forward to meeting him and Mr Trump if they won the US election in November. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she did not recognise JD Vances characterisation of the UK (Lucy North/PA) She added: I dont recognise that characterisation. Im very proud of the election success that Labour had recently. We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of the country, and were interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also working with our international allies. Defence Secretary John Healey told Sky News: Politics is controversial. You know, (former) president Trump is controversial. It should be no surprise hes picked somebody whos also controversial as a running mate. But, in the end, who the American people elect to be their president and vice president is for them. We, Britain, as weve always done in this very close alliance between the UK and the US, we will work with whoever the American people elect as their leaders. Asked whether he agreed with the senator on Ukraine, after Mr Vance backed attempts by the US Republican Party to end support for the country in its war against Russia, he said: No, look, we put together this Nato summit last week in Washington for the first time, 32 nations together, bigger, stronger, more unified with Ukraine involved all standing together and stepping up support for Ukraine. Andrew Bowie, the shadow veterans minister, said he absolutely disagreed with the claim that Labour was creating an Islamist country. He told Times Radio: I disagree with the Labour Party fundamentally on many issues, but I do not agree with that view, quite frankly. I think its actually quite offensive, frankly, to my colleagues in the Labour Party. Despite Mr Vances comments about Labour, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reported to have good relations with the senator, has met him multiple times and praised his memoir, Hillybilly Elegy, saying it reduced me to tears. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reported to have good relations with JD Vance, despite the latters comments about the UK (Lucy North/PA) In an address to the Hudson Institute in Washington in May, Mr Lammy described Mr Vance as his friend, saying he was right to say we in Europe have a problem that we need to fix with higher defence expenditure. But the selection of Mr Vance, a former US marine who previously opposed Mr Trump, could still pose a challenge for the new Labour Government if Mr Trump returns to the White House. As well as his comments about the UK and Labour, Mr Vance has backed attempts by the US Republican Party to end support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. In the same speech at the National Conservatism conference, he criticised the decision to send Ukraine hundreds of billions of dollars of weaponry with no obvious end in sight and no obvious conclusion or even objective that we are close to getting accomplished. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, former chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said Mr Vances selection only cements the need for the Government to set out a firm timetable for spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, rising to 3%. She said: Old certainties can no longer be taken for granted and firm action is needed to ensure our own, and European, security. Dr Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the US and Americas programme at Chatham House, told the PA news agency that Mr Vance has loose lips but said it is important to remember that a lot of his comments are intended for a domestic audience. Mr Vance went from being an anti-Trumper to forging a tight bond with the former president, she said. The fact that Mr Lammy and Mr Vance apparently like each other will make it easier to get through some of the rhetoric to potentially work together, she said. She called Ms Rayners response quite apt. JD Vance used to be a firm critic of Donald Trump but is now one of his biggest cheerleaders (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) I think that that sort of British pragmatism will get the leadership through, because its really the only way to deal with the things that Donald Trump and his circles too often say, Dr Vinjamuri said. When it comes to his comments about the UK being an Islamist country, Dr Vinjamuri said: My main takeaway on this is we now have yet another person on the ticket who will say really bombastic, very divisive things, who isnt going to rein in his rhetoric. And thats going to be very, very difficult for Europeans in general, and for the UK in particular because the US and the UK need to be aligned, have been aligned on the big geopolitical and geoeconomic issues. And so its going to be back to the future, with not only Trump, but also now JD Vance saying these things that are going to rip across Britains domestic fabric and create a challenge for Keir Starmer, for David Lammy, who are going to have to manage this, because theyve got to work with them if theyre elected. The Nashville City Reservoir in Illinois. Photograph: EPA Residents in Nashville, Illinois, are evacuating their homes after emergency management officials warned the failure of the citys dam was imminent. Nashville, a small city in Illinois with a population of nearly 3,000 people, and surrounding areas have been hit with severe storms which have caused flooding, overwhelming the citys infrastructure. More than 5in of rain fell in the region within six hours on Tuesday. Attention The Failure of the Nashville dam is imminent. Please evacuate your home at this time. If you are in the grey box, you need evacuate now! the Washington county emergency management agency wrote on Tuesday on Facebook. The dam, located behind the Nashville City Reservoir, is 740ft long and 26ft tall according to the Illinois environmental protection agency. Roads have closed and the Red Cross has been activated. A community center has also been opened for those seeking shelter. In response to the dam failure and flooding taking place in Nashville, IL, the Red Cross along with community partners, such as the Washington County IL emergency management agency, are working to establish a shelter located at 680 W Walnut St in Nashville, the American Red Cross of Illinois announced. The National Weather Service in St Louis, Missouri roughly 55 miles north-west from Nashville issued a flash flood warning on Tuesday morning. A Flood Watch is now in effect for parts of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois for heavy rain and the threat for flash flooding tonight. Before that, a low threat for damaging wind exists for most of the area. Have a way to get warnings, and NEVER drive over flooded roads. pic.twitter.com/GOic1ljkwr NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) July 16, 2024 More rainfall is predicted for the region. The cause of the Nashville dam failure is not yet known. The Washington county emergency management agency said in a statement: At this time, without further rain, the immediate safety concern has passed. The secondary dam reacted as designed, helping prevent a full dam failure. However, the [army corps of engineers] did note that repairs to the Nashville IL Reservoir will be required, sooner rather than later, to maintain the integrity of the dam. Residents are allowed to return to the evacuated areas at this time, if they are comfortable doing so. At this time, no injuries or deaths have been reported. However, there is significant property damage from the flooding. It could be quite some time before the impacted areas return to normal. We kindly request patience from our community as we work to clean up and restore the area. The report found that disadvantaged pupils in London continued to have higher attainment than elsewhere in England. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News. The attainment gap between 16-year-olds from low-income families and their wealthier classmates has grown across all regions of England since before the pandemic with the exception of London, research has found. Disadvantaged pupils are now more than 19 months behind their peers by the time they sit their GCSEs, with the gap having increased at every stage of their schooling aged five, 11 and 16, according to the Education Policy Institute (EPI) thinktank. The report compared the educational attainment of disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils between 2019 and 2023. It found that disadvantaged pupils in London continued to have higher attainment than anywhere else in England. Across England, those described as persistently disadvantaged pupils eligible for free school meals for at least 80% of their time in school are even further behind their wealthier peers with a gap of two years by the age 16. Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the NAHT school leaders union, described it as a national tragedy. Russell Hobby, CEO of the Teach First education charity, said: These findings make for devastating reading. Beyond these figures are real children, who despite being born with the same potential as their wealthier peers, are unfairly held back by unequal opportunities. At primary and secondary level, the gap has grown by a month. The disadvantage gap for 16- to 19-year-olds is unchanged compared with 2019, leaving disadvantaged students still more than three grades behind their peers. While the attainment gap among older pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has narrowed since 2019, it has grown among reception-age pupils to its widest on record for children in need of support and those with the additional protection of education, health and care plans. The EPI research found that although girls are still outperforming boys at every educational phase, there has been a narrowing of the gender gap. Girls are 4.5 months ahead of boys at 16, down from 6.3 months in 2019. The EPI says boys attainment has improved and girls has fallen. Natalie Perera, the chief executive of EPI, said that after examinations and grades largely returned to pre-pandemic norms in 2023, the report provided the first comprehensive, post-pandemic assessment of the disadvantage gap. If the new government is to make real progress in tackling these inequalities it must adopt evidence-based policies and interventions with urgency. These should include higher levels of funding targeted towards disadvantaged pupils and a cross-government child poverty strategy to tackle the root causes of educational inequalities. Emily Hunt, the EPIs associate director for social mobility and vulnerable learners, said: That gaps at age five are widening across disadvantaged and vulnerable groups as well as being at record levels for children with Send highlights the scale and breadth of challenges facing schools and the importance of the earliest years of life. Separately, a YouGov survey for Unicef UK found that 87% of parents with children under five said they were worried about their childrens life chances. The poll of almost 3,000 parents found that 38% dreaded the holidays because of the financial strain and a quarter have had to borrow to pay for the essentials. Two-thirds said the cost of living crisis had negatively affected their family, and 63% reported struggling with their mental health as a parent. Joanna Rea, Unicef UKs director of advocacy, said: Our findings show that families across the country are really struggling. The new government must immediately prioritise support for its youngest and most vulnerable citizens, starting with ending the two-child limit policy and removing the benefit cap. The Department for Education was approached for comment. A protest in the Czech Republic in 2021 after a Roma man died in police custody. Roma people are Europes largest ethnic minority, but no MEP in the incoming European parliament identifies as Roma. Photograph: Martin Divisek/EPA From influencers to activists, hailing from Spain to Slovakia, the more than 700 newly elected members of the European parliament will gather on Tuesday for their inaugural session. Their ranks, however, will not include any MEPs who identify as Roma, according to Roma rights organisations, who describe it as a tremendous blow to Europes largest ethnic minority. Were facing an unprecedented situation, said Ismael Cortes, an associate professor at the Unesco Institute of Philosophy for Peace. Out of 720 seats in the European parliament, zero are going to be dedicated to Roma people. Since the EUs 2004 enlargement, the number of Roma MEPs had steadily grown, reaching a high of four MEPs in the outgoing parliament. But this time the estimated 6 million Roma living across the EU will not have any direct voice in the parliament, said Cortes. However, parties on the populist right particularly in France, Germany, Italy and Austria made large gains in parliament, giving them a voice when it comes to charting the EUs future. Its extremely paradoxical, said Cortes, pointing to many instances in which the far right targeted Roma people. The European minority that has been scapegoated the most and continues to be scapegoated is left without representation. The resulting situation could be dangerous for Roma communities, he added, citing the longstanding role that Roma MEPs have played in standing up to anti-Roma stereotypes and hate speech in the parliament. Now Roma people become the target of hate speech but with no parliamentary reply. The lack of Roma MEPs could also jeopardise efforts to deal with the challenges that some Roma communities continue to face, such as accessing decent housing or the segregation of Roma children in schools across the EU. Without a voice in parliament, these issues fall off the agenda, said Cortes. Doors are closing instead of opening. As they sounded the alarm, Roma rights organisations pointed to political parties to explain how this situation had come about. In the lead-up to the recent EU elections, Roma people were largely excluded from the top seats on candidate lists as parties worried about losses, said Gabriela Hrabanova, the executive director of the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network. This exclusion is exacerbated by the longstanding discrimination that many Roma face and which has left many with a deep distrust of the political system, she added. So we dont have enough mobilised Roma to actually make the difference in elections by voting for these candidates. For many in the Roma community, it feels like an unwinnable battle, particularly when it comes to the often opaque selection process for EU candidates, which critics have long accused of reflecting and perpetuating systemic biases against minority groups. This is a big loss for us. Were invisible everywhere, said Hrabanova. Were not in media, were not in high culture. As the European parliament does not keep statistics based on ethnicity and race of MEPs, the tally of Roma MEPs comes from rights groups and is based on candidates public declarations. Campaigners have warned for months that gains made by the far right in the new European parliament mean the institution risks being even more out of step with the reality of the EUs diverse population. The diversity of Europe, its not being reflected at all, said Hrabanova. In some places in Europe, Roma are as much as 10% of the population. And if we dont have even a single representative, theres something really wrong. Her organisation and others will now be forced to rely on the goodwill of allied MEPs to help shepherd through budget and policy decisions that affect Roma communities across the EU, she said. Failure to do so could keep the cycles of exclusion and inequality in place, she added. So theres a lot at stake. Cortes pointed to the EUs motto of United in Diversity, contrasting this aim with the parliaments failure to include even one person from Europes largest ethnic minority. Its institutions should be the mirror and reflection of the society we want to live in, from a democratic point of view, he added. If at the political level were generating these processes of exclusion, of discrimination, of marginalisation, of not believing in the real value of diversity, what message are we sending to European society? Senator Robert Menendez was found guilty of using his political clout to help three businessmen in exchange for gold or cash - Seth Wenig/AP A jury found a US senator guilty on all 18 counts of corruption on Tuesday after gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash were found at his home. Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, was charged with extortion, obstruction of justice and accepting bribes to perform favours for businessmen with connections to Egypt and Qatar and will be sentenced at a later date. The 70-year-old, who said in June he would run as an independent in Novembers election, is a career politician and had led the Senate foreign relations committee until the charges were filed. In a raid on his New Jersey home, FBI agents were said to have found nearly $500,000 (385,000) in cash hidden around the house, as well as gold bars worth about $150,000 and a Mercedes-Benz convertible parked outside. Defence lawyers are seeking to shift the blame to his wife, Nadine, who has also been charged but will be tried separately as she is receiving treatment for breast cancer. Power as senator up for sale Prosecutors alleged Menendez put his power as a top US senator up for sale. After the verdict, Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, called on Menendez to resign from government. In exchange for bribes, Menendez helped steer billions of dollars in American aid to Egypt, where Wael Hana, one of the businessmen he had dealings with, had ties to government officials, according to prosecutors. Menendez was also accused of seeking to influence criminal investigations involving Fred Daibes, a real estate developer, and Jose Uribe, an insurance broker. Hana and Daibes were co-defendants in the senators trial and were also convicted on each of the charges they faced. Uribe pleaded guilty and testified as a prosecution witness against Menendez. Menendez previously faced corruption charges but that case ended in a 2017 mistrial in New Jersey on a narrower set of allegations. Defence attorneys argued that Menendezs advocacy for businessmen in his state was standard practise for a senator, and sought to blame his wife, who prosecutors described as a go-between for bribes. Defence lawyers noted that the gold bars were found in her wardrobe. They contended that the two lived largely separate lives and she kept her husband in the dark about her finances. The defence also said that the senator had for decades regularly withdrawn cash from banks and stored it at his home Storing cash at home habit of Cuban parents His older sister testified that he picked up the habit from their parents, who fled Cuba with cash that their father had stored in a clock. Before being charged, Menendez was an important ally in president Joe Bidens efforts to reassert American influence abroad, rally support and money to help Ukraine, and stall advances by China. Prosecutors said that after Hana gave Mrs Menendez a sham job paying $10,000 a month, the senator pressured a US agriculture department official to stop scrutinising a monopoly that Egypt had awarded the businessmans company to certify halal meat for export. Menendez was also accused of trying to pressure police to lay off Daibes and Uribe, who testified that he bought Mrs Menendez a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz in exchange for her husbands help. Defence lawyers said prosecutors failed to prove that the gold and cash found in the senators home were bribe proceeds. Police snipers The US Secret Service did not put agents on the rooftop where an assassin shot at Donald Trump for health and safety reasons, the head of the agency has said. Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director, said the sloped roof where Thomas Matthew Crooks was positioned on Saturday could have posed a risk to agents. That building in particular has a sloped roof at its highest point. And so, you know, theres a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldnt want to put somebody up on a sloped roof, she told ABC News on Tuesday. And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside. According to a Secret Service official, local police were stationed inside the Agr International building and radioed to alert agents to a man acting furtively, the Washington Post reported. Joe Biden, the US president, has ordered a review into how Crooks was able to gain access to a point with a direct line of sight to Trump as he spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet fired at Trump grazed his ear, narrowly missing his head. New footage shows Secret Service sniper teams prior to shots being fired at Trump - Chelsie Lynn Ms Cheatle, who is facing calls to resign, admitted that Crooks had been spotted by the agency before he opened fire, but had not been stopped. The rooftop was outside of the secure zone set up for Trumps rally, around 150 metres from the stage where he spoke. The shooter was actually identified as a potential person of suspicion, she said. Unfortunately, with the rapid succession of how things unfolded, by the time that individual was eventually located, they were on the rooftop and were able to fire off at the former president. It came amid reports that a Secret Service sniper photographed the man who fired several shots at Donald Trump and watched him using a range-finder before the shooting. Police snipers return fire after shots were fired at Donald Trump at the campaign rally in Butler Farm Show grounds - Gene J. Puskar/AP Crooks, 20, was spotted looking up at the roof from where he would eventually fire at the stage during the former presidents speech. The sniper snapped a picture of the would-be assassin as he sat down near the building looking at his mobile telephone and using a range-finder, CBS News reported. Crooks was later observed returning to the area for a third time, this time with a rucksack, when the sniper radioed in the information. A report by Fox News, citing an anonymous law enforcement source, said local officers had also spotted a suspicious man carrying a range-finder in or just outside the Butler Farm Show grounds before Trump took to the stage to deliver a campaign speech last Saturday. The officer reported the sighting to the state police, with a discussion had over whether the man was simply carrying binoculars to get a better vantage point of the rally. At this point both Fox and CBS reported that state police officers were rushing to the scene. But within minutes the assassin, later identified as Crooks by the FBI, had already opened fire, injuring Trump, killing a spectator and wounding two others. The body of Crooks on the roof from where he shot at Trump, after being killed by a sniper from the Security Service - X, formerly Twitter.com By the time officers had arrived, Secret Service snipers had already shot and killed Crooks, later discovering a radio transmitter in his pocket and explosives in his car parked nearby. Crooks was said to have been watched by Secret Service agents and local law enforcement officers for about 30 minutes before his failed assassination attempt. The reports only add to the pressure being heaped on the Secret Service for the security lapses that allowed an attempt on the life of a former president. Unconfirmed footage circulated on social media appeared to show Secret Service snipers performing overwatch at the venue moving to face in the direction of the assassin a minute before he opened fire. The US Congress has also launched an investigation into what it described as inexcusable security breaches at the Trump rally. In the prior 48 hours before Crooks opened fire on Trump, reports have detailed how he travelled to a shooting range, a gun store and a hardware store. On the Friday before the attack, he went to a shooting range where he was a member to practice firing, a law enforcement official told CNN. The next day, he purchased 50 rounds of ammunition from a nearby gun store and a ladder from a Home Depot. It isnt clear whether both the ammunition and ladder were used in the attack. Investigators believe he used an air conditioner to clamber onto the roof from where he took the shots. As chair of the cross-party work and pensions select committee, Stephen Timms led calls to fix flaws in the carers allowance system. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Guardian The Labour MP Stephen Timms, a vocal critic of the carers allowance scandal that has led to thousands of unpaid carers being plunged into debt and threatened with prosecution, has been given ministerial responsibility for the issue. Widespread public outrage followed Guardian revelations earlier this year that tens of thousands of carers had been forced to repay huge sums after inadvertently breaching the carers allowance earnings rules, often by just a few pounds, prompting comparisons with the Post Office scandal. Timms was until June the chair of the cross-party Commons work and pensions select committee, from where he led parliamentary calls to fix flaws in the carers allowance system that had left unsuspecting carers with debts as high as 20,000. In May he called on ministers to move without delay to get a grip of the problem and ensure carers are no longer subjected to the distress that such overpayments can cause, and persuaded the National Audit Office to reinvestigate carers allowance overpayments, five years after it first highlighted problems with the benefit. He was also instrumental in forcing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to publish an internal study of the financial and emotional impact of overpayments on carers, which had been kept secret by ministers for three years. The study revealed affected carers had endured high levels of hardship and distress as a result. Timms has been appointed DWP minister for social security and disabilities. He will have oversight of carers allowance, meaning he will play a key role in any decisions to review the DWPs handling of the benefit, which is now claimed by about 1 million unpaid carers. During the general election campaign Labour suggested it would review carers allowance, despite not formally committing to do so in its manifesto. The work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, said last month a Labour government would need to put the system right for the long term. Overpayments occur when someone who claims the 81.90 a week allowance, often while looking after a frail, disabled or ill relative, breaches a draconian cliff edge earnings cap that limits their income to 151 a week in a paid job. If the carer earns over that limit, even by a penny, their entire weekly allowance is deemed to be an overpayment, which the DWP forces them to repay. A carer who earned 1 more than the 151 threshold for 52 weeks, therefore, would have run up 52 in total overpayments but would typically have to pay back 4,258.80. Many carers have said they were unaware they had gone over the earnings limit, and auditors said the vast majority of cases were not fraud but honest mistakes. The DWP has been criticised for failing to inform claimants of earnings limit violations, even though it receives an electronic alert each time a potential breach occurs. Although the DWP has previously said major reforms to carers allowance would be complex and costly, campaigners argue it would be hard for new ministers to ignore the issue, given the scale of the problem, and the widespread perception of injustices being meted out. Of the three main parties, only the Liberal Democrats, whose leader, Ed Davey, is himself a carer, made concrete manifesto commitments to overhaul carers allowance. The Lib Dems have since called for cross-party talks on social care and said the party was determined to ensure unpaid carers cannot be forgotten again by people in power. Helen Walker, the chief executive of Carers UK, said: We are delighted that Sir Stephen Timms MP has been appointed as the DWP minister for social security and disabilities. Through his role as chair of the work and pensions select committee he has developed a good understanding of the key issues relating to carers allowance and the devastating impact of overpayments on unpaid carers. We therefore very much look forward to working with him to make life better for carers. Carers UK has long campaigned for a reform of the benefits system to end poverty amongst unpaid carers most recently calling for urgent change to stop thousands of carers being unfairly pursued for carers allowance overpayments. Sylvia Wallis was present as a teenager at the anti-fascist Battle of Holbeck Moor in Leeds, 1936 Photograph: from family/none My mother, Sylvia Wallis, who has died aged 100, spent much of her life in West Yorkshire, working for many years as a local authority clerical worker and for the Widows Advisory Service in Leeds, where she also set up and ran a club for single people. Despite her associations with Yorkshire, Sylvia was actually born in Cardiff, to Johanna (nee Carney), a housewife, and Sidney Elias, a steelworker. When she was nine, her father, a Communist party member and chair of the National Unemployed Workers Movement, was imprisoned for three years for sedition after visiting the Soviet Union and writing a letter there calling for a revolution in the UK. Owing to her mothers ill health, Sylvia and her younger brother, also Sid, were subsequently placed with a series of foster couples, some of whom were far from ideal, before they were returned home on her fathers release. Sylvias disrupted childhood led to a fitful education, and she was never at any one school for long. For a time her family lived in Leeds, where she was a witness, as a 13-year-old, to the Battle of Holbeck Moor, in which anti-fascist demonstrators attacked supporters of Oswald Mosley. During the conflict she hid under parked vehicles as mounted police charged around, an experience that left her with a lifelong fear of horses. In 1940 the family moved to Guiseley, West Yorkshire, where, as incomers, they encountered some hostility, but they stayed and Sylvia began working as a bomb-gear inspector at a local aircraft factory. She met Reg Wallis, an RAF crewman, at a dance in 1941, and after marrying in 1946 they toured Europe on a Lambretta scooter. Later Reg balanced work as a printer with performing with the Wallis Family, a troupe of entertainers that included his brother. They toured clubs, pubs and seaside resorts across the north of England from the late 1940s through to the early 70s. As she and Reg moved around the country, Sylvia worked in various clerical roles, including for Wisbech council in Cambridgeshire and then, back in Yorkshire, for the Leeds Permanent building society. After raising me for some years, she returned to work as a rent collector for Aireborough council. Reg died of cancer in 1978, and after her retirement in 1983 at 60, Sylvia kept herself busy with a part-time role as an office manager in Leeds with the Widows Advisory Service, providing advice and support for recently widowed women. Simultaneously she also established the Tuesday Club for single, widowed and divorced people to meet and socialise, running it with an elected management committee until the early 2000s. Intelligent, strong-willed and argumentative, Sylvia epitomised her favourite quote by the playwright Sean OCasey, who said that life is an invitation to live. She enjoyed the theatre both as an audience member and as an actor with her local branch of the Unity Theatre group reading, music, travel, dance and politics. She is survived by me, two grandchildren, Emily and Anna, and her younger sister Catherine. Emergency services at the scene in Napier Road, East Ham (PA Wire) A third child has died after a house fire in east London, the Mayor of Newham has announced. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Napier Road in East Ham just before 8.30am on Saturday, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. In a statement on Monday night the Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz announced with a heavy and broken heart that a third precious child had died in hospital following the blaze. Previously a child was found dead inside the property of the fire while a second child also died in hospital. All three children were from the same family. A further three people, believed to also be family members, were also taken to hospital following the fire, the Metropolitan Police said. Two remain in hospital while a third person has been discharged and continues to be treated as an outpatient. The force previously said there was no evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances and that enquiries are ongoing. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform other family members. They will be supported by specially trained police officers Flowers have been laid at the scene (PA Wire) Ms Fiaz said: Knowing that a third precious child has now died following the house fire on Napier Road in East Ham adds to the deep grief and sadness felt by our community here. Three children have now died from a family, and there really are no words to express how as a community we are reeling from the shock and horror of what a house fire can do. On behalf of everyone in Newham, my continuing condolences to all those who know and love the family afflicted by this horrendous tragedy. The family was part of a tight-knit community which is now grieving and we will do all we can to extend our helping hand. Our council staff have visited local schools attended by the children to ensure staff and pupils have access to whatever support is required. We are also working with London Fire Brigade to offer support and advice to the wider community who may be affected. We will continue to support the family and local community in whatever way we can while they come to terms with this heart-breaking loss. Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Burks, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Newham, added: It is our incredibly sad duty to report that a third child died in hospital yesterday Monday, 15 July. This is news that I know will cause even more upset in what has already been a devastating incident for the local community and beyond. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. I reiterate that we will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions." Half of the first floor and ground floor of the terraced house were damaged by the fire. Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said all firefighters involved in the incident will be offered support from the brigades counselling and trauma service. He said: This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time. Staff will be in the local community over the coming days to offer support and advice where needed. He added: Sadly, one child was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday morning, and a second child died in hospital later that day. A third child died in hospital two days later, on 15 July. One other child and two adults were also taken to hospital. Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 and quote reference 1996/13jul. Viktor Orban at a meeting during Nato's 75th anniversary summit in Washington DC last week. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters Viktor Orban has claimed that Donald Trump has detailed and well-founded plans for peace between Russia and Ukraine in a letter to a top EU body that is likely to inflame tensions about the Hungarian prime ministers diplomatic freelancing. Orban, who met Trump at his Palm Beach compound last week, said in his letter to the president of the European Council, who organises meetings of the blocs 27 national leaders, that the Republican presidential nominee was ready to act as peace broker immediately after his election. The likely outcome of a Trump victory meant that the EU should reopen direct lines of diplomatic communication with Russia and high-level political talks with China, Orban wrote in the letter addressed to the councils president, Charles Michel, which was first reported by the Financial Times. The Guardian has seen a copy. The Hungarian prime minister said Trumps expected victory would mean that the financial burden of supporting Ukraines war effort would shift to the EU. I am more than convinced that in the likely outcome of the victory of President Trump, the proportion of the financial burden between the US and the EU will significantly change to the EUs disadvantage when it comes to the financial support of Ukraine, he wrote. Orban also said that after his recent talks with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the general observation was that the intensity of the military conflict will radically escalate in the near future. European strategy, Orban wrote, had copied the pro-war policy of the US. He called for a discussion of whether the continuation of this policy is rational in future. In response, Michel reprimanded Orban, saying he had no mandate to engage in international talks on behalf of the EU. I made this clear even prior to your visit to Moscow and this was subsequently reiterated by High Representative [Josep] Borrell, Michel wrote, referring to the EUs top diplomat. Michel rejected Orbans claim that the EU had a pro-war policy, adding: Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim exercising its legitimate right to self-defence. No discussion about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine, he added, repeating the widely held EU position. The exchange of letters emerged after the European Commission took the unprecedented decision to boycott meetings organised by Budapest as part of Hungarys EU presidency. A spokesperson for the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Monday: In light of recent developments marking the start of the Hungarian presidency the president has decided that @EU_Commission will be represented at senior civil servant level only during informal meetings of the council. That means neither von der Leyen, nor any of her team, including Borrell, will attend informal EU meetings in Hungary, although formal meetings in Brussels and Luxembourg are expected to continue with the usual attenders. The unprecedented snub follows apparent decisions by some EU member states to send lower-level officials to EU events in Hungary. The commission also cancelled a visit to Budapest from von der Leyen and her team of EU commissioners that was expected to have taken place in the first few days of July. Soon after Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the EU council of ministers on 1 July, Orban visited Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing, Azerbaijan and the US in a tour he described as a peace mission that has provoked deep anger among other EU leaders. The EU presidency gives Orban no formal role to speak for the EU. Other European leaders have sharply criticised the visits, in a near-unanimous chorus of disapproval. Slovakia, led by Orbans ally Robert Fico, was the only EU member state that did not speak out against him at a meeting of senior diplomats last week. Responding to the leaked letter on X, the Hungarian prime ministers political director, Balazs Orban (who is unrelated), doubled down on the message bound to provoke Hungarys EU partners. Instead of copying the pro-war policy of the US, #Europe needs a sovereign and independent strategy with a focus on a ceasefire and the start of peace negotiations, he wrote. Separately, he offered congratulations to JD Vance, the hard-right Ohio senator who was selected as Trumps running mate on Tuesday and is a leading opponent of aid to Ukraine. I dont really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other, Vance said on a podcast last year. Balazs Orban tweeted: A Trump-Vance administration sounds just right, accompanied by a strong-arm emoji. In an interview with the pro-government daily Magyar Nemzet, Balazs Orban claimed Trump was committed to peace and will soon create peace himself if he again became president of the US. If Europe wants peace and wants to have a decisive say in the settlement of the war and an end to the bloodshed, it must now work out and implement a change of course, he wrote. And in a statement likely to deepen alarm in EU capitals, he added: We are convinced that in political terms we should use the entire period of Hungarys EU presidency to establish the right conditions for peace negotiations. Security researchers at Trustwave discovered a new hacking strategy that utilizes fake ads to lure unsuspecting Facebook users to download malware on their Windows PCs. The hackers are allegedly creating new Facebook business accounts or hijacking existing ones to increase their victims. Fake Facebook Ads Targets Vulnerable PC Users According to researchers, hackers are now establishing fake ads that promote downloads of pirated games and software. Some of the suspicious ads included downloads for Sora AI, 3D Image Creator, and One Click Active. Bleeping Computer obtained sample screenshots of the fake ads, wherein most of them promote free downloads and activation keys for popular applications. The ads are uploaded through newly created Facebook business pages or hacked accounts. Hackers would take control of an existing business page and will rename it based on the advertisement. Some users could be easily deceived especially if the hijacked account holds a huge following. "The threat actors assume the business identity by renaming the Facebook pages, this allows them to leverage the existing follower base to amplify the reach of their fraudulent advertisement significantly," Trustwave reported. Fake Facebook Ads Malware Strategy Traced in Vietnam, Philippines Trustwave revealed that most of the pages are commonly administered by individuals from Vietnam and the Philippines. The hackers often take measures to create thousands of ads for each campaign. Once users click on the ad, they will be redirected to webpages that are hosted by Google Sites or True Hosting, posing to be a legitimate download page for the promised content. A ZIP archive file will be downloaded to the browser which contains renamed files for the promised content. However, the file contains the SYS01 information-stealing malware which could easily steal data and infect the computer. Senior Labour figures have rejected comments by Donald Trumps vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, that the UK could become the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon under the party. They were reacting to comments that were made by Vance, a junior senator for the state of Ohio who has been announced as Trumps running mate, at a conference for US conservatives. Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, told ITV that Vance had said quite a lot of fruity things in the past and she looked forward to meeting him and Trump if they won the US election in November. Related: Trump names JD Vance, once one of his fiercest critics, as 2024 running mate I dont recognise that characterisation. Im very proud of the election success that Labour had recently, she said. We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of the country, and were interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also working with our international allies. The jibe is likely to be embarrassing for the UKs foreign secretary, David Lammy, who has attempted to build bridges with Vance in recent months, comparing their impoverished childhoods. Vance was speaking at the National Conservatism conference last week, where he said: I have to beat up on the UK just one additional thing. I was talking with a friend recently and we were talking about, you know, one of the big dangers in the world, of course, is nuclear proliferation, though, of course, the Biden administration doesnt care about it. And I was talking about, you know, what is the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon, and we were like, maybe its Iran, you know, maybe Pakistan already kind of counts, and then we sort of finally decided maybe its actually the UK, since Labour just took over. The Treasury minister James Murray said: I dont know what he was driving at in that comment, to be honest. I mean, in Britain, were very proud of our diversity. Labour also found an unlikely ally in the form of Andrew Bowie, the shadow veterans minister, who said he absolutely disagreed with the claim that Labour would create an Islamist country. I disagree with the Labour party fundamentally on many issues, but I do not agree with that view, quite frankly. I think its actually quite offensive, frankly, to my colleagues in the Labour party, he told Times Radio. Lammy described Vance as a friend in a short speech he gave at the Hudson Institute in May when he was in opposition. The two also shared a panel in February at the Munich security conference, where Vance referred to Lammy as my English friend and, in the context of Trumpian pressure for European allies to increase their contributions to Nato, said: England has been one of the few exceptions where it has fielded a very capable military over the last generation. During his time as a backbench MP, Lammy had often been highly critical of the former US president. Trump is not only a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath, he wrote at the time. He is also a profound threat to the international order that has been the foundation of western progress for so long. He has since suggested the US and UK must find ways to work together under a potential return to the presidency for Trump, saying of his past remarks: Youre going to struggle to find any politician in the western world who hasnt had things to say in response to Donald Trump. Vance was announced as Trumps choice for vice-president on Monday night, days after the former president narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a campaign rally. He was previously a harsh critic of Trump and condemned his Islamophobic rhetoric. Trump makes people I care about afraid. Immigrants, Muslims, etc. Because of this I find him reprehensible. God wants better of us, he wrote in October 2016. But Vance has become one of the most prominent young Conservatives on the New Right who are now big backers of Trump, having gained Trumps endorsement for his senate run in Ohio. He is a fierce critic of Washingtons support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion and his appointment is likely to be met with apprehension in Brussels. Vance played an important role in a failed attempt to block a bill for more Ukrainian aid this year in the Senate. He said in a speech at the time that he did not believe the extent of the threat the Russian president posed to Europe. For three years, the Europeans have told us that Vladimir Putin is an existential threat to Europe. And for three years, they have failed to respond as if that were actually true, Vance said. Donald Trump famously told European nations they have to spend more on their own defence. He was chastised by members of this chamber for having the audacity to suggest that Germany should step up and pay for its own defence. George Robertson, a former Nato secretary general, has been appointment to lead Labours three-person defence review. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images Britain and its allies are facing a deadly quartet of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea who are acting together against the west, according to the newly appointed head of Labours defence review. George Robertson, a former Nato secretary general, said the UK had to be prepared to take on all four if necessary, reflecting western concerns that the grouping are increasingly sharing arms, components and military intelligence. Flanked by the new defence secretary, John Healey, Lord Robertson told a briefing that: Were confronted by a deadly quartet of nations increasingly working together, and that Britain and its Nato allies have got to be able to confront that particular quartet. The peer was referring to the four nations considered hostile to the west and who are now believed to constitute the leading threat to the UKs security as Islamist terrorism has subsided. Related: UK will be leading European nation in Nato, defence secretary pledges Robertson, who was also a defence secretary under Tony Blair, was speaking as his appointment to lead a three-person defence review was announced by Healey. The strategic exercise will conclude in the first half of next year, and help ministers set defence and foreign policy priorities for the rest of the parliament. The review chiefs China phrasing was a marked shift in tone from the previous governments approach, which preferred to describe Beijing as a systemic challenge rather than a threat, but reflects a toughening seen at last weeks Nato summit. In Washington DC, the 32-country alliance rebuked China for acting as a decisive enabler for Russias invasion of Ukraine, by supplying Moscow components for weapons and chemicals for explosives the strongest criticism the north Atlantic alliance has ever made of Beijing. Robertson said that the Nato summit last week in Washington made it perfectly clear that the challenge of China was something that had to be taken very, very seriously, and that what happens in the Asia-Pacific can happen in the Euro-Atlantic very quickly afterwards. Iran and North Korea have also supplied drones and artillery shells respectively to Russia to support Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine and tactics used by Moscow were in turn applied by Tehran when it launched a major missile and drone raid on Israel in April in response to the bombing of its embassy in Damascus. Last week, the US president, Joe Biden, also highlighted the fact the four countries were increasingly acting together. Its a concern that you have China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, countries that are not necessarily coordinated in the past looking to figure out how they can have a better impact, though he said he would not spell out in public what he believed that impact was. The US leader said he wanted Chinas president, Xi Jinping, to understand theres a price to pay for continuing to assist Russia in the war in Ukraine. Related: Mr Starmer goes to Washington: how the PM made his world stage entrance Healey praised Robertson, who will work alongside Fiona Hill, a British-born Russian affairs expert who has advised the US presidents George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, and Gen Sir Richard Barrons, a former deputy chief of the UK defence staff, for taking on the review. The three represented, Healey said, the very best combination of external experts we could put together, and they will work together within the Ministry of Defence, consulting and taking submissions from the military, defence industry, academics and other experts, before producing the conclusions. Healey said he hoped the exercise would amount to Britains defence review, not just the new Labour governments defence review. He said that it would take place amid the war in Europe with Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, growing threats and aggression and instability across the globe. Its aim would be to consider the threats we face, the capabilities we need, the state of our armed forces and also the resources available. As well as Healey, the team will report to Keir Starmer, the prime minister, and Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, and its work will help determine when Labour would, as it has promised, lift defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from its existing level of 2.32% an increase of about 5bn in real terms. Healey was cautious on when Labour may set out a timetable to reach the threshold, other than to say that it would be announced as part of a future fiscal event. A first budget is expected in the autumn, though the defence secretary would not say if a budgetary decision could be anticipated at that point. The new minister also said he had not come into the job to cut armed forces numbers and complained that the size of the British army had fallen below the previous governments target of 73,000. He also insisted that if Trump is elected as US president it would not amount to a threat to Nato. Healey argued the Nato alliance was durable, having lasted 75 years since its creation in the aftermath of the second world war and that the UK and other members would be pragmatic if the Republican returned to the White House, saying: We will work with whatever president is elected. Donald Trump, pictured at the Republican National Convention, suffered an injury to his in Saturday's shooting - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America US intelligence agencies reportedly discovered that Iran had drawn up a plot to assassinate Donald Trump just weeks before the shooting at the former presidents rally. The US Secret Service ramped up Trumps security after receiving the intelligence but were nonetheless unable to stop a 20-year-old gunman shooting at him as he addressed supporters in Pennsylvania on Saturday. There are no known links between the two assassination plots, multiple sources told CNN. An official told the broadcaster that the Secret Service learnt of the Iranian threat and shared the intelligence with Trumps campaign and the head of his security detail. In response to the increased threat, [the] Secret Service surged resources and assets for the protection of former president Trump. All of this was in advance of Saturday, they added. Nevertheless, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who had no military experience and was using his fathers gun, was able to take up a position 150 yards from the former president and open fire with a semi-automatic rifle. A bullet grazed Trumps right ear after he turned his head at the last second. An audience member was killed as he shielded his family, while two others were seriously wounded. Adrienne Watson, the White Houses National Security Council spokesman, claimed Iran had spent years seeking revenge on members of the Trump administration over the killing of Qassem Soleimani. The Iranian general was killed in 2020 in an airstrike authorised by Trump, who said he had been plotting attacks on American diplomats and labelled him the number one terrorist anywhere in the world. Trumps security has been upgraded following the shooting at the rally, Alejandro Mayorkas, the Homeland Security secretary, said on Monday. He declined to go into specifics, citing sensitive tactics and procedures, but said personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities have been added. Qassem Soleimani was killed on Donald Trump's orders in January 2020 - Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader The Trump campaign would not confirm whether it had been made aware of the alleged plot by Iran. We do not comment on President Trumps security detail. All questions should be directed to The United States Secret Service, it said in a statement. Robert F Kennedy takes a call from Donald Trump Donald Trump compared the bullet that grazed his ear in a failed assassination attempt to the worlds largest mosquito in a leaked phone call. The Republican discussed the attempt on his life with Robert F. Kennedy, in what appeared to be a charm offensive to secure the independent candidates endorsement as he seeks to regain the presidency. Trump also echoed Mr Kennedys well-known vaccine scepticism, claiming that babies were being given massive vaccine cocktails that caused radical changes, and told him that his re-election would be so good for you. It comes after Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old gunman, attempted to shoot the former president as he addressed a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. It felt like a giant, the worlds largest mosquito, Trump told Mr Kennedy, whose father, Bobby Kennedy, and uncle, former US president John F. Kennedy, were fatally shot in the 1960s. Referring to Crooks AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, he added: Thats a big gun. Pretty tough guns, right? Trump appeared to suggest that he would love Mr Kennedys support. Those present for the discussion have reportedly said the Republican was seeking his endorsement for his re-election bid. I think it would be so good for you and so big for you, and were going to win. Were going to win were way ahead of the guy, Trump continued, referring to Joe Biden, the US president. Mr Kennedy is polling around nine per cent in the presidential race, and his endorsement of a candidate would have a significant impact in an election where the margins are extremely tight. Trump has opened up a two-point lead over Mr Biden since the Democrats dire debate performance last month. Something wrong with vaccination system Seemingly in an attempt to win over the independent candidate, Trump claimed that there was something wrong with that whole system of vaccination. The topic is close to Mr Kennedys heart, and he has previously criticised the former presidents rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine during his time in the White House. When you feed a baby, Bobby, a vaccination that is like 38 vaccinations and it looks like its bred for a horse not a 10 pound or 20 pound baby, Trump said. Trump, who has previously called the development of the Covid-19 vaccine a miracle, continued: Then you see the baby all of a sudden starting to change radically. Ive seen it too many times. And then you hear that it doesnt have an impact, right? Mr Kennedy, who said on Monday that he had discussed national unity with Trump, said he was mortified by the leak and apologised to the former president. When president Trump called me I was taping with an in-house videographer. I should have ordered the videographer to stop recording immediately, he said. Joe Costello, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, accused Trump and his anti-vax bud Bobby of spreading dangerous conspiracy theories. This leaked footage is further proof Trump cant be trusted to protect Americans health care, he added. 06:42 PM BST Sloping roof used by assassin was too dangerous for our agents, says Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle, who is facing calls to resign, admits shooter was identified as a potential person of suspicion, but had not been stopped, write Joe Barnes and Tony Diver. The US Secret Service did not put agents on the rooftop where an assassin shot at Donald Trump for health and safety reasons, the head of the agency has said. Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director, said the sloped roof where Thomas Matthew Crooks was positioned on Saturday could have posed a risk to agents. That building in particular has a sloped roof at its highest point. And so, you know, theres a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldnt want to put somebody up on a sloped roof, she told ABC News on Tuesday. And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside. Read the full story 06:16 PM BST On first night of conference, speakers revert to fiery rhetoric If there were any doubts that Donald Trump and his allies would depart from the kind of divisive rhetoric they have become known for after his shooting, they were dispelled on Monday. The former president has adopted an air of magnanimity since his near-fatal miss on Saturday night, making references to God and a wish to unite America. But as he kicked off the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, speakers rattled through the issues that critics say have polarised America. High on the list was LGBTQ rights and gender ideology. Let me state this clearly: There are only two genders, said Marjorie Taylor Greene, the rightwing congresswoman from Georgia. The day before she called the Democrats the party of pedophiles Michigan Congressman John James appeared to take aim at transgender women playing alongside biological women in sport. Our daughters were sold on hope, and now theyre being forced on the playing fields and changing rooms of biological males, James said. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson said: This fringe agenda includes biological males competing against girls and the sexualization and indoctrination of our children. Marjorie Taylor Greene speaking on Monday - AP Photo/Paul Sancya 05:53 PM BST Trump gunman shot from roof that wasnt secured by any agency The gunman who tried to assassinate Donald Trump fired from a rooftop that the US Secret Service had declared to be outside its security perimeter -- a fatal omission that the agency should not have made, according to two of its former officials. Two local Pennsylvania police officers who went to check out a dispatch call of a suspicious person in the area were alone when one of them, hoisted up by a partner to check the roof, was confronted by the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe said in an interview. That exposed a major hole in the security, said Kenneth Valentine, a former Secret Service special agent in charge: He shouldnt have been able to get up on the roof. Mr Valentine said the agency also should have had someone watching the rooftops and able to stop the threat as the next line of defense. The Secret Service, which is responsible for Trumps safety as both a former president and the Republican presidential candidate, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A home believed to be connected to the shooter, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania - AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar 05:27 PM BST Comment: Trumps shooting helps Biden to stay, but not to win If I were a Democratic legislator looking for electoral success this November, I would be worried, writes Charles Moore. Donald Trump thinks that God intervened to make sure the assassins bullet nicked his ear, rather than entered his brain. If he is right, I would suggest the Almighty, being generous to all His children, has also done Joe Biden a favour. Shortly before Sundays shocking attack, President Biden had been trying, and largely failing, to escape from the Democrats doubts about his cognitive abilities. He had called President Zelensky President Putin and renamed his Vice-President, Kamala Harris, as Vice-President Trump. The media were publishing lengthening lists of colleagues who wanted him to step aside from the attempt at a second term. That feels unachievable now. The President thinks he is rallying the nation, and woe betide a Democratic politician appearing to undermine that. Barring some truly catastrophic and public failure of Mr Bidens faculties, he has surely now put himself above the party dogfight. Just as the mantle of the president was beginning to slip from his shoulders, terrible events have placed it firmly back in place. Read Charles Moores full piece 05:09 PM BST Watch: Trumps leaked conversation with RFK Jr This is a clip of the leaked conversation Robert F Kennedy Jr had with Donald Trump. Trump can be heard describing the bullet that clipped his ear as a mosquito. He also seems to delight in having survived a shot from such a tough gun. 05:01 PM BST Pictured: Former presidential candidates speak ahead of todays convention Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis gave speeches during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Donald Trump kicked off the first day of the convention to rapturous applause, with the crowd shouting Fight! Fight! Fight! in response to Trumps shooting and the defiance he has shown since. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 16: Former Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 16: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) 04:43 PM BST Trump supporters still say no to gun limits Their presidential candidate had just narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, a bullet grazing his ear on Saturday from an AR-15-style semiautomatic weapon - a rifle frequently used by mass shooters in the United States. Yet in interviews with 12 Donald Trump delegates at his Republican Party nominating convention in Milwaukee, none advocated for limits or bans on assault rifles, raising the legal age to buy a gun, or even more robust background checks. The delegates were dead set against any type of reform to Americas gun laws. Most viewed even mild measures, such as expanded background checks, or raising the legal age to buy an assault weapon to 21, as infringements on the US Constitutions Second Amendment, which grants citizens the right to own guns. Instead, the delegates said any gun-related reforms should focus on funding better mental health support for troubled citizens, a standard Republican position. They blamed gun massacres and gun crime - including the assassination attempt on Trump - largely on mental illness and weapons falling into the wrong hands. Its all about mental health, said Will Boone, a delegate from Montana. The right to have a gun is enshrined in the Constitution. Once you start infringing on that, youll start other rights being taken away. Steve Kramer, from Georgia, said it was a lie that expanded background checks would help. If you look at most of the killings, someone stole the gun, so background checks wouldnt matter, Mr Kramer said. 04:31 PM BST Angela Rayner hits back at Vances criticism of UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has hit back after Donald Trumps candidate for US vice president described the UK under Labour as the first truly Islamist country with a nuclear weapon. Ohio senator JD Vance, who was chosen as Mr Trumps running mate on Monday night, made the comments in an address to the National Conservatism conference in Washington DC last week. Saying he had to beat up on the UK, he told the conference he had been discussing with a friend which would be the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon. He said: We were like maybe its Iran, maybe Pakistan kind of counts, and then we sort of decided maybe its actually the UK since Labour just took over. But to my Tory friends, I have to say, you guys have got to get a handle on this. Figures from both the Labour Party and the Conservatives criticised Mr Vances comments on Tuesday morning. Ms Rayner told ITV that Mr Vance had said quite a lot of fruity things in the past and she looked forward to meeting him and Mr Trump if they won the US election in November. 03:16 PM BST Musk plans to give $45 mln a month to new pro-Trump PAC, WSJ reports Billionaire Elon Musk has said he plans to commit around $45 million a month to a new pro-Trump super political-action committee, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. Mr Musk had indicated that he planned to start his donations in July to the America PAC, backing former President Donald Trumps presidential run, the newspaper said. However, the South Africa-born businessman was not listed on a Monday filing by the group, which shows that it has raised more than $8 million. Lonsdale Enterprises and the Winklevoss twins were among the donors to America PAC. Lonsdale donated $1 million, and Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss each contributed $250,000. Mr Musk, the worlds richest person and the billionaire chief executive of Tesla, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. On X, he replied to a Wall Street Journal post of the report with a meme featuring the words fake gnus, in an apparent reference to so-called fake news. 03:00 PM BST Tenacious D cancels rest of tour after shooting reference The comedy rock duo Tenacious D made up of Jack Black and Kyle Gass has canceled the rest of their tour after Gass remarks about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. While onstage at a concert in Sydney on Sunday, Gass was presented with a birthday cake and asked to make a wish by Black. Gass responded, Dont miss Trump next time, an apparent reference to Trumps assassination attempt. I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form, Black said in a Tuesday statement on Instagram. After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding. Following Blacks statement, Gass apologized on Instagram. "Don't miss miss Trump next time" - Tenacious D bandpic.twitter.com/swpUOzTyYe Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 15, 2024 02:19 PM BST How JD Vance went from calling Donald Trump Americas Hitler to his running mate Raised in an unstable home by a drug-addicted mother, the pick for VP couldnt have come from more different beginnings, writes Rozina Sabur. When JD Vance released his ode to a forgotten Middle America in 2016, he became an instant literary icon. Hillbilly Elegy, his memoir-cum-analysis of the Rust Belts decline, and a candid account of the poverty it had wrought, was a cult success which drew on his first-hand experience of violence and addiction. The timing of the publication was significant. Donald Trump was making his longshot bid for the presidency the same year by tapping into the frustrations of working-class voters who felt left behind by a political elite. Trumps surprise success made Mr Vance a useful intermediary between his blue-collar base and a bemused US news media. Both understood something many establishment politicians had failed to grasp: Americas working class was ready to leave the Democratic Party behind. And yet the two men could not have been more different, both in their backgrounds and visions for the future. Read the full story 01:54 PM BST Senator calls for Tenacious D to be deported after evil joke An Australian senator has called for the rock band Tenacious D to be deported after one of its members made a joke on stage about Donald Trumps shooting. Kyle Gass, one half of the bands comedy duo, was presented with a birthday cake at the gig in Sydney and told to make a wish by his co-member Jack Black. He replied dont miss Trump next time. Senator Ralph Babet called the comment filthy and evil and called for the pair to be immediately removed from the country. There is no place in Australia for those who wish for the assassination of others. pic.twitter.com/wuvgQxeeDS Senator Babet (@senatorbabet) July 16, 2024 01:32 PM BST Joe Biden again rejects notion he will stand down Joe Biden again rejected the idea that he might drop out of the race ahead of the election in November, following his disastrous debate performance last month. Donald Trumps shooting has knocked speculation around Mr Bidens commitment for reelection off the news agenda. But he was again pressed by NBC on Monday whether he would run, to which he suggested he would. He then focused on the myriad falsehoods Trump unleashed during the debate. 01:11 PM BST Biden calls on Congress to crack down on large rent hikes by corporate landlords President Joe Biden has called on Congress to pass legislation that would compel corporate owners of rental housing units to cap annual rent increases at 5 per cent or lose some tax benefits. The White House also unveiled efforts to use public land for as many as 15,000 affordable housing units in Nevada and to boost neighborhoods in Las Vegas and elsewhere. Mr Biden, a Democrat, is traveling in Nevada, a political swing state that he hopes to win in the Nov. 5 election against Republican Donald Trump. 01:03 PM BST Crowd chants Fight! Fight! Fight as Trump returns to stage Donald Trump made a triumphant entrance on the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday, receiving a raucous ovation from the party faithful two days after a would-be assassins bullet grazed his right ear. Trump walked into the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee with a thick bandage over the ear as the crowd chanted Fight! Fight! Fight and pumped their fists, a reference to his reaction in the moments after he was wounded. The former president mouthed the words Thank you and settled into a box with some of his children and US Senator JD Vance, Trumps choice for running mate announced earlier in the day. Labour is facing weeks of political deadlock in Wales after Vaughan Gething quit as first minister after a turbulent four months of infighting and scandal, with a replacement not expected until the autumn. Gething has faced a series of controversies, including over donations and claims he sought to delete sensitive messages, since he took over from Mark Drakeford as first minister and the leader of Welsh Labour in March. He refused to quit when he lost a vote of confidence in the Senedd in June, but was finally forced out on Tuesday after four ministers resigned from his government. In a letter, Jeremy Miles, the economy secretary, who lost narrowly to Gething in the race to succeed Drakeford, urged the first minister to step down for the sake of the party and for Welsh devolution, saying: We cannot continue like this. Gething, who became the first black leader of a European country when he took on the role, hit out at critics he said had made claims against him that were pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue. In 11 years as a minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain, he said. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities. My integrity matters. I have not compromised it. I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. I do hope that can change. Related: First black leader of any European country: Vaughan Gethings political career The party will now be seeking its third leader this year. While some Welsh Labour figures hope a unity candidate could emerge, Gethings bitter reaction at being forced out could herald a difficult battle to come. The formal timetable for the succession race has still to be agreed by the Welsh partys executive, with Gething saying he hoped his replacement would be in place for the autumn. He will stay on as first minister and Welsh Labour leader in the interim. The ministers who resigned including Julie James, the housing and local government secretary, Lesley Griffiths, the culture and social justice secretary, and the counsel general Mick Antoniw said Gething could not provide stable government after Plaid Cymru ended its cooperation agreement with him in May. The move by Plaid, which left Gethings government without a majority (Labour hold 30 of the 60 Senedd seats) followed the first ministers refusal to hand back a 200,000 donation for his leadership campaign from a company whose owner was convicted of environmental crimes. Plaid also expressed worries about the way Gething had sacked one of his ministers, Hannah Blythyn, after alleging she was behind a leak that seemed to show he had advocated deleting Covid-related messages, which she vehemently denied. In a statement to the Senedd on Tuesday, Gething vigorously defended his record. Asked by the Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, if he believed Labour could continue to deliver its mandate, he replied: Of course. He added: I am proud of my record and all the things I have done before coming here and since coming here in 11 years of being a minister. I am sad that today sees the start of that process coming to an end, but I remain full of optimism what this place could do, and about what Welsh Labour leadership can provide to my country and all the people who are proud to call Wales their home. Gethings anger at being forced out Davies told the chamber that Gething had refused to shake his hand will add to the bad blood within a party which has been in power in Wales for nearly 23 years. Drakeford served as first minister for five years, before stepping down voluntarily aged 71, a year after the death of his wife. There will be considerable pressure from the national Labour party to select a new leader swiftly and harmoniously, with some insiders hoping a unity candidate can be found. While the rules for the succession contest have not yet been confirmed, they are expected to be the same as when Gething defeated Miles. This would require contenders to be nominated by at least six Labour Senedd members, 20% of the total, or 10% plus a certain number of constituency parties or unions. Those successfully nominated are then put to Welsh Labour members for a vote. Opposition parties sought to make the most of the confusion, with Plaid Cymru calling for a snap Senedd election. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid leader, said: Labour has put party interests ahead of the interests of the nation for too long. The people of Wales must be given the opportunity to elect a new government and an election must be called. Davies said the Conservatives did not support a snap election given a poll is due in May 2026, but sought to tie the controversy to Keir Starmer, under whose leadership Labour took 27 of the 32 Welsh seats in this months Westminster elections. Vaughan Gethings resignation is long overdue, Davies said. But there can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales. Wales will remember. In a brief statement, Starmer said Gething should take enormous pride in being the first black leader of any country in Europe, but said he accepted the first ministers decision that it was best for Wales he stepped down. Drakeford said he believed his successors decision had been the correct one. I think the first minister has said everything that needs to be said today, he told Sky News. Its a very sad day, of course, for him personally, but I believe he has done the right thing for his party and his country. A yellow weather warning for rain is in place on Tuesday in the North East and in Scotland. (Met Office) (Met Office) More heavy downpours hit parts of the UK on Tuesday, following a Met Office yellow weather warning for rain. It follows torrential rain and thunderstorms on Monday - St Swithin's Day - which led to up to 40mm of rainfall in just a few hours across large parts of England and Wales. Weather warnings for rain for the south, south west and south east of England as well as the Midlands have now passed, but one is still in place for the North East and large parts of Scotland. The warning, which covers Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, runs from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday, and includes the risk of thunder, the Met Office said. The yellow weather warnings mean spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and potentially road closures. There is also a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded and a slight chance of delays and cancellations to bus and train services. A vehicle driving through floodwater in Godalming, Surrey, during heavy rain on Monday. (Alamy) (james jagger) According to folklore, if it rains on St Swithin's Day, which falls on 15 July, then it will continue to rain for another 40 days. However, despite the St Swithin's Day legend, the wet conditions on Monday and Tuesday are expected to be replaced by warmer weather later this week, with temperatures forecast to be in the mid to late 20s on Thursday and Friday. Met Office spokesperson Andrea Bishop told Yahoo News UK: Its generally a changeable picture this week, with the focus of wet weather over the northwestern half of the UK. "There is some good news though, with some improvement by mid-week, at least for southern parts of the country with a ridge coming in and temperatures looking to rise. Parts of the south east could reach 26C on Thursday and Friday." Heavy showers developing across the northeast with the risk of thunder Lighter showers and sunny spells further south with the brightest of the conditions in the southwest pic.twitter.com/GTmvkz5cIz Met Office (@metoffice) July 16, 2024 Yahoo breaks down what the weather will be like for each region of the UK, according to the Met Office. London and the South East Tuesday and Wednesday A grey and overcast morning for many with overnight rain continuing, although mostly light and sporadic by this point. This clears eastwards into the afternoon, with showers then following as well as a few late sunny spells developing. Maximum temperature 22C. Fine and dry on Wednesday with patchy cloud and plenty of sunny spells. Light winds and sunshine should see temperatures around average for this time of year. Maximum temperature 26C. Thursday to Saturday Sunny spells and isolated showers expected on Thursday, dry on Friday. After a dry start on Saturday rain is expected to move in. Possibly feeling very warm on Friday. South West Tuesday and Wednesday Largely cloudy through the morning with showery outbreaks easing. Brighter by the afternoon with increasingly frequent sunny spells and the odd chance of a shower in the east. Rather breezy. Maximum temperature 21C. Fine and dry on Wednesday with a good number of sunny spells throughout the day. Light winds and feeling pleasantly warm. Maximum temperature 22C. Thursday to Saturday A touch cloudier on Thursday with perhaps the odd shower, though still some brightness. Early showers on Friday before a fine afternoon. Turning breezier on Saturday with rain possible. People sailing on a reservoir at Draycote Water in Rugby, Warwickshire, on Tuesday. (PA Images) (Jacob King - PA Images via Getty Images) Midlands Tuesday and Wednesday Largely cloudy through the morning with rain slowly easing. Brightening up through the afternoon with an increasing number of sunny spells and just isolated showers. Often rather breezy. Maximum temperature 20C. Wednesday will be fine and dry with a good number of sunny spells throughout the day. Light winds and feeling pleasantly warm. Maximum temperature 23C. Thursday to Saturday A touch cloudier on Thursday with perhaps the odd shower, though still some brightness. Early showers on Friday before a fine afternoon. Turning breezier on Saturday with rain possible. North East Tuesday and Wednesday Dry and cloudy through Tuesday morning. Showers developing through the middle of the day, mostly over the Pennines at first but later drifting east. Showers likely to be heavy at times with a chance of thunder. Light winds. Maximum temperature 19C. Fine and dry on Wednesday with patchy cloud and plenty of sunny spells. Light winds and sunshine should see temperatures around average for time of year. Maximum temperature 22C. Thursday to Saturday Sunny spells and isolated showers expected on Thursday and Friday. After a dry start on Saturday rain is expected to move in from the west. Temperatures around average. People walk through the gardens at St Nicholas' Park in Warwick ahead of heavy rain on Monday. (PA) (Jacob King - PA Images via Getty Images) North West Tuesday and Wednesday Cloudy morning with the chance of showers, particularly across Pennine regions. Brightening up later with sunny spells, this perhaps setting off some scattered heavier showers. Breezy and feeling a little cool. Maximum temperature 19C. Fine and dry with a good number of sunny spells throughout Wednesday. Light winds and feeling pleasantly warm. Maximum temperature 22C. Thursday to Saturday Cloudier on Thursday with some patchy rain possible. Becoming windier on Friday with rain later, this potentially lingering into Saturday. Temperatures dropping back a little below the July average. Scotland Tuesday and Wednesday There will be frequent heavy showers throughout the day today, particularly into the afternoon with the chance of thunder. Some bright spells at times, mainly in the west. Light winds. Maximum temperature 17C. A dry and sunny start to Wednesday, staying mostly fine through the day but chance of the odd light shower. Maximum temperature 21C. Thursday to Saturday Chance of a few outbreaks of rain Thursday morning, mainly dry and bright into the afternoon. Mostly dry Friday with patchy cloud. Rain pushing eastwards Saturday, heavy for a time. Northern Ireland Tuesday and Wednesday Patchy cloud and bright or sunny spells through the day today. Chance of the odd light shower during the afternoon. Feeling warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 19C. Mainly dry through Wednesday with bright or sunny spells, perhaps the odd light afternoon shower. Rain arriving from the west late evening. Maximum temperature 21C. Thursday to Saturday Cloudy with outbreaks of rain Thursday. Further rain on Friday, mainly in the west, heavy at times, brighter spells in the east. Rain clearing eastwards Saturday with showers following behind. Wales Tuesday and Wednesday Largely cloudy through the morning with showery outbreaks easing. Brighter by the afternoon with increasingly frequent sunny spells and the odd chance of a shower in the east. Rather breezy. Maximum temperature 20C. Fine and dry on Wednesday with a good number of sunny spells throughout the day. Light winds and feeling pleasantly warm. Maximum temperature 22C. Thursday to Saturday A touch cloudier on Thursday with perhaps the odd shower, though still some brightness. Early showers on Friday before a fine afternoon. Turning breezier on Saturday with rain possible. Donald Trump visited St John's Church, near the White House, in 2020 at the height of protests over the police killing of George Floyd - Patrick Semansky/AP Donald Trumps assessment of the failed attempt on his life was clear. God alone saved me, he said, and of course, his most devoted supporters agreed. For many on the Christian Right, the failed assassination attempt is a sign that God is protecting Trump, says John Fea, a professor of history at Messiah University in Pennsylvania and author of Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump. They see his survival as a miracle. I fully expect to see a ramp-up of language related to Trump as Gods chosen person to reawaken America to conservatism and Christianity. In fact, in some of this rhetoric, there seems to be little difference between the fate of America and advancement of Gods Kingdom. At first glance, Trump and religious conservatives may not seem like natural bedfellows. He is, after all, the first former American president to be convicted of a crime related to hush money payments to the porn star Stormy Daniels (accusations he denied) and he still faces criminal charges relating to the January 6 riots and electoral fraud in Georgia. Around 81 per cent of Christian conservatives supported Trump in 2016 - Jessie Wardarski/AP Yet for all the 78-year-olds brashness, and tendency to become embroiled in controversy, Republicans say the root of his appeal to the evangelical movement is quite simple: he delivered for its followers during his one term in office. As a result, the received wisdom is they will turn out for Trump come election time perhaps in even greater numbers than before, energised by the assassination attempt. It is estimated that 81 per cent of Christian conservatives supported him against Hillary Clinton in 2016. I fully expect Trump to get about 80 per cent of the white evangelical vote again, says Fea. Its a mystery to many commentators Gary Bauer, the president of the conservative advocacy group American Values and a former presidential candidate himself, was appointed by Trump to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and frequently met with him in the White House. He acknowledges the contradictions inherent in the relationship between the Republican candidate and his religious base, but says its the former presidents actions, as much as any of his words, that have won over the evangelical movement. Its a mystery to many commentators why someone with Donald Trumps mixed history would be a favourite of conservative Christians and evangelicals. It goes back to policy, he says. In 2016, a lot of conservatives and evangelicals were not happy with the Republican establishment that wanted our vote on election day, but it wasnt the thing they cared about when they spent their political capital. And then former president Trump started reaching out to Christian leaders and pastors, and he often asked us, How can there be so many Christians in America and yet you dont seem to have much influence? It was an entirely different approach and it endeared him to many people. Across Supreme Court appointments, religious liberty, educational reform, parental rights and the sanctity of life, he was willing to say the right things to the rest of the country, not just in private to us, and the four years of his presidency reinforced all that. Religious liberty is in the strongest position on the Supreme Court than it has been for 50 years and he was aggressive in defending Christians abroad and speaking out on Christian persecution. Pro-God, Pro-Trump merchandise was out on display at the Republican National Convention on Monday - Leon Neal/Getty For Julienne Davis, the Christian actress and writer who appeared alongside Tom Cruise in Stanley Kubricks film Eyes Wide Shut and is one of Hollywoods leading Republicans, it is actions such as these and Trumps overarching vision for America that seals his relationship with the religious Right. Trump might be, frankly, a bit of a cad but Christian conservatives see him as a patriot who truly believes in America and loves the idea of freedom, says Davis. I wouldnt call Trump overtly religious, though he is anti-abortion. But its about raising national morale and saving America and American culture. Others cite the opposition in accounting for the steadfast evangelical loyalty to Trump. Not only do we have the most conservative Supreme Court in decades but the Democrat Party has more than ever been taken over by radical Left-wingers who in both values and actions are diametrically opposed to evangelicals, says Ken Danieli, a Republican political analyst and former brand strategist for Pepsi. Trump is laissez-faire about a lot of social issues but hes not going to be for children having sex changes or men competing in womens sports. Some Democrats like those things, he adds. They [evangelicals] see Trump as the opposite of the enemy which is the radical Left-wing Marxist politics that has taken over universities and corporations. Trump has tended to avoid getting into specifics when asked about his own Christian beliefs - Jim West/Alamy Of course, not every evangelical minister is on the Trump train. Heidi Neumark, a pastor who runs the Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan, was so appalled by Trumps attitude to migration and minorities that shortly after the 2016 election she staged a Christmas pageant in her church with King Herod wearing a blonde wig, resembling the then president. Only God knows the details and depths of Trumps spiritual life, but what Trump says and does publicly disavows every core teaching Jesus set forth in the Sermon on the Mount, Neumark wrote in her book Sanctuary. But while twice-divorced Trump may have never exactly personified devoutness, he has been less sacrilegious than his enemies might claim. He may have colloquially described Communion in 2015 as when I drink my little wine, which is about the only wine I drink, and have my little cracker, but he has also said the Bible means a lot to me albeit while cannily refusing to get into specifics when questioned about his favourite verse. And with what some might think of as uncharacteristic humility, given Trumps grand pronouncements about his bestselling 1987 memoir The Art of the Deal, he once said of the Bible, Certainly, it is the book. (The only time Christ is cited in The Art of the Deal is when he recounts his father chastising his mother for watching Elizabeth IIs coronation in 1953. For Christs sake, Mary, hed say, Trump recalled. Enough is enough, turn it off. Theyre all a bunch of con artists.) In his political life, meanwhile, insiders say Trump has assiduously cultivated evangelical power brokers such as televangelist Paula White. [White] really helped in brokering access to [leading religious leaders] and that meant he got support from the likes of Jerry Falwell Jr, Ralph Reed and Franklin Graham before the 2016 election, says a former Trump aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. Christian voters in the US often point to Trump's stance on abortion to explain their support for him - Ben Von Klemperer/Alamy Still, faith-based initiatives in the White House werent always smooth sailing. There was the surreal occasion in 2017 when the then president, honouring St Patricks Day at an event with Enda Kenny, the then Irish taoiseach, read out an Irish proverb (Always remember to forget the friends that have proved untrue/But never forget to remember those that have stuck by you) only for it to subsequently emerge that the Irish proverb was reportedly written by the Nigerian poet Albashir Adam Alhassan. Trump did, however, establish the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative led by White to give spiritual leaders a voice in government. Bauer says he advised Trump on the US-Israel alliance and moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem. In return, he would call on evangelical conservatives for support in crucial moments. Shortly after a bombshell story broke in 2017 concerning a meeting between leading Trump campaign officials and a Russian lawyer, salvation came from Johnnie Moore, a pastor and president of The Congress of Christian Leaders, who tweeted a picture of himself and other evangelical leaders laying their hands on the president. The post went viral and helped deflect attention away from the stories of alleged Russian collusion that were dominating the news agenda. Such public support has only intensified in the aftermath of the assassination attempt. Commenting on the Pennsylvania rally shooting in his sermon last Sunday, Moore said: What we saw was an actual miracle we need to join together in praying for another miracle: God will help our nation to embrace a political debate on the basis of ideas, not the demonisation of individuals. Trump himself said: God alone prevented the unthinkable from happening while he was on the campaign trail. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness, he wrote in a social media post on Monday. A former Trump aide suggests this will be a theme carried through the Republican National Convention currently taking place in Milwaukee. There will likely be many comparisons made between Trump and Jesus during the RNC and beyond over leaders persecuted to the point of death. I doubt former president Trump will be seeking to discourage those comparisons. What is certain is that, for now, nobody can foresee Trump losing his stronghold on the evangelical vote. Even those who have reservations about Trump because of his character issues will still hold their nose and vote for him because they cannot imagine voting for Biden because of the presidents views on abortion and sexual identity, says Fea. I am not sure that there is anything Trump can do at this point that will cause conservative evangelicals to abandon him. Yahoo UK's poll of the week lets you vote and indicate your strength of feeling on one of the week's hot topics. After 72 hours the poll closes and, each Friday, we'll publish and analyse the results, giving readers the chance to see how polarising a topic has become and if their view chimes with other Yahoo UK readers. Former US president Donald Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention with a bandage on his ear after being wounded in an assassination attemp. (AFP via Getty Images) (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images) Donald Trump is now the heavy favourite to win the US presidential election later this year. It has been a remarkable few weeks for the former president, who lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. Initially, the numerous legal issues facing Trump suggested he'd face an uphill battle in the presidential election - however polls indicate that even his criminal conviction in the hush money case has not affected support from his base. And just last week, Trump was handed a legal victory by a Florida judge, who dismissed the US Justice Department's classified documents case against the former president. Biden's disappointing performance in the first televised debate between the pair led to many Democrats calling for the president to drop out of the race over concerns about his age and ability, which has also given Republicans a confidence boost ahead of the November polls. And finally, Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, and his defiant punching of the air as blood dripped across his face has already become the defining image of this election. On Monday, Trump arrived at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to be formally crowned the party's nominee for president, and received a rapturous welcome as he appeared with a bandaged ear. He also announced his running mate and vice-presidential pick, Ohio senator JD Vance, once a critic of Trump but now one of his closest allies. All of this has made Trump the hot favourite to return to the presidency - on betting aggregate website Oddschecker, he is currently at 4/11, with Biden on 9/2 and vice-president Kamala Harris, who many Democrats want to replace Biden, at 11/1. But who do you think will win the US election? Have your say below. This poll has now closed. Come back on Friday to read the results and analysis via the link below. Read more of Yahoo UK's Poll of the Week articles Nigel Farage was pictured apparently covered in banana milkshake during his general election campaign (AFP/Getty/EPA) A woman has appeared in court after a milkshake was thrown over Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during his campaign to become an MP. Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, is accused of assault by beating and criminal damage after Mr Farage appeared to be doused in the banana drink on the general election campaign trail last month. Bowen, of St Osyth Road in Clacton, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges. The 60-year-old politician, who went on to win his seat as an MP for Clacton, was seen with the yellow drink splattered on his blue suit as he boarded his campaign bus in the Essex town on 4 June. Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Westminster Magistrates Court Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire) The alleged incident happened as he left the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoons pub, having earlier addressed supporters at a rally in the town after announcing he would stand for election in the constituency. Prosecutors say 30 of criminal damage was caused to a jacket belonging to James Woolfenden. Caroline Liggins, partner at Hodge Jones & Allen, the law firm representing Bowen, said: My client strongly protests her innocence and looks forward to fighting these unjust charges in court. Bowen was released on unconditional bail to appear before the same court for trial on 21 October. Reform leader Nigel Farage in Clacton, Essex (James Manning/PA Wire) Last month, 28-year-old Josh Greally admitted throwing a coffee cup and another item at Mr Farage as he campaigned on his battle bus in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on 11 June. Greally, of Damsbrook Drive, Clowne, Derbyshire, appeared before a district judge at Barnsley Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence. He will be sentenced on 28 August at the same court. The court hearing comes after Mr Farage previously had a milkshake thrown at him in a separate incident five years ago. He was on a campaign walkabout in Newcastle in 2019 when he had a 5.25 Five Guys banana and salted caramel milkshake thrown at him. Baroness Falkner, chairman of the EHRC, says it would be discriminatory to extend the definition of "woman" to men who self-identify as women - Paul Grover for The Telegraph Companies can legally block trans women from taking jobs intended only for women, the equalities watchdog has ruled. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said that if an employer wanted to advertise for a woman-only job, that must only mean biological women or those who have received a gender-recognition certificate. It would therefore be discriminatory to extend the definition of woman to men who self-identify as women. Baroness Falkner, chairman of the EHRC, warned that her watchdog would take action against employers who breached the guidelines. As Britains equality regulator, we have a duty to promote and uphold Britains equality laws, she said. Those publishing job adverts must be familiar with their obligations under equality law. They can feel confident that our updated guidance will help them to comply with the law. Employers should also be aware that the EHRC will take action to uphold the Equality Act. Where we are made aware of potential misapplication of Schedule 9 provisions, we will continue to assess and take action to resolve these on a case-by-case basis. The guidance was welcomed by womens rights campaigners, including Nic Williams, director of Fair Play for Women, who said: We welcome this new guidance that makes clear that men who self-identity as women are not female and should not be recruited as such. We have been reporting rogue employers who misuse the law by advertising for self-identifying women to fill women-only roles. That means males doing jobs reserved for females. That is unfair on the women who apply and the people who rely on a woman being in that role for reasons of privacy, dignity and safety. This sets out that self-ID is not the law The new guidance updates previous advice on placing or publishing advertisements for women-only jobs. Examples of jobs where it is legal to restrict the role to a woman include a position in a refuge for rape survivors, or domestic violence hostel. A discriminatory advert is one which restricts jobs, goods, services or facilities to people with a protected characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010. They are unlawful except in very limited circumstances where the Equality Act specifically allows such a restriction. The refreshed guidance provides greater clarity around occupational requirements, under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, where an employer can require a job applicant or employee to have a particular protected characteristic if it is necessary for the role. The EHRC said it had seen evidence that some employers have incorrectly applied occupational requirement exceptions, and that there was a particular lack of clarity about the law where the protected characteristic is sex. The updated guidance makes clear that where an occupational requirement relates to sex, the law says this means a persons legal sex as recorded on their birth certificate or gender-recognition certificate. Maya Forstater, chief executive of womens rights charity Sex Matters, said: We welcome this long overdue guidance from the EHRC which sets out that self-ID is not the law. Womens-rights campaigners have been complaining to the EHRC for years about ads for female-only jobs and services that say they will accept men who identify as women. Employers can only restrict a service or a job to women with good reason, and it is never appropriate for men to try to access these services, regardless of how they dress, or whether they have a piece of paper claiming theyre women. Maya Forstater, chief executive of women's rights charity Sex Matters, welcomed the EHRC's new guidance - Getty Images/Martin Pope Ms Williams however was disappointed that the guidance allowed those with gender-recognition certificates to apply for womens jobs. This highlights the absurdity of a law that expects a woman to waive her need for privacy or safety simply because a man gets a certificate, she said. The new Labour Government wants to make it even easier for men to get these certificates. This is why Starmer must heed calls to clarify that sex means biological sex in the Equality Act. Otherwise when you next ask for a women to perform your intimate examination you might get a man with a certificate doing it. Verizon is reportedly exploring options to sell thousands of its mobile network towers in the US, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. According to sources, the telecom giant already hired advisers to look for potential buyers for roughly 5,000 to 6,000 cell towers scattered across the US. The sale is estimated to generate Verizon at least $3 billion as it poses to increase investments in other services and departments as it did when it sold 11,000 towers to America Tower in 2015. The sources did not name any potential buyer as the sale deliberations are still in preliminary stages, although Verizon expects infrastructure firms and "strategic buyers" to be among its primary bidders. Verizon Leverages Generative AI in Data Service Operations While sources did not give the exact reason for the sale, Verizon's recent financial decisions indicate a pattern of where the company intends to head soon. Earlier in June, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg hinted at plans of adopting generative AI into their customer service operations 'so I can match your call with the right agent." Vestberg claimed utilizing the technology, which first gained popularity in late 2021, could help the company retain 100,000 customers. Using generative AI, however, would require the company to invest huge sums of money, a resource Verizon is facing difficulties as it struggles with its billion-dollar debt. Selling cell towers is nothing new with telecom companies with AT&T, which at the time is at its highest debt in years, finalizing a similar deal in 2013 to upgrade its network to lead wireless data services. Also Read : Verizon Leans Towards AI to Adopt Growing Internet Demands Verizon Selling its Cell Towers: How it Will Affect Customers? Short answer: not much. Even if Verizon sold off its cell towers, Verizon customers can still access the data network in the area as the company will most likely still lease the tower to continue its services. It is also highly unlikely that connection quality would change, although the repair response may vary depending on the selected buyer. Odeon has said it will open a string of its upmarket, so-called Luxe cinemas this year, amid hopes of a bumper second half of 2024 for film releases. The UKs largest cinema chain will launch Luxe venues featuring reclining seats and, in some cases, VIP beds with enough space for three people to lie down in Peterborough, Norwich and Uxbridge, as part of a cash injection into its cinema estate. The Peterborough venue, set over 25,000 sq ft, is a new opening with eight screens, while Norwich and Uxbridge are refurbishments to existing cinema sites. Odeon said the investment was partly in anticipation of a strong period for blockbuster releases, with several hotly anticipated movies coming out in the same period because of movie industry strikes last year. Disneys title Inside Out 2, which had its UK release last month, is expected to be Odeons most successful animated film since the pandemic, the cinema chain said. Meanwhile, film-goers are expected to flock to screenings of big releases including Gladiator II, Deadpool & Wolverine and Joker in the latter months of 2024. Odeon, which has about 280 cinemas across Europe and is owned by US giant AMC Theatres, did not include a figure for how much it was spending on the openings. It comes as rival Cineworld was reported on Tuesday to be in talks with its commercial landlords about its plans to axe up to a quarter of its UK cinema estate. Sky News reported on Tuesday that landlords including Landsec and Legal & General were in discussions with the firm about a restructuring plan. Suzie Welch, Odeons UK managing director, said: We are delighted to have made a series of investments into expanding and upgrading our cinema estate and cant wait to welcome guests to discover our best-in-class experience. These refurbishments reflect our long-term commitment to building our reputation as a trusted and valued tenant of choice for our landlords as well as our relentless focus on making movies better by driving innovation in the big-screen experience. Updated guidance has been published around when job adverts can exclude transgender people after campaigners complained some employers were misusing the law. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published updated guidance on discriminatory adverts after reports of some organisations advertising for those who self-identify as female to fill what campaigners described as women-only roles. The regulator said it recognised the need for clarity around the use of particular legal exemptions and that employers can feel confident the updated guidelines will help them to comply with the law. This new guidance is a step in the right direction. It bars the majority of men who identity as women from getting jobs reserved for women. Most transgender males do not have a GRC. But it leaves open a loophole for a small number to access these jobs with a GRC. More progress is FairPlayForWomen (@fairplaywomen) July 16, 2024 Campaign group Fair Play For Women, which describes itself as working to protect the rights of women and girls in the UK, welcomed the guidance as a step in the right direction but said a loophole remained. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the group said the new guidance makes clear men who self-identity as women are not female and should not be recruited as such. The organisation added: This makes it fairer on the women who apply and the people who rely on a woman being in that role for reasons of privacy, dignity and safety. However, this new guidance also says men who change their legal status to female by obtaining a GRC (gender recognition certificate) can be recruited into a female role. This highlights the absurdity of a law that expects a woman to waive her need for privacy or safety simply because a man gets a certificate. The group said it had been reporting rogue employers each time they misuse the law by advertising for self-identifying women to fill women-only roles. In the guidance, published on Tuesday, the commission gave an example of an applicant for a role within specialist support services for women, such as a rape counsellor, being required to be someone recorded as female at birth or a transgender woman with a GRC. But the commission said there was also an option to exclude transgender people where it is objectively justified, and this can include those who have obtained a GRC. It stated that transgender women who have not obtained a GRC do not have legal status as women under the Equality Act 2010. Campaigners called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take seriously calls to clarify that sex means biological sex in the Equality Act (Alastair Grant/PA) Another example given is of a public changing-room attendant being required to be the same sex as the people using the facilities. The guidance said: The requirement is intended to achieve the legitimate aim of protecting the privacy and dignity of services users. It is likely to be proportionate as there is unlikely to be a less discriminatory way of doing so. It may therefore be lawful. Baroness Kishwer Falkner, EHRC chairwoman, said: As Britains equality regulator, we have a duty to promote and uphold Britains equality laws. We recognise the need for clarity regarding the lawful use of the occupational requirement exemptions set out in Schedule 9 of the Equality Act. So we have taken action to provide it. Those publishing job adverts must be familiar with their obligations under equality law. They can feel confident that our updated guidance will help them to comply with the law. Employers should also be aware that the EHRC will take action to uphold the Equality Act. Where we are made aware of potential misapplication of Schedule 9 provisions, we will continue to assess and take action to resolve these on a case-by-case basis. Fair Play For Women said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer must take seriously calls to clarify that sex means biological sex in the Equality Act. In its election manifesto, Labour pledged to modernise, simplify, and reform the intrusive and outdated gender recognition law to a new process while also stating pride in the Equality Act and the rights and protections it affords women. The party added: We will continue to support the implementation of its single-sex exceptions. The West faces a deadly quartet of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, the head of the Governments root-and-branch defence review has warned. Former Nato chief Lord Robertson of Port Ellen said the four states were increasingly working together. Vladimir Putin has relied on supplies from the states to wage his war in Ukraine, with Iranian drones, North Korean munitions and Chinese components sustaining his ability to attack despite Western sanctions. The strategic defence review launched by Sir Keir Starmers administration will examine how to strengthen UK homeland security, bolster Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and modernise and maintain the nuclear deterrent. Sir Keir Starmer has set a goal of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2030 (Benjamin Cremel/PA) It will also set out a roadmap on how to reach Sir Keirs target of spending 2.5% of gross domestic product a measure of the size of the economy on defence. Former prime minister Rishi Sunak had set a 2030 goal for spending 2.5%, at a cumulative cost of 75 billion over six years, but the new Labour administration has yet to commit to a timetable. The co-operation between Mr Putin and his allies has alarmed Western leaders, with Natos summit in Washington last week declaring that Beijing and Moscow had a deepening strategic partnership while Iran and North Korea are fuelling Russias war of aggression. The Washington summit declaration said China had become a decisive enabler of the Russian war effort through the supply of components to the defence industry. Lord Robertson told reporters: Were confronted by a deadly quartet of nations increasingly working together, and we in this country, and the Nato alliance that met so successfully last week, has got to be able to confront that particular quartet as well as the other problems that are pervading the world at the present moment. Sir Keir Starmer met Nato allies in Washington on his first trip as Prime Minister (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The Labour peer, a former Nato secretary general and defence secretary, will work with former US presidential advisor Fiona Hill and ex-joint forces command chief General Sir Richard Barrons. The Prime Minister said: We live in a more dangerous and volatile world. My Government will forge a new clear-eyed approach to our national defences, equipping us to tackle international threats head-on while keeping the British people safe and secure. As part of the process, a defence review team will be established to engage with serving and retired members of the armed forces, the defence industry, the general public, academics, Parliament and the UKs allies. Defence Secretary John Healey will oversee the review and he will be regularly updated on progress, in addition to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor. Mr Healey said: At the start of a new era for Britain, we need a new era for defence. Hollowed-out armed forces, procurement waste and neglected morale cannot continue. In response, our armed forces need to be better ready to fight, more integrated and more innovative. We need clearer accountability, faster delivery, less waste and better value for money. The review will ensure that defence is central to the future security of Britain and to its economic growth and prosperity. Labours manifesto had committed to conduct the review within its first year in office, but Sir Keir wants the work to be completed much sooner. Students waiting for exam results should explore all options and plan ahead to put themselves in the strongest position, Ucas and Ofqual bosses have said. Ahead of A-level results day next month, students have been told there will be plenty of choices in clearing which matches applicants to university places yet to be filled if they miss out on their expected grades. The normal arrangements for grading will continue for GCSEs and A-levels in England this year, Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham and Ucas chief executive Jo Saxton said. A letter from the heads of the exams regulator and university admissions service said: This means that a student who would have achieved a certain grade last year should be just as likely to achieve that grade this summer. A-level and GCSE results were brought back to pre-pandemic levels in England last year. It came after Covid-19 led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams. The letter from Sir Ian and Dr Saxton said students can put themselves in the strongest position by exploring all the options available to them and planning ahead of results day. It added that students will receive an email from Ucas on A-level results day specifically tailored to them which will set out possible next steps and options they may want to consider. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. Students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and also those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. Last summer, former Ucas boss Clare Marchant said the competition for university places was expected to increase every year due to a rising number of 18-year-olds in the population. The letter from Sir Ian and Dr Saxton said: If you want to keep your options open or do not get the grades you were expecting, there are still plenty of choices in clearing. Last year, around one in five of accepted applicants achieved or exceeded their predicted grades. Yet over 80% of UK 18-year-olds applying to Ucas secured a place at university or college. It added: Clearing offers choice and flexibility to all students, regardless of whether you receive predicted, better or lower grades. A record 39,620 UK 18-year-olds secured a place using clearing in 2023. This year, there will be tens of thousands of choices on offer. Parts of the UK could see temperatures rise to 30C at the weekend after well above-average rainfall figures in the first half of the month. But before the mini-heatwave arrives in the South East of England at the end of the week, the country faces a weather warning in south-east Scotland and north-east England on Tuesday evening. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain in that area, with some places receiving 15-20mm in as little as an hour and 30-40mm over several hours. Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said that could affect driving conditions, along with there being a risk of thunder and lightning. Heavy showers developing across the northeast with the risk of thunder Lighter showers and sunny spells further south with the brightest of the conditions in the southwest pic.twitter.com/GTmvkz5cIz Met Office (@metoffice) July 16, 2024 Elsewhere in England and Wales, temperatures were set to rise on Tuesday with an improving picture over the coming days, and more sunshine for many. By Friday, temperatures in London and the South East could reach 30C before milder conditions return on Sunday. Ms Maxey said night-time temperatures could stay in the low 20s for parts of south-east England officially classified as tropical nights if they do not drop below 20C with there being health implications for the elderly or infirm. She said there was still uncertainty over how soon the milder conditions would come in, with the possibility that the South East could retain its heat a little longer than elsewhere. High pressure in the east draws up warmer air form the continent over the next few days Temperatures will peak at around 30 Celsius in parts of the southeast by Friday A frontal system pushes the warm air away through Sunday where temperatures will fall towards the low 20s pic.twitter.com/CGJc9Ll7Qg Met Office (@metoffice) July 16, 2024 Meanwhile, parts of the country have already well-exceeded Julys average rainfall figures despite only being halfway through the month. The Met Office spokesperson said England had 97% of Julys average rainfall between July 1 and 15, Wales had 65%, Scotland 49% and Northern Ireland 47%. London has had 154% of its July average already and Dorset 120%. Edinburgh has only had 40% and Dundee 33%. Ms Maxey said: There are quite big regional differences but overall its looking like a wet month so far. Conditions were damp at Royal Troon on Scotlands west coast where Spains Jon Rahm was among the players preparing for this weeks Open golf championship (Jane Barlow/PA) There is a caveat that, with a dry couple of weeks, by the end of the month things could even themselves out. She said that two or three heavy downpours often caused much of a locations July rainfall totals, rather than a prolonged period of wet weather. St Swithins Day on Monday traditionally said to predict the next 40 days of weather was another wet one for much of England and Wales. But the Met Office said conditions next week would be changeable rather than just rainy, with temperatures close to average. TUV leader Jim Allister is to support Reform UK in Parliament on the issues that formed the basis of the two parties General Election alliance. Mr Allister said that under the arrangement, he will continue to be a TUV MP in the House of Commons and will be entitled to the speaking rights afforded to party leaders. The newly-elected North Antrim MP outlined his intention to only follow the Reform whip on certain specific issues as he formally unveiled party colleague Timothy Gaston as his co-opted successor as an Assembly member at Stormont. The TUV and Reform UK signed a memorandum of understanding in March that saw them campaigning on a joint platform in the General Election. The pact outlined a number of agreed positions, including on taxation, immigration policy and the removal of post-Brexit economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Jim Allister defeated Ian Paisley in the North Antrim election race (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Allister told reporters at Stormont on Tuesday that he would support Reform UK on those issues in the Commons. In terms of the parliamentary situation, the answer going forward is found in the memorandum of understanding that my party entered with Reform at our party conference back in March, he said. That not only bound us to the mutual defence of certain principles and stands, it also included within that an indication that any MPs elected would pursue a common whip in pursuit of those unifying issues. Therefore, I would anticipate that being fulfilled insofar as the issues that were identified within the memorandum of understanding are concerned. So, the way it would work would be something like this: I would anticipate taking the Reform whip on those agreed issues, but I will continue as the TUV Member of Parliament for North Antrim. I would continue to be the TUV MP and leader in the House of Commons, so the two will work in tandem. The TUV/Reform UK electoral alliance was thrown into confusion during the campaign when Nigel Farage, shortly after taking over the Reform leadership, declared his personal backing for two DUP candidates in the election, including Ian Paisley who was running against Mr Allister in North Antrim. Despite that episode, Mr Allister defeated Mr Paisley in the shock result of the election in Northern Ireland. Mr Gaston was a Mid and East Antrim councillor and previously served as deputy mayor for the council region. Timothy is no stranger to the rough and tumble of politics, said Mr Allister. He has been a councillor for 11 years first at Ballymena Borough Council and then in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council where he has been the scourge of squander and the scourge of mismanagement. Therefore, he has had a long and effective apprenticeship in terms of facing down the scourge and mismanagement of this place (Stormont), which will even excel that of the councils. So I wish to wish him well. I leave this place with mixed feelings, but honoured by the people of North Antrim to be sent to represent them in the mother of parliaments, where I will seek to do that as I sought to represent them here. Timothy Gaston said he would not shy away from asking hard questions at Stormont (David Young/PA) Mr Gaston said people should expect much more of the same when he takes on Mr Allisters role in the Assembly. I certainly will not be found wanting in asking the hard questions, he said. The hard work will continue on that and I will not shy away from asking the hard questions and challenging those of squander, challenging those that have let down unionism, and therell be much more of the same. The election results necessitated four co-options at Stormont to replace departing MPs. In Lagan Valley, Alliance councillor Michelle Guy was selected to replace Sorcha Eastwood. In North Antrim, UUP councillor Colin Crawford was chosen to replace Robin Swann who was elected as MP in South Antrim, while independent unionist MP for North Down Alex Easton selected DUP councillor Peter Martin for his Assembly seat. Mr Allister said he was surprised and disappointed by Mr Eastons decision to select a DUP representative to take his seat. The TUV and DUP had jointly given their backing to Mr Easton in the campaign. I was surprised and disappointed, because Mr Easton had given myself and Ben Habib (former Reform deputy leader) a very clear undertaking that any successor would be an independent and it turns out not to be so, said Mr Allister on Tuesday. I think its for Mr Easton to explain why he departed from that undertaking and whether he had given any contrary undertaking to others, of which this may have been the manifestation. I think it is for Mr Easton to explain all that. Mr Allister said he would be very wary about backing Mr Easton in any future election. On Monday, Mr Habib said a wider parliamentary alignment of unionist representatives from Northern Ireland with Reform UK MPs would deliver a really big positive for the union. Mr Habib said a backbench alliance comprising Reforms five MPs, Mr Allister, the five DUP MPs, the UUPs Mr Swann and independent Mr Easton could create a powerful voice for unionism in the House of Commons. Mr Allister was asked about the suggestion on Tuesday. I think as an ideal that would be desirable, but that depends upon all other component parts, he said. I would be pleasantly surprised if that came about, but I think the stronger the voice of unionism, those who are unashamedly unionist, the stronger that voice is in the Commons, and indeed in the Lords, the better, and the more organised and unified it is, the better as well. But I cant deliver for others. I can only speak for myself. Unions are expecting the Kings Speech to deliver a huger boost to workers rights and other employment measures promised by Labour in the run-up to the general election. An Employment Bill is set to feature in the raft of planned legislation unveiled by the new government on Wednesday. Measures are expected to include a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire policies, improvements to statutory sick pay and the minimum wage, and day-one rights to protection from unfair dismissal. The Bill will largely be based on the New Deal for Working People, a policy document Labour promoted in the run-up to the general election. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said: Its vital that the Kings Speech contains substantial and oven ready legislation to deliver Labours New Deal for Working People. Words alone are not enough. Working people rightly expect Keir Starmer to use the Kings Speech to clearly map out a specific timescale for fulfilling the manifesto commitment and repeated promises made ahead of the general election on workers rights. Mr Wrack also stressed the importance of Labour repealing the Minimum Service Levels Act, which the previous Conservative Government introduced with the aim of ensuring a minimum level of service during strikes in sectors such as transport and the NHS. He added: Unions have been working with Labour officials and shadow ministers for years to prepare the New Deal ahead of Labour entering office. Labour must use its massive Commons majority to get these pernicious laws off the statute book quickly. Paddy Lillis, general secretary of the shopworkers union Usdaw, said: We now have a government that will make a real difference to the lives of our members and all workers. Usdaw would like to see an employment bill that delivers the promised new deal for workers to make work pay, which includes transformative policies to turn the minimum wage into a genuine living wage, remove discriminatory age bands and deliver new rights to make work more secure. The Tories dither and delay on retail crime left thousands of shop workers needlessly suffering physical and mental injury. We look forward to Labour delivering a much-needed protection of shop workers law, ending the indefensible 200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals; and funding more uniformed officers patrolling shopping areas along with town centre banning orders for repeat offenders. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said the measures will re-set the workplace and lead to improved productivity. He told the PA news agency the Bill would be transformative for workers and was supported by the public and good employers. Most good employers dont use zero-hours contracts or hire and rehire staff, so this will level the playing field, he said. Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), said: The Governments move to strengthen workers rights will provide hope and reassurance for many millions of people. A ban on zero-hours contracts is long overdue. Such contracts make workers increasingly vulnerable in terms of their physical and mental health, as they add a huge degree of uncertainty around the duration of employment and unpredictable working hours. Meanwhile, improvements to statutory sick pay will go a long way to preventing people from returning to work too soon which can also contribute to long-term impacts on their health. Vaughan Gething proud of record despite being forced from office Vaughan Gething insisted he was proud of his actions as First Minister after announcing he will quit just four months into the role following scandals and bitter Labour infighting. Appearing in the Senedd after bowing to pressure and announcing he will resign, Mr Gething said he had done nothing wrong. Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd in June following rows over his decision to sack Hannah Blythyn as a minister and a furore about donations he took while running to be Welsh Labour leader. The co-operation deal with Plaid Cymru which Labour relied on for a majority collapsed over the rows. Mr Gething was only elected to the role in March and in a statement said he had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership but I recognise that this is not possible. In a defiant message, he denied any wrongdoing: My integrity matters. I have not compromised it. I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. He echoed that message in the Senedd chamber at First Ministers Questions, saying: Im proud of my record in all the things I have done before coming here and since coming here in 11 years as being a minister. Im sad that today sees the start of that process coming to an end, but I remain full of optimism of what this place can do and what Welsh Labour leadership can provide to my country and all the people who are proud to call Wales their home. Mr Gething, who became the first black leader of a European nation when he replaced Mark Drakeford as First Minister, said it had been an honour and privilege to show under-represented communities that there is a place for them, for us. I want to thank Vaughan Gething for his service as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and as First Minister of Wales. pic.twitter.com/82ToNR0H56 Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 16, 2024 Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Gething had made the difficult decision because he feels it is the best decision now for Wales. On Tuesday morning, four ministers including Mr Gethings former leadership rival Jeremy Miles resigned and called for him to quit. Mr Miles, Mick Antoniw, Julie James and Lesley Griffiths posted their resignation letters online in an open show of discontent with Mr Gethings leadership. In her resignation letter, Julie James told Vaughan Gething that she feared Welsh devolution would be at risk if he continued (Julie James/PA) Mr Gething has been under pressure over a 200,000 donation to his campaign from Dauson Environmental Group, which is owned by David Neal, who has twice been convicted of environmental offences. It also raised questions about a possible conflict of interest as the money came from a company which was loaned 400,000 by the Welsh government-owned Development Bank of Wales at a time when Mr Gething had been economy minister, although he was not involved in decisions relating to the firm based in his constituency. This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family, Mr Gething said. A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue. In 11 years as a minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities. His sacking of social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn added to the controversies around Mr Gethings leadership. She was fired over the alleged leak of messages relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. The news website Nation.Cymru has denied that she was the source of the leaked messages, which showed Mr Gething claiming he would delete all correspondence from an iMessage group of Welsh ministers. Mr Gething said he has never tried to claim she was the direct source for a Nation.Cymru story on the contents of the ministerial iMessage chat. Shortly before his resignation, Mr Gething published further evidence including a screenshot which he said showed it was the messages on Ms Blythyns phone which were leaked. But Mr Gethings position was untenable after Tuesdays ministerial resignations. Mr Miles, who quit as economy secretary, told Mr Gething: Its essential that we begin to repair the damage immediately, and I have reached the conclusion very regrettably that this cannot happen under your leadership. Serving in the Welsh Government has been an immense privilege and solemn responsibility. It is with deep sadness that I resign today. pic.twitter.com/QqhIDNNxqg Jeremy Miles (@Jeremy_Miles) July 16, 2024 Hefin David, one of the First Ministers staunchest supporters on the Labour benches in the Senedd, said Mr Gething has acted with incredible dignity but now was the time for him to go so that we can focus on policy. He said: I think hes done what he thinks is in the best interest of Wales, thats his choice. Naturally, as a supporter of Vaughan, Im disappointed. What we have to do is unite and deliver for the people of Wales along the lines of the cost of living, the NHS, education, but really importantly Tata Steel. Plaid Cymrus leader Rhun ap Iorwerth demanded a snap election rather than allow Labour to choose another first minister to go through the revolving door of chaos. He said: Labour has put party interests ahead of the interests of the nation for too long. The people of Wales must be given the opportunity to elect a new government and an election must be called. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: Vaughan Gethings resignation is long overdue. But there can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales. Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Davies objected to Plaids calls for a snap election. He argued that Welsh government rules would mean that another election would have to be called in 2026 and voters would not welcome two so close together. I think thats being very hot-headed in the current climate, he said. Because actually, what would happen would be that we could have an election now and then wed still have to have a full Senedd election in 2026. I dont think people want a full-blown general election here in Wales. What people want is clear leadership, direction of travel, and improvements in their everyday lives. A 16-year-old boy lost his temper and fatally stabbed a woman after she inhaled laughing gas last Christmas Eve, a court has heard. Kacey Clarke, 22, was allegedly stabbed in the chest by the youth during a row in a flat in Bermondsey, south-east London. Shortly before, the boy had been caught on CCTV audio threatening to ching her up, saying: Im going to kill you, jurors heard. Like the alleged victim, the boy was said to have a history of inhaling nitrous oxide commonly known as laughing gas. A search of his bedroom revealed a large collection of cannisters, the Old Bailey was told. After the killing, it is alleged that the youth hid the murder weapon a large knife in a railway arch where it was later discovered by a Thames Water workman. Opening his trial on Tuesday, Jane Osborne KC said the defendant had lost his temper with mother-of-one, Ms Clarke. The prosecutor said: They might have been arguing, they might even have been fighting, but that argument met a fatal end when (the defendant) armed himself with a very large knife and used it to stab (Ms Clarke). His intention to stab is nowhere more evident than on the audio footage which records him shouting that he is going to ching her up and kill her. Earlier, Ms Clarke had texted a relative, who got the impression she had been inhaling intoxicating substances, jurors heard. Ms Clarke told the relative that she had been taking balloons, which was slang for inhaling nitrous oxide, Ms Osborne said. When challenged about it, Ms Clarke allegedly told her relative she shouldnt be boring because it was Christmas. Another relative, texted to say Ms Clarke was buzzin like nothing, the court was told. Police and paramedics were called just after 10pm and found Ms Clarke was lying on the kitchen floor of the Bermondsey flat with a single stab wound to the chest. The defendant was arrested nearby around 45 minutes later. He had been wearing Croc shoes and blood was found on his bare toe, jurors were told. Clumps of his hair that appeared to have been ripped from the scalp were also recovered from the scene, the court heard. A broken lamp and picture frame were found on the floor of the living room as well as a bag of the clothes believed to belong to the victim beside two large 640g nitrous oxide cannisters, jurors were told. In a police interview, the defendant offered a prepared statement in which he said Ms Clarke had become angry that she could not find her car keys. She smashed a lamp and threw something at the defendant, hitting him on the side of the face, he said. A fight ensued with Ms Clarke grabbing his hair, he claimed. Ms Clarke then burst into a room holding a knife and the boy said he picked up a blade and waved it to create an invisible shield. He said he thought she was lying when she said she had been stabbed as he had no recollection of making contact, according to the statement. Ms Osborne asserted that the defendant intended to harm to Ms Clarke and hid the knife in the railway arches to cover his tracks. She suggested that an attempt to say he had no idea that he had stabbed Ms Clarke was almost certainly a lie. The defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, has claimed he acted in self-defence. He denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter. The Old Bailey trial continues. President Biden sat down for an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt on Monday in the aftermath of the shooting at a rally held by former President Trump that has shaken up the 2024 race for the White House. The president was pressed on his own rhetoric as he also called for Americans to cool down the temperature this campaign season. He was also questioned about his debate performance and the subsequent calls among Democrats for him to step aside. NBC aired the entirety of the roughly 18-minute interview with Biden, which took place at the White House on Monday afternoon during an action-packed first day of the Republican National Convention. Here are five notable moments from the interview. Biden, Trump had cordial conversation Biden described his conversation with Trump after the shooting as cordial and said it was largely about the presidents concern for his political rival after a bullet grazed his ear while speaking at the Pennsylvania rally. Very cordial. I told him how concerned I was and wanted to make sure I knew how he was actually doing. He sounded good, he said he was fine and he thanked me for calling, Biden said. I told him he was literally in the prayers of Jill and me, and I hope his whole family was weathering this. Biden and Trumps phone call took place Saturday night, just hours after the shooting. Biden told reporters earlier that night that he had tried to get a hold of Trump and hoped to speak with him. Since they spoke, first lady Jill Biden and former first lady Melania Trump also spoke on the phone. The president was attending church in Rehoboth, Del., at the time of the shooting. Holt asked him for his first reaction to the news of the incident and he responded, My first reaction was, My God. This is Look, theres so much violence now. Biden pushes back on Holts questions Biden at times sparred with Holt over his line of questioning, appearing frustrated and pressing the NBC News anchor on media coverage, particularly in the aftermath of the debate. At one point, Holt asked Biden if he would consider debating Trump again before the next scheduled debate on Sept. 10. If the opportunity came up to do one between now and then? Is there is there a sense of wanting to get back on the horse? Holt asked Biden toward the end of the interview, referring to doing another debate before September. Im on the horse. Where have you been? Biden pushed back. Ive done 22 major events, met thousands of people, overwhelming crowds. A lots happening. Im on the horse. During another part of the conversation in which Holt referred to remarks made by Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) about Biden, the president suggested Holt was skimming over remarks that Vance, a former Trump critic, had also made about the former president before becoming his 2024 running mate. [Vance] says some things about me, but see what he said about Trump, Biden said. Whats with you guys? Come on, man. It was perhaps one of Biden most notable pushbacks on the media in an interview with a news outlet, already coming at a sensitive time in his presidency as hes faced calls within his party to step down. He remained assertive during the interview, despite it producing some awkward moments. Sometimes, come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, Biden challenged Holt at the end of the conversation. Suggests bulls-eye remark was a mistake Biden suggested that it may have been a mistake to use the word bulls-eye while talking about Trump on a call with donors last week when Holt asked about the renewed attention around those remarks in the aftermath of the shooting. It was, it was a mistake to use the word. I didnt mean I didnt say crosshairs. I meant bulls-eye, I meant focus on him. Focus on what hes doing. Focus on, on his policies. Focus on the number of lies he told in the debate Biden said. On a call with donors last week, amid pressure from Democrats for him to drop out of the race, Biden said, Its time to put Trump in the bulls-eye. The president also pushed back when Holt asked if hes taken a step back and done any soul-searching on things he has said that could incite people who are not balanced. How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says? Biden said. Do you just not say anything because it might incite somebody? I have not engaged in that rhetoric. Trumps legal woes come up During the interview, the president said he was not surprised by Judge Aileen Cannons decision earlier in the day to dismiss Trumps case regarding his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. His answer quickly pivoted to the Supreme Courts immunity decision in which Justice Clarence Thomas questioned the legality of the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith. Cannon dismissed Trumps case by ruling that Smith had been appointed unlawfully. It comes from the immunity decision the Supreme Court. Clarence Thomas, in his dissent, said that independent prosecutors appointed by the attorney general arent legit. Thats the basis on which this judge moved to dismiss, Biden said. Thomas wrote as part of his concurrence, I write separately to highlight another way in which this prosecution may violate our constitutional structure. In this case, the Attorney General purported to appoint a private citizen as Special Counsel to prosecute a former President on behalf of the United States. Biden also brought up his own investigation involving classified documents that turned up at his home and an old office he used after he left the vice presidency. I had an independent prosecutor look at me. They spent months on my going through, and I was totally cooperative. In and out of my house, he explained. There were, like, 10, 12 agents in my house for nine hours unaccompanied going through every single thing I had. Thats appropriate. And they looked at me and concluded I didnt do a damn thing wrong. Biden shares thoughts on Vance Bidens interview with NBC took place just hours after Trump announced Vance would be his vice presidential pick on Day 1 of the Republican National Convention. Vance in the past heavily criticized Trump, describing him as a cynical ahole and Americas Hitler. Vance has since become a close Trump ally. Biden said he was not shocked by Vance as Trumps pick. Well, its not unusual. Hes going to surround himself with people who agree completely with him, have a voting record that support him. Even though, if you go back and listen to the things JD Vance said about Trump, Biden said, laughing. The president said Vance believes in no exceptions in banning abortion, supports Trumps plan for tax cuts and doesnt believe in climate change. The senator said in 2021 that two wrongs dont make a right when asked whether abortion laws should allow for exceptions for rape and incest, and he has minimized the threat of climate change, saying in 2022 the U.S. doesnt need to destroy the economy to deal with it. I mean, he signed on to the Trump agenda, which he should, if hes running with Trump, Biden added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The bullet aimed at Donald Trumps head Saturday, pierced America's psyche. "Whether you like (Trump) or not the violence is just out of control," Christine Ramos of Mason, Michigan, said. In Palm Beach, Florida, Matthew Swift hoped the attempted assassination was a wake-up call. "I truly hope this moment will bring about a reevaluation of the current tone of our politics and get us to shift to a much more positive and forward thinking place as a nation," Swift said. "I have spent my entire career traveling the world, and we all need to recognize just how lucky we all are to be Americans and hold ourselves to a higher standard. It's not yet clear how the assassination attempt may impact November's election, but it's reignited worries about the power of the words we use. Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, a professor of political science at the University of Akron and director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, said political scientists have been worried about the heat of American rhetoric and the rudeness people have expressed for more than a decade. BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Attendees duck from gunfire at a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at Butler Farm Show Inc. on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump slumped before being whisked away by Secret Service with injuries visible to the side of his head. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter and one audience member are dead and another was injured. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) It doesnt have to be this way, Strachan said. Political civility has the same markers and fulfills the same function as politeness does in our interpersonal relationships, Strachan said. The most important person to be polite to interpersonally is someone you dont get along with, right? On Monday, Trump charged ahead with his campaign in Milwaukee even as investigators four states away continued searching for the motive behind a Pennsylvania mans attempt to kill the former president. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a 20-year-old nursing home worker with a political contradiction: He was registered Republican, yet he gave $15 to liberal election group. The Secret Service shot and killed Crooks during the assassination attempt, so investigators are left sorting through what Crooks left behind, looking for clues about what drove him. Trump, whose ear was clipped by a bullet during the assassination attempt Saturday evening, used the opening day of the Republican National Convention to name Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice presidential running mate. Vance, once one of Trumps most scathing critics, has over the past two years become one of Trumps fiercest defenders. In the hours after the shooting at the Trump rally, Vance blamed President Joe Biden for the political violence. "Today is not just some isolated incident," Vance posted on X about two hours after the shooting. "The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination." Biden, during an Oval Office address Sunday, said "political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated" and asked all Americans to take a step back. On Monday, Biden told NBCs Lester Hold that Trump has amped up violent political rhetoric in this country. "How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says? Do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody?" Biden said. "Look, I've not engaged in that rhetoric. Now, my opponent has engaged in that rhetoric." Biden highlighted Trumps past comments about a "bloodbath" if he loses the 2024 election, his promise to pardon convicted Jan. 6 insurrectionists, and his jokes after Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was attacked by a home intruder with a hammer. Amid the back and forth, a moment of political civility emerged amid grief in the aftermath of the Pennsylvania shooting. The widow of Corey Comperatore, a fireman killed protecting his family during the Trump assassination attempt, declined a phone call from Biden out of deference to her husband, a staunch Republican. Yet Helen Comperatore said she holds no grudge against Biden, the New York Post reported. "I support Trump. Thats who Im voting for, but I dont have ill will towards Biden," Helen Comperatore said, according to the Post. "He didnt do anything bad to my husband. A 20-year-old despicable kid did." Contributing: Mark J. Price, Akron Beacon Journal, Haley Bemiller USA TODAY Network Ohio and Joey Garrison and William Ramsey of USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Americans ask if violent rhetoric led to Trump's assassination attempt Bar pros recommend their preferred cream of coconut, coconut cream, and coconut milk to use in the tropical favorite. Food & Wine The draws of a Pina Colada are endless. The swirls of bright, acidic pineapple and creamy coconut, tart lime, and the punch of rum this beachy drink is a balanced dance between a tangy tropical escape and nostalgic indulgence. While many consider rum the star player in a well-made Pina Colada, coconut does the real heavy lifting in the drink, uniting the acid, alcohol, sweetness, and structure. But what form of liquid coconut is best? Is it coconut milk, cream of coconut, or coconut cream? Related: What Is the Real Story Behind the Pina Colada? Coconut milk vs. coconut cream vs. cream of coconut While the names hint at similarities, these three products are quite different. Coconut cream is shredded and pressed coconut flesh. Coconut milk is the same, but contains more water, resulting in less overall fat thats why a thick layer of coconut cream separates the water in coconut milk. The richest of them all is cream of coconut, a syrupy sweet product typically used in dessert and beach drinks like, most famously, the Pina Colada. Traditional recipes frequently call for cream of coconut, while others lean on coconut milk for a lighter, creamy mouthfeel. We spoke to a range of bartenders about their preferred style of coconut to use in a Pina Colada. Though Coco Lopezs cream of coconut is thought of as the traditional choice, there are several alternatives that go beyond this favored option. Chaokoh Thai Coconut Milk I normally work with Thai coconut milk instead of a coconut cream, says Demi Natoli, the beverage director for Nashvilles White Limozeen. Thai coconut milk has a higher fat content, plus we can adjust the sugar to our liking a big benefit to avoid overly sweet or artificial tasting coconut, says Natoli. If she does use coconut cream, shell add coconut milk powder to amp up the coconut flavor. Michael Mesh, bartender at St. Roch Fine Oysters & Bar in Raleigh, North Carolina, makes his own cream of coconut from high-fat Thai coconut milk. Cream of coconut is essentially sweetened coconut milk, he says. So if you add sugar to high-fat coconut milk, bam, you have your own homemade cream of coconut. Pro Tip: Mesh likes to riff on the classic Pina Colada by adding bruleed banana-infused rum and a touch of espresso liqueur. It's called the Jungle Java on our brunch menu, he says. Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut If youre not keen on making your own cream of coconut, lean on Coco Lopez. Its the industry standard, says Mesh. Its roots lead back to Puerto Rico, where the national drink is the Pina Colada. If I cant make my cream of coconut myself, this is my favorite alternative. John Plascencia, bar manager at Lotte Hotel Seattle in Seattle, is also a Coco Lopez fan, and points out that it uses real Caribbean coconuts and natural cane sugar to build the sweetness. Using coconut milk can make the cocktail taste watered down, says Plascencia. Cream of coconut creates a creamier, silkier cocktail. Related: Pina Colada Aroy-D Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream Jose Medina Camacho, the co-owner and beverage director of Adiosin Birmingham, Alabama, uses a combination of Aroy-Ds coconut milk andcoconut cream in his Pina Coladas, plus Coco Lopez for sweetness, he says. Camacho follows a ratio of 2 parts coconut milk, 1 part coconut cream, and 1/2 part Coco Lopez cream of coconut. For an extra boost of flavor, he adds Chinese five-spice powder (a mixture of spices typically made up of cinnamon, star anise, black peppercorns, fennel and clove). [Aroy-Ds coconut milk] gets particularly fluffy when you add aeration, which makes for a fantasticColada, says Camacho. You can even use just the milk and still get a fluffy but light mouthfeel. Boiron Coconut Puree For blended Pina Coladas, instead of coconut milk or coconut cream, Plascencia prefers Boirons coconut puree. Its a great addition to [frozen] drinks, and comes in several flavors passionfruit, guava, morello cherry, or mango, he says. These purees use real fruit and sugar without additives or preservatives. Coco Real Cream of Coconut When it comes to cream of coconut my brand of choice is Coco Real, says Rob Husted, owner of Steel Tie Spirits Speakeasy and Cocktails4Hire, and the United States Bartenders Guilds Palm Beach president. Its in bartender-friendly squeeze bottles, which makes knocking out quality cocktails in a timely manner a breeze, says Husted. And each squeeze is approximately half an ounce, so I dont have to use or dirty up my jigger. It frees up my hands to serve guests faster. Coco Real is made with cane sugar and meat from hand-picked coconuts. Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream Adrian Lindsay, the bar manager of Missy Lane's Assembly Room in Durham, North Carolina, loves this coconut cream for traditional Pina Coladas because of the flavor and price, he says. Plus its organic. I prefer coconut cream over coconut milk because it offers a better mouth feel. Viscosity matters. Lindsays go-to Pina Colada recipe sticks to the script: rum, pineapple and coconut cream, and a little added sugar, if necessary. Thats it, he says. The Pina Colada is a classic cocktail. It does best without modification. Natures Heart Coconut Milk At Chileno Bay, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Cabos, Mexico, beverage manager Miguel Vargas uses coconut milk to make a milk punch with a Pina Colada lean. We combine coconut milk and cream, add white rum and a bit of lime, then pineapple juice, he says. Vargass favorite coconut milk is Natures Heart. I find theres more natural fat and coconut flavor, he says, adding that he finds this coconut milk brand to be versatile and also combines it with tequila or gin. For an alcohol-free variation, Vargas will combine coconut milk with mint, lemon, and a touch of natural syrup or spice. Homemade Coconut Cream Erbin Garcia, the director of operations at Cana Rum Bar in Los Angeles, hasnt been able to find his perfect on-the-shelf brand of coconut milk or cream. We've experimented with all kinds of coconut cream brands but decided to take matters into our own hands and create our own perfect blend, he says. We wanted something less sweet and more balanced. So, we started making our coconut cream in-house with fresh young Thai coconuts. We crack them open and use the coconut milk and meat. For Garcias recipe, mix two parts fresh coconut water (with meat) with one part sweetened condensed milk. Then, blend that mixture 2:1 with Coco Lopez, says Garcia. Voila. Youve got a delicious coconut cream that lasts a week and should always be kept in the fridge. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. A growing faction of House Democrats, convinced that President Joe Biden is too politically damaged to defeat Donald Trump in November, is calling on the Democratic National Committee to ditch plans to virtually nominate Biden in the coming weeks setting up an extraordinary intraparty clash against Biden allies who are staging a quiet pressure campaign to accelerate the presidents formal nomination. Democrats have been planning for weeks to conclude Bidens nomination process before August 7 well before the Chicago convention next month. But Rep. Jared Huffman, a progressive Democrat from California, told CNN on Tuesday that there is a growing number of members concerned about the virtual roll call vote, calling it a terrible idea and a dumb thing. If the election were held today, he would get crushed, Huffman said of Biden. We have got to do something about it. CNN has also learned from multiple sources of a draft letter circulating among House Democrats calling on the party to slow down the process a clear sign of the partys deep worries about Biden remaining at the top of their ticket. The public and private airing of concerns come amid a push among some Biden allies to kick off Bidens virtual roll call process as quickly as possible, according to six Democratic officials familiar with the discussions. Two key Democratic committees have long been set to gather this coming Friday and Sunday to discuss the exact timeline for delegates across the country to start casting their votes. The earliest that voting could begin would be after the second meeting on Sunday. If voting were to begin Sunday or soon thereafter, that would mark an aggressive timeline and the idea is already drawing fresh scrutiny from other Democrats eager for Biden to acknowledge his challenges and step aside. The disbelief that theyd expedite the nomination is as widespread as the recognition the DNC is leading Democrats into a house fire with water bottles, one House Democrat said. The DNC virtual roll call process was initially put in place for the party to step around an issue in Ohio that threatened to leave Biden off the ballot in that state. Lawmakers in Ohio have since passed a law to make that issue moot, but the DNC has pointed to the potential of a legal challenge by Ohio Republicans for moving forward with the virtual roll call anyway. For Democrats who are afraid Biden will lose to Trump and take the Democratic ticket down with him, time is running out to make their case to the president, his family and a remarkably tight circle of advisers. But even as those entreaties are being made daily behind the scenes, plans are being made to solidify his standing with the help of party rules in the Democratic convention process. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison pushed back on any suggestion that attempts might be underway within the DNC to accelerate the virtual roll call. The timeline for the virtual roll call process remains on schedule and unchanged from when the DNC made that decision in May, Harrison said in a statement, but did not elaborate on when he expects the roll call to begin. CNN has also reached out to the Biden campaign about the effort. An intraparty fight The fiery discussions have opened a potentially messy and unseemly collision among different quarters of the Democratic Party that is playing out even as Republicans are rallying around their new ticket this week at the GOP convention in Milwaukee. While a formal timetable has yet to be set, any appearance of party leaders stepping on the gas to push Bidens nomination forward in the most expeditious way is sure to spark more anger and a possible rebellion given the grave concerns across the party about whether Biden should remain atop the Democratic ticket. Among the partys advocates of holding an early roll call, intense discussion continues over what the rules allow and how the party should proceed whether lawmakers, donors, and prominent surrogates should be given more time to coalesce around their candidate, or whether the party should press ahead with an early nomination to avoid a sh*tshow in August, according to one source involved. Amid the growing uproar over, three former heads of the DNC have weighed in to back the process, calling it the wisest course. The letter, sent to members of the DNCs Rules Committee on Tuesday and penned by former DNC chairs Donna Brazile, Howard Dean and Terry McAuliffe and obtained by CNN, says: We believe that a virtual processbefore the in-person Convention begins in Chicago on August 19, 2024is necessary to ensure that the Democratic nominees for President and Vice President appear on the ballot in every state and in the District of Columbia without basis for legal challenge. The three ex-chairs go on to say that a different approach risks disenfranchising millions of voters and clouding the Democratic path to victory. Notably, Brazile, Dean and McAuliffe said that the virtual roll call need not be immediate but should finish before August 7 to not run into any potential legal issues related to Bidens ability to get on the ballot in Ohio. In an interview with NBCs Lester Holt on Monday, Biden asked whether he felt he had weathered the political storm following his disastrous debate performance last month pointed to the primary voters who supported him. Fourteen million people voted for me to be the nominee in the Democratic Party. Okay? I listen to them, he said. Questions about whether Biden should continue seeking a second term that began to intensify after the June 27 CNN debate has shined a bright spotlight on the virtual roll call process a process that prior to last month had drawn relatively scant attention. Now, with Bidens political future up in the air, there is confusion and concern among some delegates about the Ohio law that prompted the DNC to move forward with a roll call before the Chicago convention in the first place. In the wake of Bidens halting debate performance, some Democrats discussed potentially delaying or canceling the July 21 meeting to allow the agitation to run its course. But the DNC proceeding with the original plan in the face of recent events has piqued frustration across the Democratic Party, from lawmakers who want Biden to reconsider his candidacy to delegates who want to cast their vote in person, according to three sources with knowledge of the situation. Meanwhile, some influential Democrats with close ties to the White House have publicly pinned the official start of the mid-August party convention as the deadline for Biden to decide whether he will proceed with his candidacy. If he decides to change his mind later on, then we would respond to that, Rep. James Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat, said in a television interview last week. We have until the 19th of August to open our convention. Some House Democrats want to slow the process down A draft letter circulating among Democratic House members and other delegates is calling on the party to slow down the process, multiple sources told CNN. There is no legal justification for this extraordinary and unprecedented action which would effectively accelerate the nomination process by nearly a month, the letter reads. Behind the scenes, Democrats backing an early conclusion have floated the possibility that Sen. JD Vance, now officially nominated as Trumps running mate and Republicans effective number two, could press for new challenges to Bidens ballot access in his home state, a notion state officials roundly deny. The issue is resolved in Ohio, and Democrat proxies know that and should stop trying to scapegoat Ohio for their own partys disfunction, Ben Kindel, press secretary for Ohio secretary of state Frank LaRose, tells CNN. The letter drafted by Huffman who confirmed its authenticity and said it was unclear when they planned to send it out agrees the issue is resolved. At this point there is no serious threat to the Democratic ticket nominated in regular order at next months DNC convention appearing on the ballot in Ohio or any other state, the letter reads. While the draft language is likely to change, it sets out the concerns in the party about moving forward with the nomination process while debate about Bidens future is ongoing. The Democratic Party not just elected officials and delegate, but also millions of grassroots voters is currently engaged in careful consideration and debate about the absolute imperative of defeating Donald Trump and winning control of Congress, the letter states. As Democratic members of Congress, we represent the spectrum of views on this question. Some of us have called on President Biden to step aside, others have urged him to stay in the race, and still others have deep concerns about the status of the Presidents campaign but have yet to take a position on what should happen. All of us, however agree that stifling debate and prematurely shutting down any possible change in the Democratic ticket through an unnecessary and unprecedented virtual rollcall in the days ahead is a terrible idea. It could deeply undermine the morale and unity of Democrats- from delegates, volunteers, grassroots organizers and donors to ordinary voters at the worst possible time. We are hearing denial In a phone interview on Tuesday, Huffman said the members cover the entire spectrum of our caucus and that there would be a pretty big backlash if the DNC moves ahead with the plans. Noting theres a major enthusiasm gap between Trump and Biden, Huffman said: You dont achieve energy and enthusiasm by brute force, referring to moving up the roll call vote to officially nominate Biden. Huffman said he is not yet calling on Biden to be replaced but wants to give the president more time to instill Democrats with confidence in his campaign. It would be much harder to replace Biden once hes formally the nominee. We are hearing denial and an attempt to shut down the discussion, Huffman said. In a recent press conference, Biden was asked whether party delegates would be free to vote for an alternative candidate at the convention if they desired. Thats the democratic process, Biden said of the ability of delegates to change their mind, before adding confidently: Its not going to happen. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Haley Talbot and Lauren Fox contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Chinese tourists are travelling to Russia to drive tanks and play with guns while dressed in princess outfits for war games holidays. The bizarre new phenomenon was revealed by a travel influencer called Candy who posted videos of her winter trip to a military camp in Moscow on the Chinese social media site Xiaohongshu. The group of twenty-somethings dressed in Qing dynasty princess costumes while holding rocket launchers and AK-47 rifles, the South China Morning Post reported. A young woman is instructed how to fire a military weapon on a training ground near Moscow - AsiaWire Photos showed young women with flowers in their hair and wearing pastel-coloured robes while wielding guns and posing in the snow. Candy explained that the weapons fired blank cartridges but still produced flashes and explosions for dramatic effect. Other women were seen at the wheel of tanks ploughing through rough winter terrain. The wearing of traditional costumes from the Qing period, which ran from 1644-1911, was intended to mix Chinese aesthetics with the Russian military, the influencer explained. Russia already has an established military tourism sector that allows visitors to ride in tanks, including a replica of the modern T-14 Armata, and use a variety of guns during packages that cost from about $300 (230) to $1,500 (1,150) for one day. Tourists are accompanied by military experts who give briefings on how to assemble guns. One tank and shooting tour featured on the Russia Guide website offers participants the chance to fight your enemies with the most powerful Russian and Soviet weapons, while wearing camouflage. A selfie with a Kalashnikov AK-47? Its a piece of cake! A traditional Russian military meal with buckwheat will taste delicious after the battle. No matter who you are a fearless strong man or a graceful girl, the power of these machines will astonish you, it says. The same website says thrill-seekers can order a car crash by a tank from a safe distance. Chinese tourists dress up like princesses on their Russian war games holiday - AsiaWire The stream of Chinese visitors to Russian military tourism sites coincides with deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow. China and Russias naval forces this week kicked off a joint exercise in the port city of Zhanjiang, just days after Nato allies called Beijing a decisive enabler of the war in Ukraine. Russian children are also setting their sights on militaristic overseas summer camps. Fifty teenagers were picked this week to attend a North Korean summer camp after entering a contest to visit the pariah regime, reported NK News. I am surprised by the number of myths floating around in the press and on the internet about the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) I can pop these myths just like I can pop soap bubbles, one applicant said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., to resign following his guilty verdict in a federal corruption trial Tuesday. Menendez was found guilty on all 18 charges of bribery for receiving cash, gold bars, a luxury car and other items in exchange for using his political influence to aid three New Jersey businessmen. "In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer said in a statement released shortly after the verdict came down. It's the first time Schumer has publicly asked the senior senator from New Jersey to step aside, despite more than half of the Democratic caucus doing so last year when the indictment against him was first unsealed. Before the indictment, Menendez served as the chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he wielded significant influence over U.S. aid to foreign governments. He temporarily stepped down from that role when the charges were unsealed. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, too, immediately reiterated a previous call for Menendez to resign following the verdict and said that if Menendez doesn't resign, the Senate should vote to expel him. Today's verdict "demonstrates that the Senator broke the law, violated the trust of his constituents, and betrayed his oath of office," he said. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., has also previously called upon Menendez to resign. In a statement released Tuesday, he said that has become even more urgent with the guilty verdict. "Representing people in Congress demands the public's trust," he said. "When any elected official violates that trust, it is a betrayal of the oath we take to serve the people who've elected us." Other Senate leaders called on Menendez to resign Tuesday, including Democratic Whip Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Democrat in the upper chamber; president pro tempore Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.; and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich. Vulnerable Democrats in the Senate running for re-election also reiterated their calls for Menendez to resign, including Sens Jacky Rosen, D-N.V., and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. However, there is little indication that Menendez will heed their calls. He has remained defiant throughout the trial. Outside the court, he told reporters that he is "deeply, deeply disappointed by the jury's decision" but said he is confident that "we will be successful upon appeal." Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and James Lankford, R-Okla., who lead the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, said in a statement Tuesday that they started an investigation into Menendez in 2023 when the indictment was unsealed. "Now that Senator Menendezs trial has concluded, the Committee will complete its investigation promptly. The Committee will consider the full range of disciplinary actions available under the Rules of Procedure," they said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Schumer: Menendez should resign after being found guilty for bribery Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on severe storms and weather across the country for Tuesday, July 16. For the latest news on severe weather across the country, including the Midwest and upstate New York, view USA TODAY's story for Wednesday, July 17. Damaging thunderstorms and a reported tornado prompted a statewide response in New York late Tuesday, as rain, hail, and heat threatened millions of residents along the East Coast a day after severe weather in the Midwest left one person dead. Severe thunderstorm watches were in effect Tuesday night across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland as the National Weather Service warned of dangerous winds, hail, and tornadoes. Parts of Northern Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma were also under thunderstorm watches. The heavy rain Monday left parts of the Midwest at risk of flash flooding. A stretch of Missouri and Illinois was placed under a flash flood warning, hours after the National Weather Service issued a flash flood threat in southern-central Indiana into early Wednesday. According to the weather service, east-central Missouri was also hit with a tornado warning just after noon on Tuesday after radar detected a tornado moving at 15 mph. As of late Tuesday, more than 166,000 customers remained without power across Illinois and Indiana, according to a USA TODAY outage tracker. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Tuesday as thunderstorms ripped through the state, knocking out power to more than 175,000 customers. The New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation was also assembling crews to assist with storm cleanup in Oneida County, where a tornado reportedly touched down and left a trail of damage in its wake. Severe weather on Tuesday comes after a "complex of destructive storms" moved across eastern Iowa into northern Illinois on Monday night, according to the weather Service office in Chicago. Multiple tornadoes were reported along the line of storms as it moved through the Chicago metro, the agency said, adding its staff had to briefly seek shelter from a tornado. The weather service confirmed three tornadoes on Monday night. One tornado was confirmed by radar near Sugar Grove, a village about 46 miles west of Chicago, according to the weather service. Another two tornadoes touched down near Des Moines, Iowa. A 44-year-old woman died in Cedar Lake, an Indiana town around 45 miles south of Chicago, on Monday night after a tree fell on her home amid the severe storms, the Lake County Coroner's Office posted on Facebook. No summer relief: U.S. cities with lowest air conditioning rates suffer through blistering heat Full dam failure in Illinois prevented after residents evacuated On Tuesday, officials in Nashville, Illinois, a town about 50 miles east of St. Louis, issued an evacuation order amid the "imminent failure" of a local dam, putting the area at risk of flash flooding. Some residents reported waist-high levels of water inside their houses, according to the Washington County Emergency Management Agency, and one person trapped inside required a rescue. No deaths or injuries were reported as of Tuesday evening, the agency said. The "immediate safety concern" had passed after there was no additional rain, the agency said Tuesday evening. The Army Corps of Engineers assessed the reservoir and noted that repairs will be required to maintain the integrity of the dam, according to the agency. The agency added that the secondary dam reacted and helped prevent a full dam failure. Authorities said residents were allowed to return to evacuated areas but advised people to avoid travel due to flooded roads and decreased visibility. "However, there is significant property damage from the flooding," the agency said in a statement. "It could be quite some time before the impacted areas return to normal." The announcement came after a flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in St. Louis through 10:45 a.m. local time. Forecasters warned that thunderstorms and heavy rain on Tuesday morning could trigger "life-threatening" flooding of creeks, streams, highways, streets, urban areas and underpasses. By 1 p.m. local time Tuesday, the county's emergency management agency had documented more than 6 inches of rain. Authorities said the local Red Cross was activated and a nearby shelter was established. New York governor declares state of emergency New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire state late Tuesday after storms swept across central New York. We are deploying assistance for localities as severe weather continues to move across the state, Hochul wrote on X. Continue to monitor your local weather forecasts & give first responders room to do their work. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to track the storm and support local authorities requests for assistance. Tornado reportedly hits central New York town Authorities in New York are urging residents to stay off the roads after a tornado reportedly touched down Tuesday and wreaked havoc on homes, historic landmarks, and power infrastructure. The New York State Department of Transportation in Mohawk Valley said on social media that it received reports of storm damage from across the region with several damaged buildings and downed power lines. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. declared a state of emergency and said the city of Rome was most damaged but noted there were no reports of serious injuries. He also warned restoring power to thousands of customers across the county could take several days due to the significant damage. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on X that she was in contact with local officials in Rome and deployed resources from state police and other agencies to support recovery efforts. Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said the weather disaster was unprecedented for the city but urged residents to be positive. Romans are resilient. And were going to build back, Lanigan said Tuesday. Give us the time and space we need right now and let our guys work, and I promise you Rome will come back even better. The catastrophic storm comes just days after seven twisters touched down in the central and western parts of the state. The National Weather Service is expected to determine on Wednesday whether Tuesday's system was a tornado. On Tuesday, the weather service office in Buffalo confirmed that a tornado touched down in Canandaigua a city about 27 miles southeast of Rochester on Monday afternoon. The EF-0 twister had peak wind speeds of 75 mph and was on the ground for two minutes, traveling 0.7 miles, according to the data released Tuesday afternoon. The tornado had a width of 75 yards and damaged trees and some homes. A view of the aftermath of a tornado in Rome, NY on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Two confirmed tornadoes near Des Moines, Iowa The weather service said Tuesday that an EF1 tornado traveled just over 7 miles through Urbandale, Windsor Heights, and Des Moines, as wind gusts reached 105 mph. There were no injuries or deaths from the tornado. But the storm left behind damaged trees, homes, and downed power lines, knocking out electricity and internet for 10,000 people at its peak Monday. An EF1 tornado also hit the Quad Cities on Monday evening. The tornado started in Davenport and moved east. It passed through Bettendorf and crossed the Mississippi River, making it to East Moline. Wind speeds were as high as 100 mph, and the tornado traveled 8 miles. The max width of the tornado was 100 yards. It resulted in damage to trees, roofs, and cars. Monday storms caused by rare, destructive derecho Monday's series of storms was triggered by a derecho, according to Weather.com. Classified as a "wide-spread, long-lived wind storm" by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), derechos can come with fast-moving thunderstorms and showers. The storms are rare but can cause destruction comparable to a tornado, according to the National Weather Service. Unlike tornadoes, they generally inflict damage in one direction, on a straight-line path. A storm must sustain winds of 58 mph or greater and leave a path of damage at least 250 miles long to be classified as a derecho, according to the weather service. Many derechos pack wind gusts that blow at more than 100 mph, toppling power lines and trees and wreaking widespread devastation. Meteorologists only see around one derecho every one to four years. They usually strike the eastern two-thirds of the country, and 70% happen from May to August, the weather service said. Intense heat wave threatens East Coast Meanwhile, scorching heat continued for the third week this month as more than 126 million people remained under heat alerts across the country on Tuesday, according to heat.gov. The Weather Prediction Center said scorching temperatures are expected to continue to grip the East Coast, with major to extreme heat risk possible. In Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the weather service warned of a "dangerously hot and humid" day; temperatures were expected to reach 102 degrees. The weekslong heat wave has already set dozens of records and will challenge more through the week, AccuWeather said. Hurricane Beryl: Beryl produced so many tornado warnings it broke a record Cold front brings heat relief, storm risk this week A strong cold front pushing across the central to eastern U.S. this week will bring an end to a wave of record-high temperatures in the region, the National Weather Service said Tuesday, though strong summer heat will continue to pose health risks. "While record highs may be diminishing on Wednesday, the combination of another day of heat and high humidities will continue to produce life-threatening conditions," the weather service warned. The cold front could also fuel widespread thunderstorms across the central and eastern U.S., the weather service said, which could cause flash flooding in some towns. The rain will be welcome in large swaths of the region where an unusually dry summer so far has spurred moderate to severe drought conditions. Meanwhile, the weather service said no relief is in sight for an unusually hot season in the West, where temperatures are expected to reach 5 to 15 degrees above average and little rainfall is expected. "Given the dry conditions, hot temps and low relative humidities, fire risks will continue across large portions of the West over the next few days," the weather service wrote. Oregon thunderstorms could fan wildfire flames At least four wildfires blazed in Oregon on Tuesday as the governor declared a state of emergency ahead of thunderstorms expected in the Portland area into the evening. "I urge all Oregonians to take extreme precautions, particularly with lightning in the forecast for this weekend," Gov. Tina Kotek wrote in a statement. "It is incumbent on all of us to keep Oregon green and protect our communities. Kotek invoked the declaration specifically in response to the Cow Valley Fire, which had blazed through more than 133,400 acres and was only 16% contained, as of Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Portland also issued a fire weather watch throughout the Willamette National Forest, around 80 miles south of Portland. Forecasters warned that lightning from thunderstorms expected to move over the area on Tuesday night could start fires in the dry environment. Winds from the storm could also spread the flames, the weather service said. Meanwhile, fires in Arizona had consumed more than 56,000 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The largest, the Freeman Fire, was three-quarters contained on Tuesday after it blazed through more than 32,500 acres. The fire was sparked by a lightning strike last Thursday near Oracle, around 30 miles northwest of Tucson, and grew after it merged with another fire sparked by lightning, the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. Evacuation orders for nearby areas were lifted on Sunday. Snow in Philly in July? The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued a daily record report Monday morning saying a trace of snow at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday set a new daily record. The "snow" was really hail that fell in thunderstorms over the airport, the office stated in a post on X with a #TeamSnow hashtag. The "trace" of snow broke a record of 0.0 inches, set in 1870, the weather service office shared X. By Tuesday afternoon, the post had been viewed more than 166,000 times. Under a policy of the National Centers for Environmental Information, hail is considered frozen precipitation under the same umbrella as snow, sleet, and graupel, the office stated in a response to its original post. 3 suspected heat-related deaths at Utah parks Earlier Monday, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in southeast Utah confirmed that a man and his daughter died late last week after they ran out of water during a hike. The sheriff's office said it was notified at 5:45 p.m. on July 12 of a deceased hiker in the Canyonlands National Park. About 15 minutes later, a second deceased hiker was reported in the same area. The National Park Service reported that the pair of hikers were a father and daughter "who had become lost while hiking, according to the sheriff's office. The air temperature at the time of the incident was over 100 degrees, the National Park Service said. "Dispatch informed NPS of emergency 911 texts from the hikers, reporting that they were lost and out of water," the sheriff's office said in a statement. The father and daughter were identified as Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, both from Green Bay, Wisconsin. On Saturday, the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department in southwest Utah said first responders were dispatched to the Snow Canyon State Park, where preliminary information showed two individuals "suffering from a heat-related incident." The two individuals had signs of heat exhaustion and were transported to a hospital. "While on the scene, a passerby contacted police and reported that a third individual was unconscious a short distance away," the department said in a news release. "The individual was identified as a 30-year-old female." First responders determined that the woman was deceased, according to the department. Her death is being investigated by the department. Dozens of heat-related deaths have been reported by state officials and local media this month. Although the death toll is expected to increase as the summer continues, experts previously told USA TODAY that the true death toll is likely higher. Illinois man dies after truck sinks in floodwaters Officials in Rockford, Illinois, are investigating the death of a 76-year-old man who was trapped as floodwaters swept away a pickup on Sunday, the Rockford Register Star, part of the USAT TODAY Network, reported. The man was riding in the passenger seat of a Dodge Dakota truck as the woman driving tried to leave a parking lot inundated with flood water, according to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office. When the truck was pulled into a nearby creek, the driver escaped through a window and was rescued, officials said. The man was trapped in the truck as it sank below the water. Local law enforcement tried to pull him out, but could not rescue him. The truck was pulled from the creek and the man was pronounced dead around three hours later. Authorities have not named either the man who died or the woman who was rescued. Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY; Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register; Casey Pritchard, Utica Observer Dispatch; Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storms rock East Coast: New York governor declares state of emergency MILWAUKEE - Former President Donald Trump is a changed man after a would-be assassin tried to kill him and the new tone of unity he is projecting won't fade away, his eldest son said Tuesday in discussing his divisive father's change of heart on the second day of the Republican National Convention. Speaking at an Axios event, Donald Trump Jr. said the attempt on his father's life during a rally Saturday in Pennsylvania is the type of event that permanently changes someone. Donald Trump Jr. speaks at an Axios event at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Tuesday. "You know, I think it lasts," Donald Trump Jr. said in response to a question of how long the "new Trump" would continue. "There are events that change you for a couple minutes and theres events that change you permanently. Now again its Trump so youre still going to be reactionary." Trump Jr's take on his dad's makeover runs counter to the former president's reputation. The 78-year old, who hopes to win back the White House, is a highly polarizing figure who is known for a cutthroat, divisive brand of politics. He has long reveled in mocking and belittling his opponents on the left and right, and engaging in no holds barred political combat. Trump's presidency was marred by constant chaos and controversy and concluded with a deadly pandemic. The U.S. House also impeached Trump twice, the last time for his role in a deadly insurrection aimed at overturning the results of an election he lost. Trump also has made history as the first former president ever to face criminal charges and to be convicted of a felony. The former president and current GOP presidential nominee will always punch back against critics, his son said, adding that he will "always be a fighter, that's never gonna change, but he's gonna do, I think, his best to moderate that where it needs to be." "He's going to be tough when he has to be. Weve seen that, hes never gonna change. But I think there will be something. I think these are momentous occasions that change people permanently," Trump Jr. said. Trump has talked about rewriting his convention speech to strike a new tone of unity after the shooting. Trump Jr. worked with his father on the original speech, going over it with him for hours on Friday. "It was, it was hot," Trump Jr. said of the original speech. "And by the way, I think it probably should have been at that time. But again, a lot changes once youve got shot in the face. Yet even as he talked about striking a new tone, Trump Jr. took repeated jabs at President Joe Biden throughout the event Tuesday, including bragging that his father draws more people to his rallies. Obviously, hes a guy that attracts a lot of people," Trump Jr. said in discussing his father's security needs. "There are big crowds. Its a little different than a Biden rally. The audience laughed. I mean, fact check true," Trump Jr. responded. Trump's unity message was undercut by his pick of Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, former New Jersey governor and GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie wrote in a column published Tuesday in the New York Times. Trump can "point the party and its leadership in a new direction in the wake of the assassination attempt against him," Christie wrote, but "Early indications are less than promising." "Mr. Vances first reaction to the assassination attempt against Mr. Trump was to turn directly to the current, flawed playbook: demonize the other side and lay the blame at the feet of the Democrats, as if they had pulled the trigger themselves," Christie wrote, referring to a post Vance made on social media. Trump's tone attacking "radical left Democrats" in a social media post Tuesday reacting to reporting that Biden is considering reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court could also raise questions about whether he really has changed. "The reason that these Communists are so despondent is that their unLawful Witch Hunts are failing everywhere," Trump wrote. 'I just want to be the veto' A relentless campaigner and someone who has strong political opinions, there has been speculation about how much power Trump Jr. would exercise in a second Trump administration if his father wins. He said he was heavily involved in the selection of Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance as his father's running mate, advocating against some of the other candidates. Trump Jr. said he doesn't expect to pick members of a potential second Trump administration, but he will act as a gatekeeper to keep people he doesn't like from getting White House jobs, saying "I just want to be the veto." I dont want to pick a single person for a position of power," he said. "All I want to do is block the guys that would be a disaster. I want to block the liars, I want to block the guys that are, you know, pretending theyre with you." "I just want to block the bad actors. I just want to be a blocker," he added. "Thats it... I want a veto power to cut out each and every one of those people." Robert F. Kennedy Jr. isn't among those Trump Jr. would exercise veto power over. The independent presidential candidate met with Trump after the assassination attempt. Asked whether his father might get Kennedy's endorsement, Trump Jr. said well have to see Id love to see that." "The history of his family, obviously, as it relates to assassinations I think... maybe thats one of those moments that brings people together," Trump Jr. said of the candidate, whose is the nephew of assassinated President John F. Kennedy. "Maybe theres a great place for him somewhere in an administration he comes from obviously a very left background and thats fine, that doesnt mean theres not an incredible role that I think he could execute or prosecute quite well in Washington D.C.," Trump Jr. added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump's eldest son says divisive dad's unity message will last X CEO Elon Musk said he will donate $45 million a month to a new super political-action committee backing former president Donald Trump's reelection campaign, according to the Wall Street Journal. Despite reportedly donating to the political-action committee, the Tesla founder was not listed on a Monday filing from America PAC that revealed it has raised over $8 million. Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) CEO Elon Musk speaks with other delegates on Day 1 of the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in Bletchley, Britain on Nov. 1, 2023. Other donors in this group include capital firm 8VC co-founder Joe Lonsdale, former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft as well as investor twins Cameron and Tyler Winklesvoss, the Journal reported Monday citing a person familiar with the matter. As of the first day of the Republican National Convention, Musk remains the only Fortune 100 CEO to fully endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential race. Musk fully endorses Trump after rally shooting The SpaceX CEO offered his complete endorsement for Trump following the Saturday assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," Musk wrote on X Saturday while sharing a video of the moment after a bullet struck his right ear. I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024 Musk has said he previously voted for Democratic candidates including President Joe Biden in the three previous election cycles. In recent years, the tech mogul has vocalized his frustration with Democrat policies such as Biden's indefinite support for labor unions and his decisions regarding immigration and the border. Earlier this year, Musk vowed not to contribute to either Trump or Biden's campaigns. "Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for US President," he wrote on March 6. Contributing: Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk to donate $45 million a month to Trump Super PAC: Report Researchers were able to improve memory in mouse models of dementia through an experimental nasal spray treatment. Image credit: YEVHEN HOLOBORODKO/Getty Images. This article originally appeared on Medical News Today A novel intranasal antibody treatment shows potential in fighting tau protein buildup, which is a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers. A single dose of this treatment in aged mice with tau pathology significantly reduced tau accumulation and improved cognitive function. This approach could pave the way for new therapies targeting tau-related neurodegenerative conditions. Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch have recently announced a novel method of combating neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. They have revealed a pioneering nasal spray treatment that has demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating harmful tau protein accumulation and enhancing cognitive abilities in aged mouse models suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Their study results appear in the journal Science Translational Medicine. What role does tau accumulation play in dementia? Like other forms of dementia, Alzheimers disease results from the death of brain cells, making it a neurodegenerative condition characterized by gradual brain cell loss. Tau is a protein associated with microtubules in the human brain, aiding in the stabilisation of microtubules, which are important for maintaining the cells shape and organisation in neurons. In a healthy brain, tau proteins ensure proper cellular order. However, in neurodegenerative diseases, tau proteins can become abnormally twisted, forming tangles that interfere with neuronal function and cause cognitive decline. In individuals with Alzheimers disease, the brain tissue progressively loses nerve cells and connections, while small deposits called plaques and tangles accumulate on the nerve tissue. Plaques, composed of a protein called beta-amyloid, form between dying brain cells, while tangles, made up of tau, develop within the nerve cells. The exact cause of these changes remains unclear, though multiple factors may contribute to their occurrence. Existing tau immunotherapies have faced challenges in effectiveness due to their limited capacity to penetrate the intracellular compartments where these tau accumulations are located. Novel antibody treatment may prevent the spread of tau In the new study, an intranasal antibody treatment has shown promise in targeting, dismantling, and preventing the spread of tau protein. The buildup of tau protein inside neurons is linked to Alzheimers and other neurodegenerative conditions and engineering antibodies to selectively attack tau may help clear this build up and enhance cognitive function. However, tau antibody treatments are still in the development stage and have had limited success in clinical trials. In this study, researchers introduced a monoclonal tau antibody named toxic tau conformationspecific monoclonal antibody-2 (TTCM2), which specifically targeted pathological tau deposits in post mortem brain tissue from patients with Alzheimers, dementia with Lewy bodies and progressive supranuclear palsy. TTCM2 also inhibited the seeding activity of patient-derived tau oligomers in tau biosensor cells, indicating its potential to prevent the spread of tau fibrils among neurons. Further tests showed that TTCM2 was effective when delivered via lipid molecule compartments, or micelles, through the noses of aged mice with tauopathy. According to the study, a single one dose of TTCM2 micelles was sufficient to disperse throughout the brains of the mice, reduce tau pathology and improve cognition. Investigating the mechanisms behind TTCM2s efficacy, researchers found that the antibody interacts with an intracellular receptor known as tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21). The researchers note that their findings align with a recent study showing that TRIM21 is essential for effective tau immunotherapy. First author Sagar Gaikwad, PhD, from the Department of Neurology at The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, explained the key findings to Medical News Today. Our study shows that the nasal tau immunotherapy importantly reverses Alzheimers pathology in mice and a single dose is enough to achieve this, Gaikwad explained. This also improves memory and behavior in aged mice. Importantly, our TTCM2 antibody effectively recognizes and neutralizes pathological tau in the brain tissues from patients with Alzheimers disease. This research could lead to new treatments that improve quality of life and potentially reverse or delay the onset of severe symptoms in patients with Alzheimers disease and related dementia. Sagar Gaikwad, PhD Experts hail promising experimental treatment Jason Krellman, PhD, an associate professor of neuropsychology in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, not involved in this study, told MNT that weve known for many years that dysfunction of tau is a prominent feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers. Relatedly, the amount of dysfunctional tau in the brain correlates positively with the severity of cognitive impairment in people with Alzheimers disease, he added. Therefore, treatments to reduce tau have been a major focus of research. Krellman explained what the recent study achieved: The researchers used an immunotherapy treatment that reduces the amount of dysfunctional tau in the brains of mice as well as prevents the production of tau seeds, which allow the dysfunction to spread through the brain. Getting such treatments into the brain has been challenging because of the blood-brain barrier, the brains protective blockade against numerous but not all outside substances. The researchers managed to circumvent this barrier by using a novel method of administration, delivery through the nose to be sure absorption by the brain was rapid and more complete. The expert found the results of this animal study encouraging. He noted that it is especially promising was that the mice showed improvement in cognitive function via their behavioral responses in tests that assess recognition memory and spatial awareness. Kubanych Takyrbashev, MD, health and wellness advisor at NAO, also not involved in the research, agreed, noting that the study addresses a critical challenge in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Why would an antibody nasal spray be a promising treatment? Developing a conformation-specific antibody for tau that can selectively target toxic tau aggregates is a significant advancement. What makes this study particularly compelling is the innovative delivery method: Using lipophile micelles for intranasal administration. This method effectively bypasses the blood-brain barrier, a major hurdle in treating neurological disorders, Takyrbashev explained. He pointed out that the antibodys ability to specifically target and reduce toxic tau aggregates while also improving cognitive function in tauopathy mice demonstrates a promising approach to tackling tau-related pathologies. The studys findings are encouraging and open up new avenues for therapeutic development because [t]his research enhances our understanding of tau pathology and highlights a practical and potentially transformative strategy for delivering therapeutic agents directly to the brain, said Takyrbashev. Human clinical trials are needed and a long journey ahead Krellman noted that its tempting to look at this research and imagine that one day we will have a widely available nasal vaccine for Alzheimers disease. However, he cautioned, even though mice can be excellent animal models in which to study new potential treatments for humans, there are obviously some vast differences between mice and humans, emphasizing the need to replicate these findings in a human clinical trial. Further research is needed because human brains are much larger than mouse brains, meaning that diffusion of the treatment through the human brain might not unfold as effectively as in the mouse brain. There could be subtle biological differences in efficiency of metabolism and treatment side effects between mice and humans. Similarly, human cognition and behavioral responses are significantly more complex than that of mice, and so we cannot be certain the treatment would have a clinically significant effect on human cognition, nor do we yet know how long any beneficial effect might last. Jason Krellman, PhD In conclusion, Krellman said: We have a lot more work to do in this area, but this research and others like it should give people hope that we are making progress toward understanding how to intervene and stop the pathological progression of Alzheimers disease so we can one day develop effective treatments. View the original article on Medical News Today (Reuters) -Elon Musk said on Tuesday he is moving the headquarters of two more of his companies - social media platform X and rocket company SpaceX - to Texas from California, citing a new gender-identity law there as the "last straw." With these steps, the billionaire, who last week endorsed Republican Donald Trump for U.S. president, will have relocated Tesla and most of the businesses he controls or heads to Texas. The world's richest man, he changed his own residence in 2021 from California to Texas, where there is no state income tax on individuals. A new California law that forbids school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents when a child changes gender identity or sexual orientation helped spur Tuesday's announcement, Musk said. "Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies," Musk, who has a transgender daughter, said in explaining the decision on X - formerly Twitter - which he bought in 2022. The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla in recent years has become outspoken on politics and often criticizes the Biden administration and Democrats' positions on issues including transgender rights and immigration. California voters have historically supported Democratic candidates while Texas is considered a reliable Republican stronghold. Musk said SpaceX's main office would move to an existing facility in Boca Chica, Texas, while X would move to Austin. But the extent to which jobs or facilities in California will transfer to Texas was unclear. SpaceX has a sprawling headquarters near Los Angeles, a major aerospace hub where thousands of employees build the company's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon astronaut capsules and some Starshield satellites. In 2021, Musk moved Tesla's headquarters from California to Texas as well but said last year that California would remain its engineering hub. He transferred SpaceXs incorporation from Delaware to Texas earlier this year. This followed a Delaware judge's decision invalidating Musk's $56 billion compensation plan at electric vehicle maker Tesla. (Reporting by Priyanka.G in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Cynthia Osterman) Poland is considering a Ukrainian proposal to intercept Russian rockets that are on course to hit cities in Ukraine or enter Polish territory, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said following a speech at the American Enterprise Institute on the sidelines of the NATO summit on Friday. We are a frontline state and Russian missiles breach our airspace we assume by mistake, Sikorski said. Sikorski explained that some missiles fired from around St. Petersburg fly along the Polish border through Belarusian airspace, before briefly entering Polish airspace for about 40 seconds before hitting targets inside Ukraine. Our dilemma is the following: if we shoot them down only when they enter our airspace, the debris is a threat to our citizens and to our property, he said. And the Ukrainians are saying, Please, we will not mind, do it over our airspace when theyre in imminent danger of crossing into Polish territory, he said, To my mind, thats self-defense but we are exploring the idea. Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Warsaw to sign a security cooperation agreement between the two countries. Sikorski said the idea of Poland downing Russian missiles was discussed in that agreement. At this stage, this is an idea. What our agreement said is we will explore this idea, he said. On Wednesday, Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told Polish national radio service Polskie Radio 24 that such a decision would only be made with NATO allies. If NATO does not make such a decision, Poland will not make it individually, Kosiniak-Kamysz said. However, speaking in an interview with Ukrainian national TV later on Sunday, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg appeared to pour cold water on the idea, saying the bloc would not become part of the conflict. Asked to comment on the Polish idea, he said that NATO would not get involved directly. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A community member speaks to police at a security cordon after one person died following a police-involved shooting in Milwaukee. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Police officers in Milwaukee shot and killed a man about a mile from the Republican national convention on Tuesday, authorities and witnesses of the shooting said. Security arrangements for the convention have come under the microscope since Saturday, when Donald Trump, the former president and Republican nominee for president in Novembers election, was the subject of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The officers involved in Tuesdays shooting were from Columbus, Ohio, a police union statement said, adding that no officers were injured. Body-camera footage released on Tuesday night showed the man, who was identified by a family member as Samuel Sharpe Jr, brandishing a knife at another man before he was shot by officers. Neighbors said the man killed was a regular at a homeless encampment in the neighborhood. The man did not appear to have any connection to the convention, or any plans to go closer. In the aftermath of the shooting, activists and neighbors responded with outrage at Sharpes killing and the presence of out-of-state officers apparently patrolling a Milwaukee neighborhood. Milwaukee has blood on its hands, said Ryan Clancy, a state representative from Milwaukee. This is not near the RNC. The police should not be here. About 4,000 officers from other states and cities are in Wisconsin for the convention. Columbus, Ohio, provided a police dialogue team to work on demonstrations. The Milwaukee fire and police commission suspended the citys policy of releasing body-camera footage within 15 days of a police shooting for the duration of the Republican conference. Alan Chavoya, outreach chair of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, a group that lobbied against the suspension of the body-camera policy, decried the Ohio officers for coming here and treating our people this way. I was shocked, said Sonia, a resident of the apartment complex adjacent to the site of the shooting, who spoke to the Guardian but asked to be referred to by her first name for privacy. The police let people in the area know before the [convention] we wouldnt have to deal with out-of-town law enforcement, but here you go. Citing law enforcement sources, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said the shooting happened near North 14th Street and West Vliet Street, about a mile outside the Republican national convention security perimeter. Linda Sharpe, who identified herself as the cousin of the man killed, said she wanted answers. He had a dog, he loved people and he loved animals, she said. The fitness expert died on July 13 at age 76 Getty Richard Simmons Richard Simmons cause of death is being investigated, the Los Angeles Police Department confirms to PEOPLE. The fitness guru died one day after celebrating his 76th birthday, his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, told PEOPLE on Saturday, July 13. Police told PEOPLE there "is no foul play." The Medical Examiners Office stated that Simmons cause of death has since been deferred, meaning that an investigation and additional testing are needed. It can take up to three months before a determination is made on the cause of death. Simmons died at his Los Angeles home and no foul play was suspected, according to TMZ. The outlet added that authorities responded to a call from a housekeeper at around 10 a.m. local time Saturday. "The world has truly lost an angel," Simmons publicist told PEOPLE. 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. Richard Simmons Related: Richard Simmons Said 'I Know People Miss Me' in Emotional Final Interview 2 Days Before His Death (Exclusive) Simmons recently told PEOPLE it felt "good" to be turning 76. "I am grateful that I'm here, that I am alive for another day," he said. "I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people." Two days before his death, Simmons also opened up to PEOPLE about his legacy and admitted that he doesnt consider himself an icon or legend. I never thought of myself as a celebrity, he said in his final interview. People don't know this, I'm really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert. But when that curtain goes up that's a different story. I'm there to make people happy. Simmons continued, But the accolades I get from emails. I mean, today most probably, we'll answer over 100 emails. And they'll say, I'm your No. 1 fan. And I just write back, and I say, you know, Don't say that because I'm a human being just like you. And I know that you do good things, too. Although he remained humble, Simmons admitted that he was still proud of himself and the impact he had on how people talk about fitness and nutrition. Simmons who had not been seen in public since 2014 told PEOPLE that he missed his fans as much as they missed him. I know people miss me. And you know what? I miss them, too. But I'm able to reach them through phone calls and through emails, he said. "And I do leave the house sometimes. But I'm in disguise. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Police block media from entering the Grand Hyatt Erawan - LAUREN DeCICCA/GETTY IMAGES At least six people have been found dead in a five-star hotel in central Bangkok, with early reports suggesting they were victims of cyanide poisoning. The bodies of two Vietnamese-Americans and four Vietnamese nationals were found at the Grand Hyatt Erawan, a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Photos from the scene showed police gathered in the marble lobby on Tuesday evening as began their investigation into the fatalities. Although early reports suggested there may have been a shooting, police told Reuters there was no sign of gun violence. Police enter the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel - CHALINEE THIRASUPA/REUTERS Local media reported that the victims were poisoned, with the Matichon newspaper attributing the deaths to cyanide. Police suspect that the victims had been dead for 24 hours, the BBC has reported, and that a post mortem will be undertaken to determine if their deaths could be linked to something they had eaten. According to the national broadcaster, Thai PBS, the tea and coffee cups were found to have been used. Officers are investigating the fatalities - Chalinee Thirasupa/REUTERS According to the Bangkok Post, there were no signs of struggle inside the room where the three men and three women were found. Srettha Thavisin, the Thai prime minister, has ordered an urgent investigation into the case. Video footage shared on X, formerly Twitter, showed Mr Srettha arriving at the scene shortly after 9pm. UPDATE: PM Srettha @Thavisin just arrived at the crime scene. pic.twitter.com/2jJpsA9hfm Saksith Saiyasombut (@SaksithCNA) July 16, 2024 The prime minister has ordered all agencies to urgently take action to avoid impact on tourism, the Thai government said in a statement. Thailand is reliant on tourism and although considered generally safe for visitors, a shooting last year by a 14-year-old boy in a major shopping mall in the capital spooked many visitors, especially from China. Tourism accounts for roughly 20 per cent of all jobs in the southeast Asian country, accounting for roughly 12 per cent of the economy. Only this week, Thailand expanded its 60 day visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries, part of an attempt to attract 80 million visitors by 2027. Grand Hyatt Erawan declined a request 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. The first day of the Republican National Convention has wrapped up in Milwaukee -- marked with an appearance by former President Donald Trump just two days he was wounded in an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday evening. Despite the shooting, the gathering of more than 50,000 attendees, including an expected 2,400 Republican delegates, is slated to maintain its original programming as a time to bring the party together -- but now newly energized by Trump's amazing survival and raised-fist show of defiance. One of the most anticipated moments of Trump's campaign happened Monday when Trump named 39-year-old Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate. Latest Developments Jul 15, 11:01 PM RNC in recess until Tuesday Following chants of "we love Trump" from the crowd, RNC Chair Michael Whatley declared that the convention is in recess until 5 p.m. CT Tuesday. Jul 15, 11:39 PM 'Elites have no party': Teamsters president marks final Monday RNC speaker In the final speech of the first night of the Republican National Convention, Sean OBrien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, addressed the failed assassination attempt at former President Donald Trump's rally over the weekend. "I think we all can agree, whether people like him or they don't like him, in light of what happened to him on Saturday, he has proven to be one tough S.O.B.," O'Brien said, with Trump seen whispering "thank you." O'Brien said Trump invited him to speak at this convention and "had the backbone to open the door to this Republican convention -- and that's unprecedented." At the same time, he said the union is not interested in political affiliation: "We want to know one thing: What are you doing to help American workers?" "Remember: Elites have no party. Elites have no nation. Their loyalty is to the balance sheet and the stock price at the expense of the American worker," he said. He called for legal protections "that make it safer for workers to get a contract" and to stop corporations from "abandoning local communities to inflate their bottom line." "I challenge each and every one of you and especially my friends on the Democratic side to embrace cooperation, to truly collaborate to achieve meaningful and productive change, to ensure we make this great nation and this world the better, faster, strongest nation in the entire world," he said. Jul 15, 11:08 PM 'The media has lied about Donald Trump': Amber Rose PHOTO: Amber Rose speaks during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, Milwaukee, July 15, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Rapper Amber Rose, one of several celebrities speaking at the convention, spoke on Monday night about what made her come around to former President Donald Trump in a speech that drew applause from the former president. "The media has lied about Donald Trump," she said, eliciting lots of "yeahs" from the crowd, according to an ABC Digital reporter. "The first person I knew that supported Donald Trump was my father. I was shocked. My entire family is racially diverse. I believed the left-wing propaganda that Donald Trump was a racist," she said. She said the "left told her to hate Trump," but that she did her research and started watching rallies. "I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don't care if you're black, white, gay or straight. It's all love," she said, prompting a large applause from Trump. Trump smiled as Rose said, "When I met the president and Melania for the first time, he was kind and generous and funny as hell -- very funny." She touched on high gas prices and a "failing" education system. "When you cut through the lies, you realize the truth. American families were better when Donald Trump was president," she said. Jul 15, 11:07 PM Trump appears emotional in 1st public appearance since assassination attempt PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump greets Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance as he attends Day 1 of the Republican National Convention, in Milwaukee, July 15, 2024. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters) Former President Donald Trump appeared emotional while listening to "God Bless the USA" as the crowd chanted "U.S.A!" -- marking the former president's first public appearance since the assassination attempt at his rally on Saturday. Chants of "we love Trump" could also be heard as he stood in the crowd. Trump gave a standing ovation to the two speakers, billed by the RNC as "everyday Americans," who spoke following his arrival. Jul 15, 10:16 PM Attendees sing along to 'God Bless the USA' as Trump enters RNC The cheers for former President Donald Trump as he arrived were the loudest of the night. Convention attendees are singing along to the song as he makes his way through the floor. Trump pumped his fist -- in what appears to be a call-back to the "fight, fight, fight" fist pump after the failed assassination attempt -- before shaking hands with his running mate, J.D. Vance. He could be seen mouthing "thank you" and waving to the crowd. Trump had a more quiet, subdued demeanor during his appearance. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Republican Vice-Presidential candidate, Sen. JD Vance appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Jul 15, 10:10 PM Trump arrives with bandage on ear PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Former President Donald Trump has arrived at the convention with a bandage on his ear. The crowd cheered when he was shown on the jumbotron during a musical interlude. This is his first public appearance since the attempted assassination on Saturday at his rally. Jul 15, 10:00 PM Trump urges 'massive' voting turnout in video message Former President Donald Trump urged his supporters to get out and vote in a video message shown during the convention. "Many Republicans like to vote on Election Day, and we must swamp the radical Democrats with massive turnout on Tuesday, Nov. 5," he said. "The way you win is to swamp them." The pre-taped video has played at Trump's rallies in the past. Jul 15, 9:55 PM 'I love this guy': Charlie Kirk gets a warm welcome Many in the arena stood up to cheer on Charlie Kirk -- the CEO of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics at schools and universities -- as he walked onto the stage. "I love this guy," one woman said. Kirk opened up with a joke about his outreach work to young voters, telling the audience he's gone to college campuses so they don't have to -- which received a hearty laugh from attendees. -ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler PHOTO: CEO of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Jul 15, 9:38 PM Conga lines break out at the RNC On the left side of the stage, near where delegates from New York and Tennessee are stationed, a conga line has broken out. Many participants are waving "Trump" signs in the air. -ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler PHOTO: People hold signs with the theme of the evening session on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Jul 15, 9:21 PM Trump expected to make RNC appearance tonight Trump is expected to make an appearance at the Republican National Convention Monday night, multiple sources told ABC News. He is not expected to speak. A large motorcade recently left the hotel where Trump is staying and appears to be heading in the direction of the venue. -ABC News' Rachel Scott, John Santucci, Katherine Faulders and Kelsey Walsh Click here to read the rest of the blog. The second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee ended Tuesday with appearances from some of former President Donald Trump's former rivals: former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy -- all calling for Republican Party unity. They were joined by some of Trump's longest allies including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Ben Carson in bashing the Democrats over what they claimed were harmful and failed policies. The program focused on law and order with a theme of making the country "safe again." Trump, with a bandage on his ear, made an appearance again Tuesday evening -- just days after he was wounded in an assassination attempt at one of his rallies in Pennsylvania over the weekend. Several speakers touched on that God spared Trump in the shooting, saving him for a divine plan for the presidency. Latest Developments Jul 16, 11:38 PM Lara Trump addresses assassination attempt in final speech of the night In the final speech of the night, RNC co-chair Lara Trump largely focused on the assassination attempt on her father-in-law. "It may not be a surprise that I actually had a very different speech that I was prepared to give up here tonight," she began. "That all changed at 6:11 on Saturday evening. Nothing prepares you for a moment like that." PHOTO: Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump speaks on stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Lara Trump recounted how she grabbed the remote to shut off the television so her children wouldn't see the images of their grandfather. She said the incident was a "jarring reminder that we, as Americans, must always remember there is more that unites us than divides us." She thanked the former president for his "resilience," calling him a "lion," while calling on voters to cast their ballot for him. "In that split second on Saturday, Donald Trump reminded us all of that very history and who we are at our core as a nation. That is the Donald Trump that I know," she said. Jul 16, 11:23 PM Full Trump family to attend RNC Thursday: Sources The entire Trump family will be in attendance at the RNC on Thursday night, sources tell ABC News. Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner will all join the former president as he gives his acceptance speech. It will be the first time in this presidential cycle the Trump family will be together. Sources say Melania and Ivanka will not be speaking but attending to show their support. -ABC News' John Santucci Jul 16, 11:17 PM Crowd mimics Trump's raised fist: 'Fight, fight, fight' As Lara Trump spoke about Donald Trump pumping his fist after being shot at his Pennsylvania rally over the weekend, the RNC crowd reacted by raising their own fists in the air. "Fight, fight, fight," they shouted. Jul 16, 11:15 PM Haley supporters react to speech ABC News contacted several of Nikki Haley's supporters to ask their reactions to her speech at the RNC Tuesday night. Jack LaFrankie, a voter in Tennessee, told ABC News that he agreed with much of Haley's speech and that if the election were held today, he would reluctantly vote for Trump. Eli Raykinstein, an incoming sophomore at Michigan State University, said her speech resonated with him. "I also like how she spoke to the people who weren't totally sold on Trump, not just to the base he already has," Raykinstein said. PHOTO: Nikki Haley speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, in Milwaukee, July 16, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Thalia Flores from New Hampshire said she would never vote for Trump. "Never. She just bought herself a cabinet position -- probably Secretary of State," she said. After Haley's speech, Louis Hibbs, an undecided voter from Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, told ABC News that he's still undecided. "I still can't help looking back at the debate and the way Biden was stumbling over his own words," he said. Undecided North Carolina voter Roger Stewart told ABC News that Haley is a true Republican. "I'm still undecided. That's my official and honest declaration. I loved her speech, though," Stewart said. -ABC News' Hannah Demissie, Kelsey Walsh and Isabella Murray Jul 16, 11:08 PM Rubio urges fighting 'with our voices and our votes' In a message of party unity, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio called on Republicans to fight "with our voices and our votes." "Our country has been injured by bad decisions and weak leaders," he said. "But now, though bloodied by our wounds, we must stand up and we must fight. Fight not with violence or destruction, but with our voices and our votes." PHOTO: Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, in Milwaukee, July 16, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Rubio tried to counter against more extremist portrayals of the party, saying what Trump supporters want is "not extreme," but things like lower prices, secure borders and security. "And they want for our leaders to care more about our problems here at home than about the problems of other countries far away. There is absolutely nothing dangerous, or anything divisive about putting Americans first," he said, as the crowd broke out into a chant of "USA! USA! USA!" Jul 16, 11:03 PM 'First they tried to ruin his reputation ... then last weekend they tried to kill him': Ben Carson Dr. Ben Carson, Trump's Housing and Urban Development secretary and former 2016 presidential rival, took the stage and argued that last week's assassination attempt was part of a long line of attacks against the former president. "First, they tried to ruin his reputation, and he's more popular now than ever. And then they tried to bankrupt him, and he's got more money now than he had before. And then they tried to put him in prison, and he's freer and has made other people free with him. And then -- and then, last weekend they tried to kill him. And there he is over there, alive and well," Carson said to applause. Carson did not specify who "they" were. He went on to criticize the media and the government for dividing the nation contending the latter was "shredding our constitution and upending the rule of law. PHOTO: Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson speaks on stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Jul 16, 10:57 PM 'Corey, Corey, Corey' chant breaks out During Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's remarks, the crowd chanted in honor of Corey Comperatore, the man killed during the assassination attempt on Trump during Saturday's rally. "He was described as the best dad a girl could ever ask for," Rubio said. "He was a man of God who loved Jesus fiercely. He looked after members of his church. Corey was one of the millions of everyday Americans who make our country great." Rubio continued, "He wasn't rich. He wasn't famous. And the only reason why we know his name and story now is because last Saturday, he shielded his wife and daughter from an assassin's bullet and lost his life the way he lived it, a hero." The crowd then broke out into a chant of "Corey, Corey, Corey!" Jul 16, 10:55 PM GOP putting Harris front and center Over and over again, the speakers on Tuesday night are taking jabs at Vice President Kamala Harris, going after her on immigration and arguing that a vote for President Joe Biden is a vote for Harris. To be clear, Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of immigration, not securing the border, but the spotlight on Harris is notable, especially given all the questions and concerns about Bidens age. But the argument that Harris is a drag on the ticket may be losing steam -- we have seen in recent days several polls showing Harris doing slightly better than Biden in a head-to-head matchup with Trump. Of course, even Biden said Tuesday bluntly that Harris could be president, and he has argued a good one at that. -ABC News' Mary Bruce Jul 17, 8:29 AM Democratic Party 'stabbed us in the back,' crime victim's mother says Madeline Brame, one of the people billed by the RNC as an "everyday American," spoke about the murder of her son in an impassioned speech. Her son, Hason Correa, was stabbed to death in New York City in 2018 at the age of 35 after serving in the military. PHOTO: Madeline Brame speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 16, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Four people were charged related to Correa's murder. Three pleaded guilty to felony charges and one was convicted at trial. Two were handed sentences of 20 years to life, one was sentenced to seven years, and one served 14 months. Brame called the pleas an "injustice" that was "devastating for me and my family." "We need justice for victims and we need accountability for prosecutors who fail in their duty," Brame said. "Soft-on-crime prosecutors like Alvin Bragg in New York, Kim Foxx in Chicago and George Gascon in Los Angeles have turned our great country and city into war zones." She said the Democratic Party "stabbed us in the back." "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who claimed to represent us, have abandoned us," she said. "They neglected the poor minority communities across America." Jul 16, 10:53 PM Fact check: Drug overdose deaths The Trump administration had limited success in reducing the estimated number of drug overdose deaths, mostly due to fentanyl and other opioids, from 2017 to 2018 from 70,237 to 67,367 according to data from the CDC. However, that progress was reversed in 2019 growing to 70,630 and then surged during the pandemic in Trumps final year to 91,799>). As the pandemic raged, that ugly trend continued during the Biden administration with overdose deaths climbing to 106,699 in 2021 and peaking in 2022 at 111,027 before falling slightly in 2023 to 107,543, according to CDC data. Click here to read the rest of the blog. Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab will gradually wind down its US operations and lay off its US-based employees after the Department of Commerce announced a ban on the firm selling its products in the United States, Kaspersky said Monday. The shutdown of Kaspersky Labs US operations will start on July 20, ending nearly two decades of the company operating in the country, according to the companys statement. The company has carefully examined and evaluated the impact of the US legal requirements and made this sad and difficult decision as business opportunities in the country are no longer viable, Kaspersky Lab said. Independent journalist Kim Zetter first reported the news of the companys shutdown. The Commerce Department last month announced the ban of the sale and provision of Kaspersky software in the United States, citing national security concerns. US officials have claimed that the Russian government could use Kasperskys popular anti-virus software to surveil Americans through hacking or data collection. Kaspersky has strenuously denied those claims. More than 400 million people and 240,000 companies worldwide use Kaspersky Labs software products, according to the company. Just how many of those people and companies are in the United States is not clear. US government agencies were already banned from using Kaspersky Lab software but the Commerce Departments move to prevent the sale of the software in the United States was unprecedented. The legal authorities cited by the Commerce Department are relatively new and derived in part from a 2021 executive order that President Joe Biden signed in the name of protecting Americans personal data from foreign adversaries and a related order signed by then-President Donald Trump in 2019. CNN reported in April that the Commerce Department was taking action against Kaspersky Lab. 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 United States and Israel, but also cybercriminal threats that affect everyday users. Kaspersky Lab said in its statement Monday that it would continue investing in strategic markets and remain committed to serving its customers and partners and ensuring their protection. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The actor's tribute comes after he meet the social media star in the hospital in 2023 KylaCT Bella Brave/Tiktok Ryan Reynolds with Bella Brave in the hospital Ryan Reynolds is celebrating the life of Bella Brave. The actor, 47, described the social media star, who died at age 10 on Sunday, July 14, as razor sharp" and "charming in a touching tribute on Monday, July 15, after previously meeting Bella in hospital in 2023. Bella was so funny and so charming, Reynolds wrote on his Instagram Stories about the TikTok star, otherwise known as Bella Thomson. I loved meeting her and Im so deeply sad to hear this news. She had a razor-sharp wit and took zero s--- from anyone. Particularly me. Deepest condolences to her family and the staff at @sickkidsvs who cared for her in every way possible, he added, tagging Torontos SickKids hospital where Bella stayed up until her death. Related: TikTok's Bella Brave Dies at 10, Mom Shares in Heartbreaking Update: 'She Was Fearless' Bella died peacefully on Sunday, July 14, her mother Kyla Thomson confirmed on TikTok the following day. Her death came days after she was placed in a medically induced coma following complications from a lung infection. Our brave girl left her legacy here on earth to dance on streets of gold July 14th 2024 at 4:19 p.m. ET, Kyla wrote. Bella passed peacefully in our arms. Please keep her name on your lips, her memories alive and her bravery in your hearts. Bella rose to viral fame for her spunky personality as her parents Kyla and Lyle documented her dealing with multiple health challenges, including the rare bowel illness Hirschsprungs disease and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). KylaCT Bella Brave/Tiktok Ryan Reynolds with Bella Brave in the hospital On Dec. 7, 2023, her mom Kyla revealed that Reynolds met Bella in the hospital two weeks after she had a bowel transplant in August 2023. She also shared a sweet video of the pair chatting, with Reynolds kneeling beside Bella in her hospital bed. How you doing? Reynolds asked in the clip as Bella replied, Good. The Deadpool star explained to Bella that he just shot the Sick Kids Foundation Christmas Sweater Campaign downstairs in the hospital. He then asked Bella about her transplant, And how did it go? to which she replied, smiling, Good. Its sure nice meeting you, Reynolds said. Im really glad that I got to come and say hello Im going to leave this with you as well, he added, holding up an ugly sweater from his campaign for Bella. Because I know youre dying to wear an ugly sweater like that one. KylaCT Bella Brave/Tiktok Ryan Reynolds with Bella Brave in the hospital Im not dying to wear it, Bella joked. I know youre not, agreed Reynolds. It was the sweetest conversation. Like 2 old friends bonding over their hate for a super ugly Christmas sweaters. , Kyla wrote of the meeting on TikTok. Ryan, thank you for all you do for @SickKids Foundation and in turn for Bella. Thank you for including us in your Christmas Sweater Campaign and simply taking the time to have the sweetest, most hilarious chat with my daughter. Youre an amazing human, she added at the time. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. NBC - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Shannen Doherty died on Saturday from stage 4 breast cancer. The Charmed alum was 53. Doherty publicly spoke about her cancer journey for nearly a decade. Actress Shannen Doherty has died from breast cancer after publicly detailing her diagnosis for years, offering quotes about her journey. The Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed alum was 53. It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty, her publicist Leslie Sloane told People on Sunday. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace. Doherty first shared her diagnosis with fans in 2017 and kept people updated on her treatment, remission, and cancer recurrence on social media, as well as on her podcast, Lets Be Clear with Shannen Doherty. Doherty was incredibly candid before her death about her treatment, as well as her mental health while living with stage 4 cancer. Heres what shes disclosed to the public over the years. Doherty first revealed her diagnosis in 2015. The actress shared the news of her diagnosis in 2015 after revealing it in a lawsuit against her former business manager. Doherty said in the suit that her former manager failed to pay her insurance premiums, which prevented her from receiving medical care that she alleged would have helped her to detect the cancer earlier, according to CNN. In the lawsuit, Doherty said that the breast cancer spread in 2014 when she was uninsured. Doherty alleged that if the cancer had been caught earlier, she wouldnt have had to go through chemotherapy and a mastectomy. The lawsuit was settled in 2016, but the terms of the suit were not shared publicly. Doherty confirmed she had breast cancer after TMZ originally reported on the lawsuit. She candidly documented her original treatment. After publicly revealing her diagnosis, Doherty started documenting her treatment and how she was feeling on Instagram. That included sharing photos on Instagram in 2016 of herself shaving her head during chemotherapy, making it clear that it was an emotional process for her. She revealed in 2016 that her cancer had spread. Doherty shared with ET in 2016 that the breast cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, which was discovered during surgery. For that reason, we are doing chemo, and then after chemo, Ill do radiation, she said. She also opened up about how she was feeling about her treatment. The unknown is always the scariest part, she said. Is the chemo going to work? Is the radiation going to work? She worked to clear up cancer misconceptions. In December 2016, Doherty shared on Instagram that a woman lunged away from her after discovering that she had just undergone radiation therapy. Today, we were in an elevator and I was asked how I was feeling. I responded by saying that I had just gotten a radiation treatment so therefore very tired, Doherty wrote. The random girl on the elevator with us physically lunged away as far as she could. She then proceeded to look horrified for the next three floors. Just a heads up.... 1. You cant catch it 2. The radiation wont leak out of me and go into you. Hope that helps. Doherty went into remission in 2017. The actress revealed in an emotional Instagram post in April 2017 that she was in cancer remission. Moments. They happen. Today was and is a moment, she captioned a photo of herself sitting on a floor with her head in her hands. What does remission mean? I heard that word and have no idea how to react. Good news? YES. Overwhelming. YES. Now more waiting. As every single one of my fellow cancer family knows, the next five years is crucial. Reoccurrences happen all the time. So with a heart that is certainly lighter, I wait. She had breast cancer reconstruction in 2018. Doherty shared in 2018 that she was having breast cancer reconstructive surgery. She also revealed that she spent Mothers Day in the hospital after her surgery. Happy Mothers Day mom. I only bring you to the best places..hospital food..yum, she joked alongside a photo of herself and her mother. I love you. Thank you for always being there. Id write more but pain pills are kicking in. @themamarosa #reconstruction. Doherty shared in 2020 that she had stage 4 breast cancer. In 2020, Doherty once again shared an update on her health after legal documents leaked. The documents, which were shared by ET said, Plaintiff Shannen Doherty is dying of stage 4 terminal cancer. Doherty went on Good Morning America to talk about her diagnosis. Its going to come out in a matter of days or a week thatIm stage four. So my cancer came back. And thats why Im here, she said. I dont think I've processed it. Its a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways. Doherty also said that she would rather people hear it from me, she said. I don't want it to be twisted; I dont want it to be a court document. I want it to be real and authentic, and I want to control the narrative. I want people to know from me. Doherty revealed in June 2023 that the cancer had spread to her brain. In an Instagram post, the actress shared video of herself getting fitted for a mask that she would wear while receiving radiation treatment. She also revealed that the cancer had spread to her brain. My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life, she said. I am fortunate as I have great doctors like Dr. Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at Cedar Sinai. But that fear. The turmoil.. the timing of it all. This is what cancer can look like. She later told People that she named the brain tumor Bob. He had to get removed and dissected to see his pathology, she said. It was definitely one of the scariest things Ive ever been through in my entire life. A few months later, she said the cancer had spread to her bones. In November 2023, Doherty said that her cancer had spread more and also got candid about her feelings during that time. I dont want to die, she told People. Im not done with living. Im not done with loving. Im not done with creating. Im not done with hopefully changing things for the better. Im just notIm not done. She made her last wishes clear. Doherty got candid in a January episode of her podcast about her wishes for her funeral. I want my remains to be mixed with my dog and I want to be mixed with my dad, she said. I do not want to be buried and not cremated. Doherty also said that she wanted her ashes to be used to grow into a tree and that she hoped her ashes would be spread somewhere that meant a lot to her and her father. She also said that she wanted a short list of attendees at her funeral, and that she had a list of people that she didnt want to be there. I want my funeral to be like a love fest, she said. I dont want people to be crying or people to privately be like, Thank God that bitch is dead now. She was hopeful about her treatment before her death. In a January episode of her podcast, Doherty spoke with her radiation oncologist, Amin Mirhadi, M.D., about an infusion treatment she was undergoing. After four treatments, we didnt really see a difference and everybody wanted me to switch, and I just was like, Were gonna keep going with this and see, she said. But after the sixth or seventh treatment, Doherty said that the treatment found its way through the blood-brain barrier, which is a protective layer in the inner surface of the blood vessels of the brain. Do I call that a miracle? Yeah, she said. For me, that happens to be a miracle right now. That I sort of rolled the dice and said, Let's keep going. Doherty also said that she had hope for the future. I can die today, I can die in 20 years, I dont know. I can die walking outside of my house and a tree falling on me or a bus hitting me or whatever. Or I can die of cancer, she said. But all I can do is live each day in as much of a positive manner with a lot of hope as I can and embrace it and be like, Wow, I get to wake up again today, and what do I get to do? I think that positivity that you bring into your life helps you with your whole body. She decluttered her home before her death. Doherty said in an April episode of her podcast that she was getting rid of clutter in her home to help make things easier on her loved ones after she was gone. I dont want [my mom] to have a bunch of stuff to deal with, she said. I dont want her to have four storage units filled with furniture. Doherty also said that she was in the process of selling a property in Tennessee where she planned to create a home for her family. It was really hard and really emotional because to a certain extent, I felt like I was giving up on this dream of building this property out, and putting a house for me and a house for my mom and then extending the barn, she said. But Doherty said that it was the right thing to do and that its going to give you a sense of peace and a sense of calm. Because youre helping the people that you leave behind just have a cleaner, easier transition. You Might Also Like AUSTIN, Texas A Texas judge ruled that the school district and sheriff's office in Uvalade must release records within the next 20 days detailing the mishandled law enforcement response to the 2022 deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. Laura Prather, the media litigation chair for Haynes Boone who is representing the media outlets, announced the ruling from the 38th Judicial District Court of Uvalde County on Monday. Prather said that the school district and sheriff's office must release "all responsive documents" to the news agencies "a pivotal step towards ensuring transparency and accountability. A consortium of media outlets including the Austin American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network, filed a lawsuit in 2022 after officials in Uvalde repeatedly refused to publicly release records related to the shooting. The news agencies are seeking records detailing Texas' deadliest school shooting, including police body camera footage, emails, 911 calls, and additional communications tied to the mass casualty and its investigation. An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two teachers after entering Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022. Law enforcement response to the shooting has been sharply criticized after responding officers waited 77 minutes before confronting the shooter. "The public deserves to know the full details of the response to this tragic event, and the information could be critical in preventing future tragedies," Prather said in a statement. Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco declined to comment on Monday's ruling. The Uvalde school district did not respond to American-Statesman's requests for comment. 'Let down so many times': Families of Uvalde school shooting victims announce $2M settlement, lawsuit against Texas DPS Decision follows a similar 2023 ruling Last year, a judge made a similar ruling in favor of 14 news organizations, including the American-Statesmans parent company, Gannett, requiring the Texas Department of Public Safety to release its Uvalde school shooting records, which the outlets were seeking. In addition to Gannett, the other media outlets listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit included the Texas Tribune, the New York Times Co., the Washington Post, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, and CNN. Despite the ruling in the news organizations favor in March, the Department of Public Safety has not released the records, citing objections from Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell. In a news brief Monday, attorneys representing the shooting victims' families seeking those records referenced an ongoing appeal by the Department of Public Safety to delay the release of "more than two terabytes of data related to the investigation." Texas law enforcement criticized for delayed response to shooting The Texas Department of Public Safety has faced intense scrutiny after video footage revealed that the agency's officers, and all other law enforcement agencies that responded to the massacre, waited more than an hour before confronting and killing the shooter. The gunman had remained inside two classrooms where terrified children who survived the shooting had called 911 pleading for help. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice released a scathing report detailing law enforcement's "significant failure" in the shooting. The report described a chaotic, unorganized scene in which there was no command and control by officers. It also blamed the school's police chief for attempting to negotiate with the gunman, who had already shot his way into the classroom, while having his officers search for keys to unlock the rooms. The report also noted that officials provided misleading and inaccurate information following the incident. In May, days before the second anniversary of the massacre, the victims' families filed a lawsuit against the Department of Public Safety and 92 troopers who responded to the mass shooting, calling the response a dereliction of duty for not employing proper active shooter response training techniques. The lawsuit states that while the officers had received active shooter training, those tactics and practices were not followed in their response to the mass casualty. In presenting the lawsuit, the Uvalde families also announced that a $2 million settlement agreement had been reached with the city, which includes provisions on better training for police officers. Hogan Gore reports for the Austin American-Statesman. Contributing: Niki Griswold, John C. Moritz, Tony Plohetski and Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman; Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Uvalde school shooting: Judge orders sheriff to release records At 85 years old, Escolastica Harrison was enjoying her retirement years following decades of juggling her job as a schoolteacher and managing a trailer park that served as a "stepping stone" for struggling residents in the south Texas border city of Brownsville. Though she still managed the trailer park, she had slowed down some in a good way, finding more time to water the backyard plants she loved so much or catch up over the phone with a beloved nephew. Instead of being allowed to live out the rest of her years in peace, Harrison was brutally murdered in her own home the night of Sept. 5, 1998. One of the men convicted in the crime, Ruben Gutierrez, is set to be executed by lethal injection in the crime in Texas on Tuesday. "Everybody loved her, Alex Hernandez, her nephew and godson, told USA TODAY last week. "She was a real person. She was a giver. She gave back to the community, and she cared." As Gutierrez's execution nears, USA TODAY is looking back at the crime and who Harrison was. Robert Harrison and Escolastica Harrison attend sister Estella Cuellar Perez's 1986 wedding. Who was Escolastica Harrison? For Hernandez, Harrison will always been known as Aunt Peco, a pillar of the community and someone who not only cared about all of the students she taught but wanted to make sure they succeeded. Harrison taught third grade at Cromack Elementary, which was in one of the poorest parts of Brownsville at the time, with most of the students being children of migrant workers. It was very important to Harrison, a native Spanish speaker herself, to make enunciation a priority in her classroom. Shes like, They need to learn English and they need to learn it the right way. I dont want them to speak any slang or anything like that,'" Hernandez recalled about Harrison. "She was like a drill sergeant, ingrained it in them because they needed to know. She wanted to help. It wasnt because she was mean, she wanted to make that they had the tools they needed to get by in this world." Students werent the only group to benefit from Harrisons firm yet loving hand. The trailer park, which she owned with husband Robert Harrison before his death in 1991, was a stepping stone for people, particularly immigrants from Mexico who were trying to establish themselves. Harrison cared about her tenants, offering advice, fixing things and occasionally offering diapers to help families in need, Hernandez said. All of her tenants loved her, even if she did have scold them every once in a while," he said. At home, she made summers so much fun for Hernandez. She was like, When we get home You wanna go fishing? She had a resaca, you know, a pond in the back," he said. "Shed tell me, Go fishing. Im going to call your cousin Robbie and were going to make sandwiches. Yall are going to have fun and play out there. That's the kind of person she was." Escolastica Harrison, Robert Harrison and Bella Cuellar pictured at a Thanksgiving dinner in November 1988. What happened to Escolastica Harrison By 1998 when Harrison was 85, one of her nephews, Avel Cuellar, was living with her and helping around the house. A local man named Ruben Gutierrez was a friend of Cuellar's and was frequently at Harrison's home socializing and drinking. Gutierrez befriended Harrison and would run errands for her, eventually learning that she kept a lot of cash in her home, according to court records. On Sept. 5, 1998, Gutierrez and two other men Rene and Pedro Garcia went to Harrison's home to rob her. The accounts of what happened in her home vary, with Gutierrez arguing that he waited outside and had no idea things would get violent. Regardless, Harrison ended up face down in a pool of blood after having been beaten and stabbed, court records say. Though Gutierrez thought Harrison had $600,000 in the home, the men made away with at least $56,000. A jury found Gutierrez guilty of capital murder in 1999 and sentenced him to death one month later. His execution has previously been set six times and then postponed over mostly clerical errors a process that amounts to torture, his attorney argues in a petition for clemency that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied on Friday. If the execution proceeds, Gutierrez would be the third inmate put to death in the state this year and the 10th in the nation. At the time of her death, Harrison was still managing the trailer park full time and was still adept at "taking care of business," Hernandez said. Ruben Gutierrez is set to be executed for his participation in the robbery and murder of an elderly woman on Tuesday, July 16. Hernandez to attend execution Hernandez still remembers the night a cousin called to break the news, telling him Cuellar had found Harrison's body in the trailer. And I just cried. I just remember crying, Hernandez said. No one took Harrison's murder harder than her sister and Hernandez's mother, Estela Cuellar Perez, who was at the trailer park to help run operations every day after that because thats what Harrison would have wanted. The family eventually sold the trailer park, but Cuellar Perez couldnt stop thinking about her sister, about what she had lost. I remember on her deathbed, like the day before she died, telling me to make sure (Gutierrez) gets executed, Hernandez said. He plans to do just that for his mom. Hernandez is set to be among the witnesses who watches as Gutierrez is put to death Tuesday. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victim of Texas inmate set for execution was loving schoolteacher Winston, one of the oldest gorillas in the world and a popular fixture at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, has died after experiencing multiple health problems, officials announced. He was 52. The western lowland silverback was euthanized Saturday after experiencing several age-related conditions, including heart, kidney and joint diseases, Safari Park officials said on Instagram. Visitors to the Southern California park adored him for his quirky but gentle temperament, and scientists treasured him for his contributions to a critically endangered species, including fathering nine offspring, according to zoo officials. Winston also raised two unrelated male gorillas, an unknown behavior for silverbacks. "This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easygoing nature and heart of gold, Safari Park officials said. "Winston served as the protector of his family." Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species in several Central African countries, according to the World Wildlife Fund, a leading conservation nongovernmental organization. How many live in the wild is unknown, but scientists estimate their numbers have fallen by 60% in the past 25 years. Winston arrived in Southern California in 1984, according to a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance publication "Wonderful Winston: A truly great ape." He was one of 3,000 animals representing 300 species at the 1,800-acre expanse 30 miles outside San Diego and oversaw a troop of seven gorillas according to the 2018 publication. The park opened in 1972. The beloved gorilla has had health complications since at least 2017 when zookeepers noticed symptoms of heart problems. Most great apes in zoos die from cardiovascular disease. "After careful consideration stemming from furthering complications from his worsening conditions, and with Winston's quality of life top of mind, wildlife health and care teams made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him," zoo spokesperson Emily Senninger said in a statement. What is the rarest animal in the world? See the list of top 10 most endangered species. Western lowland gorillas According to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, western lowland gorillas are the smallest subspecies in size and are known for being peaceful. The males can grow up to 6 feet tall and 500 pounds; the females can grow up to 4 feet tall and 200 pounds, according to the Smithsonian. Gorillas' arms are longer than their legs, and the males have an arm span of 8 feet. Western lowland gorillas given the scientific name gorilla gorilla gorilla live in swampy forests across the Congo Basin, including in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, according to the Wildlife Fund. The number of wild western lowland gorillas worldwide has fallen sharply because of poaching and ebola. The virus has killed off 90% of the gorillas and chimpanzees in what were some of the most densely populated ape habitats, according to the fund. Western lowland gorillas in the wild typically live 30 to 40 years, according to the Smithsonian. They can live into their 50s in captivity. 'Cool as all get-out' The first thing zookeepers noticed about Winston when he arrived in the U.S. from England, where he was raised, was his mean-looking mug, according to a zookeeper publication. The second thing was how gentle he was. He loved prunes, refused to eat honeydew melon, and had a catlike aversion to getting wet. He would walk around puddles or lay down a piece of cardboard to sit on when the ground was wet, according to zookeepers. The announcement of his death was met by an outpouring of support from fans on Instagram, who shared stories of seeing him. Elizabeth Washburn, a San Diego-based artist, told USA TODAY about the time she met him. Washburn was teaching at an art camp at the Safari Park in the early 2000s when a zookeeper invited her and the kids behind a special gate to watch Winston get a vet check. "He was cool as all get-out," said Washburn, 51, recalling how the full force of his personality was on display in the enclosure. "He came in and made this giant entrance. He ran in and started pounding his chest, and then he immediately came up to the window and looked straight out at us." The kids, staring back at him across the fence about 10 feet away, were silent, "just gobsmacked," Washburn said. "He had so much intelligence," the artist said. "You could just see it in his eyes, he was just looking at us, trying to see who we were." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winston gorilla dies at San Diego Zoo Safari Park after health issues Microsoft continues to ramp up its investment in new products and initiatives for managed services providers across much of its portfolio spanning Copilot, security, Azure and AI. New skills programs, refreshed and bolstered incentives alongside initiatives to help bring value to customers and assist with proof of concept (POCs) and deployment are on the cards. One of the key areas that Microsoft is particularly paying attention to is security, backed by its commitment to spend US$20 billion in this area during the next five years. This also complemented the $5 billion investment made in 2023 to expand its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia over the next two years. The aim is to help Australia seize the artificial intelligence (AI) era to strengthen its economic competitiveness, create high-value jobs and protect from the increasing threat of cyberattacks. These are great examples of how we are investing in Australia for a bright future with the channel and with customers, Microsoft A/NZ SMB channel lead, Brad Clarke said. As Diamond sponsor of Dicker Datas TechX, Clarke highlighted Dicker Datas value proposition to empower Microsoft partners with the people, practices, and programs to thrive in the era of AI. They have a dedicated local Microsoft team with strategic, technical, sales, marketing, licensing, and operations specialists, who form an integrated extension of the partners team, Clarke said. They also strongly endorse partner to partner collaboration, to help partners unlock significant value across the Microsoft community. Dicker Data also gives Microsoft partners direct access to growth-led programs focused on Azure, Copilot, AI, and security. These include programs to support training and certification, cloud readiness and deployment opportunities, partner to partner networking, and fully tailored marketing support to drive customer demand, Clarke said. In the coming years, Clarke said Microsoft Copilot was poised to become an integral part of every PC. Microsoft has already demonstrated its potential to enhance productivity and streamline mundane tasks, he said. Partners who embrace Copilots potential and actively contribute to its ecosystem will be well-positioned to thrive in the future. Microsoft partners can streamline their own operations by consolidating their productivity, security and AI solutions under one vendor. This not only delivers far greater outcomes for our customers, it helps partners reduce cost and grow their profitability. Security also stands tall as a top priority. Recently Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella emphasised this commitment, stating security underpins every layer of the tech stack, and its our number one priority. We are doubling down on this very important work, putting security above all else, before all other features and investments. Microsofts Secure Future Initiative (SFI) plays a central role in advancing cybersecurity protection across the company. The SFI focuses on three core principles: Secure by Design: Security comes first when designing any product or service. Secure by Default: Security protections are enabled and enforced by default, requiring no extra effort. Secure Operations: Continuous improvement of security controls and monitoring to meet current and future threats Partners play a crucial role in delivering on this priority. By aligning with Microsofts security principles, partners can contribute to building a more secure digital ecosystem, Clarke said Together, we can defend against increasingly sophisticated threat actors and create a trusted platform for innovation. This deal with Apex Group enables us to combine our complementary strengths to not only deliver for a significant portion of this high-growth sector but also expand our market footprint as we continue a trajectory of scale, he said. For the Apex Group, this agreement with Novigi was born out of the previous successful collaboration between the two organisations, said Nick Happell, regional managing director of APAC at Apex Group. There is a significant opportunity in the global pensions market to provide innovative, tech-enabled administration services, he said. Establishing this model with Novigi is a powerful step in creating the capacity and capability to scale and service this growing need. This latest agreement follows a busy start to the year for Novigi. In June, the service provider bulked up its leadership team with three hires who were focused on consulting. This (election manifesto) is the Bhagavad Gita, Bible and Quran for me, my party workers and my government functionaries, announced Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, showing a single sheet of paper to thousands of his jubilant followers who were cheering him at his swearing-in ceremony in May last year. On the day Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy released the YSR Congress manifesto, a few months earlier, he had highlighted how brief the manifesto was. All promises were listed in a single sheet of paper unlike the booklets that other political parties print to showcase their promises to people. The nine promises, for which his poll managers coined the term Navaratnalu or nine gems, created unprecedented hope among the Andhra Pradesh electorate as was evident from the massive mandate they gave Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy 151 Assembly seats out of 175 and 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 25. Is implementation of the welfare initiatives as simple as compiling them on a single sheet of paper? Does Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy have a philosophy behind these initiatives and a long-term vision to realise them, or has it been done with an eye on the 2024 general elections? Will these freebies, as a non-beneficiary of these initiatives rues, ruin the work culture or actually help the wheel of economic activity turn? These are some of the questions facing the Chief Minister. The nine initiatives can be summarised as follows: Rythu Bharosa, cash assistance for farmers Fee reimbursement Aarogyasri, state bearing the cost of medical treatment Jalayagnam, strengthening of irrigation network Gradual prohibition on liquor sale Amma Vodi, a cash incentive to mothers to send children to school YSR Aasara, loan waiver to women thrift groups and cash incentive to women aged above 45 Pedalandariki Illu, housing for poor on saturation mode Pension Pempu, enhanced pension to citizens above 60 Except for irrigation projects and prohibition, the rest of the promises fall in the category of direct benefit transfer, or cash incentive in general terms, that would roughly take about '30,000 crore of the state Budget every year. Some of the initiatives are part of existing schemes, some are centrally-sponsored and others are the Chief Ministers brainchild, but all bear his imprint either in terms of enhanced allocations or improved implementation methodology. For instance, Basavaraju Prasada Rao, a septuagenarian from Nellore district, to his pleasant surprise found a state-appointed volunteer handing over his senior citizens pension of '2,250 at his doorstep relieving him of the burden of either depending on his children to draw money from the bank and bear silently with the pilferage or go all the way to the local office to collect pension. Like him, about 59 lakh pensioners receive money at their doorstep every month. Similarly, Kamalamma, a native of Madakasira in Anantapur district, died of cancer when a hospital in Hyderabad refused to honour the health insurance scheme of the then AP government as it was applicable only in Andhra Pradesh. Another cancer patient, Raghavendra Prasad of Kovurnagar in the same district, was fortunate enough to get treatment in Bengaluru, which is close by, after Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy extended the Aarogyasri health insurance to cover medical treatment availed outside the state. PHILOSOPHY According to Team Jagan, the 3,648-km padayatra covering the length and breadth of the state in 341 days perhaps gave a new dimension to the thoughts of Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy, then Leader of the Opposition. The extra mile he walked more than his father and late chief minister Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy did translate into an extra thrust on addressing the problems from the roots while attending to the peoples immediate needs. Our focus is to handhold a generation to prosperity, explains Mr G.V.D. Krishna Mohan, State Communications Adviser. Children who just join school today have to study for at least 20 years and equip themselves to face the world in 2040 and beyond. We cant even imagine how the world would have technologically advanced, he adds. HUMAN CAPITAL The Chief Minister, according to his aides, realised that the failure to invest in building human capital left the country behind China, which was on par with India way back in 1981 on all parameters of development but went on to achieve five times Indias GDP by investing in education and health. Some accuse the Chief Minister of doling out freebies to win over the electorate and ruining the economy, says Dr P.V. Ramesh, additional chief secretary to the Chief Minister. The so-called free market economies like the US bear 48 per cent of the health cost, and 22 per cent of the UK Budget goes only to government hospitals, he said adding that spending on health is an investment in human capital. In various review meetings, the Chief Minister has attributed the perennial problem of poverty to the ever-increasing health cost of people of which only 20 per cent is borne by the government. This is apparently to defend his focus on huge spending on Aarogyasri and extending the health care benefit not just to the Below Poverty Line families but all those whose annual income is less than '5 lakh per annum. According to the health indices released by the Centre, AP fared badly in various parameters including 30 per cent premature marriages of women and 25 per cent teen pregnancies. Lack of access to proper medicare still kept infant mortality at a high rate of 34 out of 1,000. The Chief Minister, Dr Ramesh says, has embarked on a '14,000-crore health infrastructure improvement programme. EDUCATION Contrary to the general perception, Andhra Pradesh fares poorly in education parameters. For instance, the gross enrolment ratio in elementary education during Mr Chandrababu Naidus regime was 83.2 per cent, far below the national average of 96.9 per cent, says Mr Duvvuri. An expert in finance and energy sectors, he was part of the Chief Ministers think tank that was involved in drafting the manifesto. Incidentally, his father D. Somayajulu rendered similar services to Dr Rajasekhar Reddy. Explaining the philosophy behind the YSR Congress governments flagship programmes, Mr Duvvuri says making English medium of instruction compulsory in elementary education, Nadu-Nedu (now and then) a programme aimed at improving the infrastructure in schools, Amma Vodi, a '15,000 per annum cash incentive to mothers and fee reimbursement are investments on a generation. Notwithstanding dues of crores of rupees to the agencies providing the mid-day meal scheme, the Chief Minister changed the menu to make it tastier and healthier. We have witnessed a nine per cent increase in attendance last month after changing the menu, says Ch Sridhar, director of the mid-day meal scheme in the school education department. The Chief Minister announced Nadu Nedu for schools also wherein '4,500 crore would be spent in the next four years to improve infrastructure in schools and of which '900 crore would be spent on capacity building of teachers. AGRICULTURE As per the rural finance inclusion report of the Nabard, the average monthly income and expenditure of farmers in Andhra Pradesh hovered at about '5,200 between 2014 and 2019 and the disposable surplus income with farmers was almost nil. On the other hand, the ratio of indebtedness is as high as 77 per cent against the national average of 47 per cent. While Dr Rajasekhar Reddy ushered in a new concept of free power to the farm sector, successive governments including that of Mr Naidu, who once was a hard critic of the initiative, were left with no option but to continue the programme. Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy has come up with a proposal to build 10,000 MW solar power capacity to meet the needs of the farm sector apart from providing cash incentive of '13,500 per acre every year under the Rythu Bharosa scheme to 46.5 lakh farmers. The Chief Minister however was criticised for including the Central assistance of '6,000 and Mr Naidu demanded that the government give the promised assistance of '12,000 over and above the Central assistance. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT Immediately after the gruesome rape and murder of a veterinary student in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister brought out the Disha initiative to ensure speedy justice to victims and tougher punishment to ensure safety of women. To everyones surprise, the emotionally charged Chief Minister announced in the Assembly his appreciation of his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao and the police for delivering instant justice by killing the four accused in the Disha rape and murder. The father of two girl children, he was emotionally upset on the increasing incidence of attacks on women and children, home minister M. Sucharita points out. Many of the welfare initiatives are women-centric in that the cash incentives will go to women who the Chief Minister has repeatedly said in public speeches would be more concerned and judicious in spending. Despite the state reeling under severe financial crunch, the Chief Minister is keen on achieving total prohibition in a phased manner with the strong belief that it improves the living standards of a family. The efforts are yielding results, with the consumption of liquor going down by at least 25 per cent. The government took over the retail sale of liquor in October last and consumption since then till the end of February was 117.55 lakh cases. This was against 154.79 lakh cases for the corresponding period in 2018-2019, says D. Vasudeva Reddy, managing director of AP Beverages Corporation Limited. The Supreme Court just levelled the playing field for Indian servicewomen by introducing permanent commission and non-combat command postings for them. Though some sticking points need to be addressed, a roadmap has been prepared and change is very much in the air. The Supreme Courts judgment making women officers from the short service commission (SSC) eligible for permanent commission (PC) and holding of command in non-combat heralds a new era in gender equality in the male-dominated Indian Army. Women officers form just four per cent of the total commissioned officers in the Indian Army despite being inducted since 1992. There are only 1,653 women officers in the Indian Army against close to 39,000 male officers. After the Supreme Court order, the number of women officers in the Indian Army is expected to rise. In 2008, women officers were given permanent commission in only two non-combat streams the Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps. In March last year, the defence ministry said that PC will be allowed in eight non-combat branches (signals, engineers, army aviation, army air defence, electronics and mechanical engineers, army service corps, army ordnance corps and intelligence) where women are inducted for SSC, taking the number of branches where women could get PC to 10. But the defence ministry order restricted women to just staff positions and they were not allowed command position. Now, the Supreme Court has struck down this provision, making them eligible for command positions. Moreover, the Court said that even women officers currently serving in these 10 branches will be eligible for PC and it must not be restricted to those who were recruited after the defence ministrys order was issued. In a hard-hitting order, the Supreme Court said the time has come for a realisation that women officers in the Army are not adjuncts to a male dominated establishment whose presence must be tolerated within narrow confines. Women officers could now get command position in various non-combat postings like NCC battalions, record officers, training regiments and commandants of Sainik and military schools. However, the road ahead is still full of challenges. The men who join the Army as SSC officers can opt for PC after 10 years of service if they want to continue in the Army. The Supreme Court order has said that some 255 women officers who are in service for 14-20 years and some 77 women officers who have above 20 years of service would be given the option of PC within three months. Then there are women officers (600, by some estimates) who have completed 10 years of a total of 14 years of SSC. Indian Army chief Gen. M.M. Naravane has said that the Army will be sending letters to all eligible officers asking if they want PC. But some officers said that there are difficulties for women officers to clear boards if judged on the same yardsticks as men because they were never groomed for PC. They explain that the board gives points to a candidate on various parameters, such as if they have done high-altitude postings. As per the number of vacancies for PC, only those who secure top marks get qualified. But since women officers were not to get PC, their commanding officers usually did not give them postings where they could get more marks. These postings usually went to male officers and COs would also give more marks to male officers compared to women officers thinking that men will need them during their boards, said an officer. He said that many women officers also did not go for junior commands that their male counterparts go for after 6-7 years of service and which is important to get promotions. So the thing is that within the current parameters how will these women will pass the boards to get PC? The only option will be to dilute these parameters and judge men and women officers differently, said the official. The court order says that those officers who have more than 14 years of service will continue to be in the Army till they complete 20 years of service in order to be eligible for pension even if they didnt opt for PC or did not qualify for PC. The SC order said women officers with over 20 years of service who are not granted PC will retire and avail pension. It is the women officers with service between 10 years and 14 years who will bear the brunt of the changed circumstances, said another officer. He said that since they were not eligible for PC they never cared about their annual confidential reports that carry the most marks in boards. There is a possibility that these officers may go to the Supreme Court, said the official. Gen. Naravane has said that the Army has prepared a roadmap for granting PC to its women officers. The road ahead For the new women officers, physical training, posting and service courses will be changed and will be similar to those taken by male officers. Women officers will be eligible for various courses just like their male counterparts in junior command that will allow them to progress in the service. They will be eligible for competitive exams for Staff College which is for Major rank officers. The women officers will now have to go to difficult postings if they want to opt for PC, said a senior officer. He said that some postings that are considered as peace postings for male officers have currently been nominated as field postings for women officers. This will also change in the future. Meanwhile, there are some apprehensions among male officers that the Supreme Court order may impact their peace postings. After being in difficult postings like Kashmir, forward areas and Siachen, male officers are usually put in peace postings where they can be with their families. It should not be that women will keep getting peace postings by giving various excuses like they have small children and only male officers suffer, landing up in tough postings, said an officer. However, defence sources point out that women have proved their mettle and under tough conditions. There are many women who are posted in Kashmir, including female doctors risking their lives, said another senior official. Last year, Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal was awarded the Yudh Seva medal for distinguished service in wartime. She was one of the fighter controllers when Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft entered Indian air space on February 27 post the Balakot air strikes. She had kept her cool in a trying situation and played a crucial role in repulsing the attack. The Supreme Court, in its order, said the engagement of women officers in the Army has been an evolutionary process. Women officers were initially inducted in 1992 for just five years, which was extended for another five years. On incorporation of the provision for SSCs for women officers, they were allowed to become SSC officers and their tenure extended to 14 years. The SC order on PC and command is another milestone. Since last year, the Army has, for the first time, started recruiting women in military police. The all-boys Sainik Schools in the country will start offering admission to girl students from the 2021-22 academic session. This will help in the creation of future women officers. The next crucial move will entail the storming of another male bastion allowing girls to take admission in the prestigious National Defence Academy. The decision of the Supreme Court of India granting women the same career progression as men in the Indian Army has generated quite a debate. The Court has upheld the judgement of the Delhi High Court which had asked the ministry of defence to consider women for grant of permanent commission (PC) at par with male officers. Till that point of time, women officers were only allowed Short Service Commission (SSC) under the Women Special Entry Scheme upto a maximum of 14 years, while male SSC officers were eligible to be considered for PC. The minimum service required to earn a pension in the defence services being 20 years, women officers were mandatorily released from service at crossroads in their mid-30s, without a permanent career, financial backup or social security and at an age when family and other commitments are at a peak. The conversation on the subject, however, seems to have veered off the mark. Many commentators, including some military veterans, have questioned the physical ability of women to command troops in frontline combat, while others have raised doubts about a situation in which a woman officer is taken prisoner of war by the enemy. Some have even spoken on how women would give 100 per cent to their jobs considering there might be maternity breaks in-between. Much of these discussions are otiose. First, the issue before the SC was not frontline combat but simply grant of PC and command appointments instead of staff appointments and that too in earmarked posts. While the litigation was pending, the government had issued a policy allowing women to be considered for PC with a caveat that they will not hold command positions at par with men and would only hold specified posts. The policy also unreasonably required women to provide the option for PC within three to four years of service while there was no such condition imposed on men. It was the contention of the litigants that they could not be slotted in specific posts when there were no such fetters on their male counterparts. It may be noted again that the issue was not command in combat arms on the battlefront but regular appointments involving command of troops in branches in which women were already serving as SSC officers. In any case, such a policy was absurd on the face of it since it allowed them to hold myriad appointments while they were SSC officers but restricted their employability as soon as they became permanent. In certain quarters there was a fear that women would usurp soft appointments leading to additional pressure on males who would remain deployed in tougher areas. However, their employability on varied (rather than restricted) appointments should now rather terminate this fear since it is known to all that it would be a level field hereafter, without any favour based on sex. Second, when there is no deployment of women on frontline combat, there is no question of them being taken PoW. And even if hypothetically they were so deployed, they are soldiers first and then women, and our concern should be regarding an Indian soldier taken PoW, and not a woman. In any case, to raise an issue which is an impossibility just to create some kind of an emotionally chilling effect does not seem judicious. Third, the bogey of maternity leave is quite lame. It is well-known that this is likely to emanate during the younger years and not during the later years when such officers are granted PC. When this has not posed a problem during SSC, why would it interfere during PC when the incidence of pregnancy, on the contrary, is likely to be very low? Members of other uniformed organisations, such as the police and the Central Armed Police Forces, have accepted them with open arms and it is painful to hear such regressive comments from members of the military community. Needless to state, some of these organisations deploy women in much tougher roles and in lower ranks. I have always maintained that women in defence services are not meant for parades and showcasing in events only. Women must be placed in responsible positions in multiple roles to the greatest extent possible. The switchover would result in some churning and may require some finetuning but a few years from now, this will not even remain a talking point with women and men well-assimilated in a system ruled only by merit and competence. The positive and very mature statements of the defence minister and the Army chief only point towards an egalitarian and progressive time ahead for the military, aided with some practical and well-chiselled policy interventions in the near future. The author is a lawyer in the Punjab & Haryana High Court and member of the International Society of Military Law and the Law of War NEW DELHI/Hathras: As the death toll in the Hathras stampede rose to 121 on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath met those injured in the stampede and announced a judicial probe into the matter. The police filed an FIR against the organisers of the religious congregation, accusing them of hiding evidence and flouting conditions with 2.5 lakh people crammed into a venue in which only 80,000 were permitted. A preliminary report by the sub divisional magistrate (SDM) has revealed that chaos was caused after the followers of the "godman" were pushed by his security and a "slippery slope" resulted in the stampede. According to the UP relief commissioner, the number of people injured stands at 28. Only four of the 121 bodies are yet to be identified. Of the 116 who died on Tuesday, all were women, except for seven children and one man. The family members of the victims gathered around hospitals, some looking for those missing, some were there to identify bodies and others were tending to the injured. The doctors said asphyxia due to compression was the leading cause of death. The hospitals carried out four times the usual number of autopsies in a day in the aftermath of the stampede. A majority of the victims were women aged between 40 and 50 years. As the administration and the medical fraternity coped with the crisis, families tried to piece together what had happened and count their losses. Among them was 29-year-old Satyendra Yadav, who works as a driver, who lost his three-year-old son Rovin. He had reached the venue with his entire family, including his mother, wife and two children. The anguished father, who performed the last rites for his son on Tuesday night, said he doesn't remember much of what happened. Kaavya and her elder brother, nine-year-old Ayush, took a bus with their family from Jaipur on Monday evening. It was to be their last. Ramlakhan, their uncle, said he hasn't told their father and his brother Anad. "I came to know about the tragic incident around 5 pm. They (Kaavya and Ayush) had gone to the satsang along with my wife, who is their paternal aunt. The children, along with other family members, had left Jaipur on Monday evening and they had reached the programme venue by 6 am," Ramlakhan told the media. On Wednesday, Mr Adityanath met the victims and their kin, while assuring them that the accused will not be spared. After meeting the victims, the UP CM held a discussion with the officials and said the possibility of a conspiracy cannot be ruled out. He also said the "sevadars" should have taken the victims to the hospital. Asserting that the government will ensure that such incidents do not recur, the chief minister said a standard operating procedure might be put in place for religious congregations. A judicial probe by a retired high court judge will be conducted into the incident. "If this is not an accident, then whose conspiracy is this? All of these will be probed. Retired officials of the police and civic administration will be part of the judicial inquiry and action will be taken against those found responsible," Mr Adityanath said. The chief minister said that among those killed, six were from other states -- four from Haryana and one each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. When asked why the religious preacher has not been named in the FIR as an accused, Mr Adityanath said, "Prima facie, the case has been filed against those who had applied for permission for the event. Whoever is responsible for this will come under its purview." A team consisting of ADG Agra and Aligarh divisional commissioner has been constituted to inquire into the cause of the incident. Meanwhile, the Hathras SDMs report stated, "A crowd of more than 2-lakh people were present in the satsang pandal. The preacher reached the venue at about 12.30 pm and the programme went on for an hour At about 1.40 pm, the godman came out of the pandal to go towards Etah via national highway 91. As soon as he left, his followers started running towards him for a 'darshan' and to collect soil from around his feet. The followers, mostly women and children, started applying the dust of Baba's feet to their foreheads while trying to get his darshan, touch his feet and take his blessingsThe situation worsened when more people began running towards his vehicle. Then the personal security personnel and the sevadars started pushing and shoving to stop the crowd, due to which some people fell down," the report states, adding that it led to a panic and the crowd went out of control. Due to panic, the crowd ran towards the open field in front of the venue to get relief. On the other side of the road, most of the people slipped and fell due to the wet slope while descending from the road towards the fieldthose who fell could not get up again and were run over by those coming from behind, the report mentioned. While the state police lodged an FIR against the organisers. "Mukhya sevadar" Devprakash Madhukar and other organisers have been named in the FIR. The godman's name is not on the list of accused, though it is in the complaint. Giving a sense of what took place, the FIR alleged that the organisers hid the actual number of devotees coming to the satsang while seeking permission, did not cooperate in traffic management and hid evidence after the incident. The FIR apparently gave a clean chit to the police and administration, saying they did whatever was possible with the available resources. According to the FIR, police and administration officials did everything possible and sent the injured from the available resources to hospitals, but the organisers and "sevadars" did not cooperate. In a related development, two separate public interest litigations were also filed in the Supreme Court and the Allahabad high court in the stampede incident. The plea submitted before the apex court sought the constitution of a high-level committee under the supervision of a retired judge to investigate the stampede incident. NEW DELHI: Facing an unrelenting attack by the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally opened up on Manipur in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and said that violence in the Northeast state is continuously declining. He slammed the Opposition for "politicising the issue and said that Manipur will "soon reject the Congress" for "spreading hate". Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, the Prime Minister touched upon a host of issues raised by the INDIA bloc, particularly the Congress and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. On Manipur, he said that violence in the state is continuously declining, schools have reopened in most parts and efforts are being made to restore normalcy in the state. More than 500 people have been arrested and over 11,000 FIRs have been registered in Manipur... Both the Central and state governments are talking to everyone there for opening the door to peace," Mr Modi said, adding that in the wake of the flood situation in the state, the Centre has dispatched two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Manipur. Invoking the 1975-77 Emergency to counter the Congress partys repeated claim that the BJP plans to change the Constitution, Mr Modi said, "I want to remind them. Will you continue this fake narrative? Have you forgotten the 1977 elections, when newspapers and radio were shut down? There was no freedom of speech. People then voted on the issues of re-establishing the Constitution and protecting the Constitution." It was the first election fought for the protection of the Constitution, he asserted. "People have more faith in us for the protection of the Constitution. Therefore, they gave us the mandate," Mr Modi said, criticising the Congress for its "hypocrisy" on constitutional matters and doing the "drama" of protecting the Constitution during polls. He said that for his party, the Constitution is not just a compilation of articles; its spirit and words are very important too. The Constitution is like a lighthouse that shows his government the direction," Mr Modi said. The stinging attack by Mr Modi infuriated the INDIA bloc parties, who shouted slogans and called him a "liar". Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge sought to intervene but was not allowed, leading to the Opposition MPs trying to drown out Mr Modi's speech by raising slogans. Later, they walked out of the House. The sloganeering did not deter Mr Modi, who continued his speech and said the Congress is running away as it does not have the courage to hear the truth. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also condemned the walkout, calling it an insult to the Constitution. In his nearly two-hour-long speech, the Prime Minister listed out his previous government's achievements. From raising the minimum support price for crops to giving the poor access to the banking system and loans to fueling India's rise to become the fifth largest economy in the world, Mr Modi highlighted several accomplishments. With development and self-reliance as pivots, the Prime Minister further said, "India will "definitely" become the third largest economy in the world in his third term." Mr Modi said the Opposition is "unable to digest" the mandate given by 140-crore people to the NDA. "I understand your pain," he said, targeting the Opposition. He also attacked the Congress allies, saying they too were the victims of the excesses committed during the Emergency, but have now joined hands for political opportunism. The Prime Minister also spoke on the alleged irregularities in the conduct of competitive exams and asserted that tough action will be taken against those involved in paper leaks. "We wanted that there should be no politics on a sensitive issue like the paper leak, but the Opposition is used to it. I assure the youth of India that action is being taken to ensure that those who play with the future of youths are handed down strict punishment," he said. The Prime Minister vowed further crackdown on corruption and black money, saying the government has given "full freedom" to probe agencies for taking the strongest action against the corrupt and no one will be spared. "I want to state without hesitation and also tell the people of the country that I have given full freedom to agencies to take the strongest action against the corrupt and corruption. The government will not interfere anywhere," the Prime Minister said. "Yes they (probe agencies) should work honestly. No person embroiled in corruption will be able to escape the law. This is Modi's guarantee," the PM said. Rejecting the charge that the government is misusing probe agencies, Mr Modi cited statements made by the Opposition leaders, like the late Mulayam Singh Yadav who had accused the UPA government of using the ED and the CBI against them. He also took potshots at the Congress party for levelling serious allegations with evidence against the AAP and then forming an alliance with it to fight the Lok Sabha elections. "The AAP commits the liquor scam, the AAP commits corruption, the AAP commits scam in building classrooms for children, the AAP even commits water scam the Congress complains against the AAP, the Congress drags the AAP to court and if action is taken then they abuse Modi," he said. He also accused the Opposition of selective outrage on atrocities against women, saying none of them said a word about the public flogging of a woman in West Bengal. New Delhi: The Congress on Sun-day urged Parliament to pass a law enabling reservations to exceed the current 50 per cent cap. This call was made by Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, who also took a veiled dig at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituent Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]. The demand from the Congress comes a day after JD(U) insisted that the quota increase in Bihar should be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the Opposition party has consistently advocated for all state laws concerning reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes to be included in the Ninth Schedule, referencing a Tamil Nadu law from 1994 as a precedent. It is a good thing that JD(U) has made the same demand in Patna yesterday. But its ally BJP, both in the state and at the Centre, is completely silent on this matter, Ramesh stated. He further pointed out that merely including reservation laws exceeding the 50 per cent limit in the Ninth Schedule is not a comprehensive solution, citing a 2007 Supreme Court decision that subjects such laws to judicial review. Ramesh emphasised the need for a Constitutional amendment to address this issue. In such a situation, the only way out is for the Parliament to pass a Constitution Amendment Bill which will enable the reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and all backward classes to exceed 50 per cent, he asserted. He noted that the 50 per cent limit is not explicitly mandated by the Constitution but has been established through various Supreme Court rulings. This was and remains one of the main guarantees of the Indian National Congress for the Lok Sabha elections. Will the non-biological Prime Minister clear his stand? Our demand is that such a bill should be introduced in the next session of Parliament. JD(U) should not be limited to just passing resolutions, Ramesh added, urging decisive action from both JD(U) and the BJP. New Delhi: Confident of a third term by securing a massive majority in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday outlined his vision for his next five-year term saying the Modi 3.0 government will put all its might to strengthen the foundation of Viksit Bharat, or a developed nation. Severely criticising earlier Congress-led governments for their mismanagement of the economy, he said in the Rajya Sabha that his government had in the past 10 years worked for the development of all sections of society. The Prime Minister said India has moved out of the Fragile Five during the Congress-led UPA government to be among the top five economies of the world. Sabka saath is not a slogan, it is Modis guarantee, the Prime Minister said in his spirited 90-minute reply to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Presidents address in the Upper House. During the Congress governments 10 years of rule, the entire world used words like fragile five and policy paralysis for India, and in our 10 years among the Top 5 economies. That is how the world talks about us today, he said. The Modi government is completing its second five-year term and the next general election is due in April-May. Criticising the main Opposition party, he said: The Congress strangled democracy for power and dismissed democratically elected governments. The Congress has been against Dalits, backwards, tribals and had it not been for Babasaheb Ambedkar, they would not have got any reservation. The PM also accused it of creating narratives to divide the country. Mr Modi was referring to the protest dharna by the Congress led by Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah over alleged "injustice" meted out by the Centre on devolution of the tax share to the state. Taking a dig at the Congress, he said the party that had ceded large chunks of the countrys land to an enemy nation was now giving sermons to us on internal security. The Congress does not have a guarantee of its own leaders and policies but is questioning Modis guarantees, he said, adding that it was aware of the problems facing the country but did nothing to resolve them.Viksit Bharat is not a word play, but it is our commitment Mr Modi said, while outlining an ambitious roadmap for the next five years. Giving insights about the Presidents address regarding the four most important castes -- namely Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, the poor and annadata -- the PM reiterated that the development and progress of these four main pillars of India will lead to the nation becoming developed. He said that the 20th-century approach will not work if we want to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, when the country will be celebrating the 100 years of Independence. Speaking about the development of SC, ST and OBC communities, the PM said that the abrogation of Article 370 ensured that these communities get the same rights as the rest of the country in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, the Forest Rights Act, Prevention of Atrocities Act and domicile rights for the Balmiki community in the state were also implemented only after the abrogation. He also mentioned the passing of the bill for OBC reservation in the local bodies of the Union territory on February 6. He said that in the last 10 years, scholarships for SC and ST students were increased, enrollment numbers in schools rose, dropout rates were reduced significantly, a new Central Tribal University was established taking the number from one to two and the number of Eklavya Model Schools increased from 120 to 400. He said that enrolment of SC students in higher education has increased by 44 per cent, ST students enrolment by 65 per cent and OBC enrollment went up by 45 per cent. Describing the earlier mess in public sector enterprises under the previous government, the Prime Minister said that enterprises like BSNL are leading the rollout of 4G and 5G, HAL was doing record manufacturing and Asias largest helicopter factory was run by HAL in Karnataka. LIC too was thriving with record share prices. He also informed the House that the number of Public Sector Units (PSUs) in the country had increased from 234 in 2014 to 254 today, and most of them are giving record returns, drawing attention of investors. The PSU Index in the country has witnessed a two-fold rise within the last year. Highlighting the strides in the field of Digital India and fintech, he said that the next five years present a positive future for Indias digital economy. Digital services will further Indias progress and I have full faith that our scientists will take us to new heights in the field of space technology. Talking about the grassroots economy, Mr Modi mentioned self-help groups and noted that three crore lakhpati didis will write a new script of womens empowerment. The PM added that by 2047, India will relive its golden period, as he underlined his governments commitment to Viksit Bharat. NEW DELHI: After strongly criticising the government over the NEET issue, the Opposition is now gearing up to challenge the controversial Agniveer scheme in Parliament next week. The scheme, which became a significant electoral issue during the recent Lok Sabha polls, has faced calls for its abolition from opposition parties. The Opposition plans to protest in Parliament against what it describes as the governments misuse of investigative agencies against its opponents. Already under pressure from the NEET controversy, the BJP-led NDA government now faces an intensified attack over the Agniveer scheme. The Congress 2024 Lok Sabha manifesto pledged to scrap the Agniveer scheme, which the Modi government introduced in June 2022. Mumbai: At least six people were killed and 48 were injured in a massive blast in the boiler of a chemical company in the Dombivli area on Thursday. Officials of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said a massive blast occurred in the Amudan Chemicals Pvt Ltd in Dombivli East at around 1.30 pm. The sound of the blast was heard in a radius of of two kilometres and the windows of nearby houses in the building shattered by the impact of the explosion. Officials said that rescue operations were still ongoing and they suspect a few more workers could be stuck inside. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, Arrangements have been made for treatment of injured and more ambulances have been kept ready. I had a conversation with the Thane collector and they are also reaching on the spot...Teams of NDRF, TDRF, and fire brigade have been called. Confirming six deaths so far, Mr. Fadnavis said, Unfortunately six lives were lost and 48 got injured. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Injured people are being treated at AIMS, Neptune and Global hospitals. The government is providing every kind of assistance. Various teams and administrative officials are at the spot for rescue operations. Fire officials said that a reactor in the chemical factory exploded around 1.40 pm and presence of chemicals led to two more explosions within the factory. Some witnesses claimed to have heard more than three back to back explosions. The entire area was covered with smog. Industries Minister Uday Samant, local MP Shrikant Shinde and MLA Raju Patil also visited the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area where the factory is located. Chief minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the government will bear the expenses of the treatment of the injured persons. The CM has also directed that the victims should be paid compensation within a week, Samant said. Mumbai: The death toll in the chemical factory blast at Dombivali rose to 13 after the discovery of six more bodies from the factory site on Friday. The police have registered a culpable homicide case against the owners and senior employees of the factory. A boiler exploded at the factory of Amudan Chemicals situated at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area, Dombivali on Thursday afternoon. There were two-three subsequent explosions due to chemicals stored in the factory. The impact of blasts was such that it shattered windows of nearby buildings and also damaged adjacent factories. A police official informed that they have booked the owners of Amudan Chemicals Malti Pradeep Mehta, Malay Pradeep Mehta along with other senior officials of the company under the IPC section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Explosive Substance Act. According to the police, inadequate precautions in chemical processing and storage led to the explosion. The company had not taken precautions over mixing of chemicals, final products, and their storage knowing well that any lapses might lead to an explosion which could affect and damage the company and structures around it, says the FIR. The Thane police's crime branch, which is now probing the case, apprehended the owners. Malti Mehta was detained from Nashik, the crime branch said in a release. Malay Mehta (38), was detained from Thane and the local Manpada police have taken him into their custody from the crime branch, it said. Confirming 10 deaths, Kalyan Tehsildar Sachin Shejal said it could increase further as more bodies are suspected to be lying on the premises of the factory. At least 64 people, including women, working in the Amudan Chemicals factory and adjacent factories were injured due to the explosion and are being treated at six different hospitals. The state government has announced that it will bear the hospital expenses of all injured people. Siddhesh Kadam, chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, inspected the blast site on Friday. He confirmed that two people were still missing. We are working to complete the rescue operation as soon as possible and dealing with the hazardous chemicals. Chief minister Eknath Shinde has given strict instructions to provide all necessary support for the ongoing rescue operations and to prepare a plan to swiftly relocate the hazardous chemical unit from here. After this visit, we will have a meeting with our officers to finalise the plan and then present it to the Chief Minister, he said. Earlier in the day, Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, criticised the lack of industrial safety measures in the area. There has been no Industrial Safety Department here. If you look at this area, such a factory should not have been here near the residential area. A technical person should have been here because a normal worker or labourer cannot handle a reactor. The management of this factory is responsible for the blast. The industrial safety department has been ignorant towards this, he said. The Shiv Sena UBT leader further said that there are around 450 factories in the area which should be moved elsewhere. This is not the first accident in this industrial area since 2016 this is the fifth or sixth such accident, Danve said. The proof of the pudding is in its eating. When it comes to the efficacy of laws, whether they are the Raj-era Indian Penal Code, or the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, or the Juvenile Justice Act, for that matter, it all depends on the men and women who implement them and whether they are being invoked for the purpose that they are meant to serve, as envisaged by the legislature. Hence, the reports from Uttarakhand saying that the high court there is surprised by the information presented before it through a public interest litigation that 20 male minors have been jailed for months for the offence of, wait for it, dating should not shock the common man. More interestingly, the prayer in the PIL is not just against the incarceration of the boys, but also against the discrimination they faced in the process for the girls who are in fact the co-accused have been let off. Uttarakhand is a part of India and one would expect that the laws that govern human relations to be the same there. Well, not exactly. For instance, the state has gone ahead and passed a uniform civil code as mandated by the Constitution when the Union government led by the BJP, the party which rules the state, is still not confident enough to take the step on the national level the party is still checking its possible impact on the diversity that works as the cornerstone of the idea called India. The state, meanwhile, has also put in a provision under the UCC meant for live-in partners obliging them to declare their status to police and that nearly makes a relationship between two adults a criminal affair. Digitalisation has been a big part of the national agenda in the last decade. The Prime Ministers Digital India goals 2026 include creating a $1 trillion digital economy by 2025-26. Even as individuals, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. Digital skills are necessary not just to remain competitive in the workforce, but also to participate fully in modern society. In a post-pandemic world, SDG 4.4.1 about youths digital literacy skills has emerged as a key competency goal, which might also dictate future opportunities available to youth. With Indias growing and large youth population, digital literacy of the youth can be one of the keys to unlocking the much-anticipated demographic dividend. The Indian government had launched its flagship Digital India campaign in 2015 to improve digital literacy and empower citizens with technology. Recognising the rural-urban gap in digital literacy, the government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) in 2017. This scheme aims to train at least one person in eligible rural households with functional skills like setting up devices, browsing the internet, and using online applications for various practical uses. The PMGDISHA course structure focuses on digital literacy through a range of devices, including not just computers, but also smartphones, tablets, and keypad-phones with Internet connectivity. The curriculum prioritises applications that are relevant to the agricultural majority residing in rural India, as it teaches the participants how to look up crop prices, weather patterns, college courses or job openings, and even how to book railway and bus tickets online. The programme also highlights digital payments, a critical aspect of the Indian governments digitalisation objectives. The existence of such national-level schemes warrants mechanisms to assess the current status of digital skills in all parts of the country, and to track their improvement over time. In the absence of any data, it is difficult to determine which digital skills should be prioritised and to plan targeted interventions. The Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS) released by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation in March shed some light on this. It underscored the importance of digital skills, by providing data on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among the population. However, while the MIS provides valuable insights into peoples level of awareness of digital technology, it cannot be used to make conclusive claims about the number of people who can perform these activities. The ICT skills reported by MIS ranged from basic skills like moving a file, copying and pasting, and using email and spreadsheets; to specialised skills like computer programming. The survey was conducted in a self-reported format, that is, people were asked if they could perform these tasks rather than assessed on their ability to demonstrate these competencies. There are fundamental problems with this format. Self-reported ICT assessments are known to overstate proficiency levels, making it difficult to accurately estimate the number of people who can perform these activities (PalczyAska and Rynko 2021) . Furthermore, the MIS does not ascertain any minimum level of proficiency that can be used as a marker of digital literacy in the Indian context. Last year, the G20 also came out with a digital literacy toolkit. This document encourages the development of a uniform definition of digital literacy for G20 member nations, including India, so that they can design strategies and assessments for their respective national digital skills agenda. It is clear that digital literacy has become a global priority. India, with its vast and growing youth population, has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in digital literacy by developing and implementing a comprehensive policy. A first crucial step is to collect reliable and representative data on the current state of digital skills in the country, particularly among young people. It is clear from international literature that there is no uniform definition of digital literacy. It can only be explored in terms of a set of skills that are necessary to be a functioning member of society. This would vary across the world. Unesco recommends defining a minimum level of proficiency and test for the same. What this decided minimum level of proficiency should entail, for the Indian context, will depend upon Indias digital competence goals. In a society where the digital surge is fairly recent, focus should be on access and functional knowledge of carrying out basic tasks, rather than specialised ones such as programming. In addition, the many drawbacks of a self-reported format make it important to design and implement performance-based assessments that examine respondents ability to actually use digital skills in their daily life. Even though there might be capacity constraints in operating a large-scale performance-based digital assessment, it is most suitable to accurately assess the populations skills. Several household surveys have indicated the extent of smartphone penetration in India. For example, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022, a large-scale, representative survey, showed that over three quarters of all households in rural India have a smartphone a figure which has more than doubled in just the last four years. On the other hand, the proportion of households with a family member who knows how to operate a computer is far lower at 16 per cent. The rapid digital wave in India is thus largely driven by smartphones, which makes testing digital competencies by examining youth familiarity with computer operation an inadequate metric for this purpose. India can derive valuable insights from international frameworks and assessment tools in enhancing its digital literacy assessment methods. Without up to date and accurate data, it is impossible to design and implement effective policies to improve digital literacy. Hence, India must invest in developing an assessment mechanism that provides a comprehensive understanding of the countrys current digital literacy levels, which can guide policy development and implementation. One of the largest technology conferences in the Asia-Pacific region called the Techsauce Global Summit 2023 was held recently in Bangkok, at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre (venue for the mega APEC Conference last year). It attracted more than 15,000 participants from over 50 countries. There were a wide range of panel discussions, seminars and workshops. There were individual talks by about 300 speakers which covered as many as 130 topics from the latest trends in technology (AI, Metaverse, Web 3) to start-ups, venture capital, tourism, health and womens issues. One never heard so many tech words used before: Fintech, agritech, health tech, food tech, climate tech, agtech, femtech and so on. India did not have an individual pavilion like some other countries, but judging by the response to some of the Indian speakers, Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, CEO of the organiser, Tech Sauce Media Co Ltd, informed attendees that there would be an Indian pavilion at the next Techsauce summit in 2024. Two Indian speakers who created an impact and gave an impressive view of the vast strides made in the technology sector by India were reputed venture capitalist Navin Honagudi and Shibu Paul, vice-president of the US start-up company Array. Mr Honagudis talk was full of amazing statistics. He informed audiences that India was the third largest unicorn-producing country, after the US and China. There are at least 80,000 start-up companies in the country, 700 million Internet users and 500 million smartphone users, expected to become 800 million by 2025. He informed that fintech was growing at the rapid rate of 18 per cent, and is currently valued at $68 billion. But he added that agritech was also growing and consequently, green fintech. Talking of the rapid digitalisation in the country, Mr Honagudi stated that most people never carried cash in India and that the tea vendor used UPI. It helps that a third of Indias population are in the age cohort of 20-40 years. That is why there are so many global fund managers keen to check out India. Mr Honagudis own venture capital company elev8 has teamed up with the well-known KB group from Korea, and during his trip to Bangkok, he met some of the big family-owned companies here for possible collaborative ventures. The articulate venture capitalist answered many questions from his large audience about rules and regulations in India regarding start-ups. He informed everyone that there are no barriers at all, and that the Indian government had democratised all companies, in particular tech companies. India is open to the whole world, he stated with pride. Shibu Paul, vice-president of well-known American company Array Networks Inc. which specialises in digital security systems, was also upbeat about the digital explosion in India. Paul said that the rapid digitalisation of the country had gained momentum during Covid-19. The right to the Internet has become basic now, he stated. He informed that the governments Digital India Plan had accelerated this, where almost everyone, from domestic helpers to street vendors, used real-time payment systems and not hard cash. We have out-matched the US and China in this field! he added. He was happy that India would soon start digital cash. Mr Paul said the governments new Make in India Policy has resulted in a restriction of imports, especially from countries like China, leading to the production of low cost mobile phones for the masses, like the Jio Phone from Reliance and the K-Fon from Kerala. He was proud that the Start-Up India policy had led to the explosion of start-ups. He informed that India currently has one lakh active start-ups. According to Mr Paul, the recent digital privacy law, launched in August, made it mandatory for companies to keep customer data safe, which is why companies like his had become very important. He informed that Array provided application-level security to numerous large data centres in the region. They also managed the cybersecurity systems for all PSU banks in India. They had recently made a foray into the banks in Thailand after starting an office in Bangkok. They planned to use Thailand as a hub, and spread their operations to the Asean countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines. An interesting speaker at the tech meet was the author Aarti Kelshikar, whose book How India Works has been widely used by corporates, entrepreneurs and educationists wanting to invest in India. For her second book How Women Work, Aarti interviewed 40 women from six Asian countries, belonging to diverse professional fields. My idea was to join the dots and find common connections, stated the writer who describes herself as a cultural facilitator. According to Ms Kelshikar, women had all the diverse qualities needed to be successful in business. They are soft and hard, collaborative and decisive, rational and emotional, trustworthy and transparent, pragmatic and target-oriented, she declared. Vision is the key for start-ups, and women have plenty of it is her observation. Among the many SMI-sized companies present at the meet was the Indian-owned fintech company Dee Money which operates in 37 countries. They are particularly popular with NRIs, because of the high exchange rates they offer them, as also many special deals during festivals. Ankush Bhardwaj, who recently joined the company from Mumbai, also manages Cloudee, the sister company of Dee Money, which focusses on online transactions. The Indian market is on the top of our list, he declared with pride. Cape Town: South Africa's African National Congress party will not consider any demands from possible coalition partners that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down, a top official said Sunday, as the ANC attempted to present a united front after a stinging election result ended its 30-year majority. As South Africa heads for a series of complex talks to form a national coalition government for the first time and establish stability, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Ramaphosa would remain as party leader and any demands from others that he resign for talks to go ahead was "a no-go" area. President Ramaphosa is the president of the ANC, Mbalula said in the ANC leadership's first public comments since the landmark election results. And if you come to us with that demand that Ramaphosa is going to step down as the president, that is not going to happen. Mbalula said the ANC was open to talks with every other political party in an effort to form a government, but no political party will dictate terms to us, the ANC. They will not...You come to us with that demand, forget (it). Mbalula conceded the ANC, which has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994, suffered heavily, in the election but said it was not booted out. The ANC received just over 40% of votes, falling well short of the majority it has held for all of South Africa's young democracy. It will still be the biggest party by some way. But it needs to talk with others to form a government and to reelect Ramaphosa for a second and final term. South Africa's president is elected by Parliament after national elections. "The results send a clear message to the ANC," Mbalula said. "We wish to send a message to the people of South Africa: We have heard them." He said the ANC was committed to forming a government that reflects the will of the people and is stable. The new MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma, which won 14% in the election in a surprise showing that makes it the third biggest in parliament, has said Ramaphosa must go as leader of the ANC and the country for it to enter any coalition talks with the ANC. The ANC has many options for coalition partners among South Africa's other parties, including one with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, which won 21% of votes. "We'll talk to everybody," Mbalula said. "We are talking to everybody because the election did not give us outright majority. Talks about talks are in full swing. We are engaged and we are open to engagement. We need stability in this country." Nation adds 3 ports to visa-free transit policy 10:32, July 16, 2024 By Yang Zekun ( China Daily Tourists from Italy pose for a group photo after practicing tai chi at Beijing's Tiantan Park earlier this month. China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy has significantly boosted inbound travelers' enthusiasm for visiting the country. (JU HUANZONG/XINHUA) China has expanded the implementation of its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to three more entry ports, bringing the total number of such ports to 37, the National Immigration Administration announced on Monday. The entry process for foreign nationals has also been streamlined to facilitate their short-term activities related to tourism, business, and family reunions within the country. The three new ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Central China's Henan province, and the Lijiang Sanyi International Airport and Mohan railway port in Southwest China's Yunnan province, the administration said in a statement. Starting on Monday, eligible foreign nationals can enter China visa-free through the Zhengzhou airport, with their visit and stay limited to Henan. Those entering China visa-free through Yunnan are allowed to visit nine cities or prefecture-level areas in the province including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Yuxi, Pu'er, and Xishuangbanna, according to the administration. Previously, foreign nationals could only stay in Kunming. Foreign nationals from 54 countries, including Austria, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, who hold valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed dates and seats are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit. Since its implementation in January 2013, the policy, which was first valid for 72-hour transit and then extended to 144 hours, has played an important role in strengthening China's high-level opening-up efforts, facilitating people-to-people exchanges, and promoting international cooperation, the administration said. Adding more entry ports to the visa-free transit list will offer foreigners alternative travel options in China, the administration said, adding that it will continue to improve and optimize the policy to welcome foreigners with a more open attitude. China's visa-free transit policy has been hailed across social media platforms, acknowledging its key role in facilitating international travel, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting global connectivity. Robert Willis, from the United Kingdom, said the policy will be very useful to him because he runs a business in China. Previously, Willis had to apply for a two-year multiple-entry visa to visit China. He said the new policy will make his future trips more convenient. Elena, from Russia, who has visited China twice, said she learned about the policy from her boyfriend, who works in Tianjin. The policy will have a positive impact on travelers from 54 countries, enabling them to visit China more often and more easily and to explore new cities and cultures, Elena said, adding that she hopes the duration of visa-free transit would be extended in the future. In the first half of the year, immigration authorities nationwide recorded around 14.64 million foreign nationals entering China, up 152.7 percent year-on-year. Among these visitors, 8.54 million utilized the visa-free policy, marking a 190.1 percent year-on-year surge. The National Immigration Administration said a surge in foreign visitors is expected in the second half of the year, given the growing enthusiasm for the visa-free transit policy and the swift implementation of various other initiatives. Xu Xiaolei, chief brand officer of Beijing-based CYTS Tours Holding Co, praised the significant impact of the policy in driving inbound tourism, which he said has been particularly evident in recent months. The policy has streamlined the entry process, reduced visa costs, and provided greater certainty for foreign travelers wanting to explore China, he said. Furthermore, the policy has catalyzed the growth of associated domestic industries, particularly the inbound tourism sector, which has faced tough challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. To expedite the recovery of the sector, government bodies and tourism enterprises have collaborated on innovative solutions, he added. Xu also emphasized the role of the policy in dispelling misconceptions about China, saying that many visitors who experienced the country firsthand realized how different such experiences are from preconceived notions propagated by the Western media. He underlined the potential of travelers sharing their experiences on social media to counter misinformation more effectively. "The policy is expanding gradually. ... Yunnan and Henan have their distinct attractions, with Yunnan renowned for its natural beauty and Henan celebrated as a cradle of Chinese culture, blending tradition with modernity. This is enhancing the impact of the policy," he said. Xu stressed the importance of developing tailored inbound tourism products that resonate with foreign visitors while showcasing Chinese culture and progress. Tailored marketing strategies are deemed essential to bolster China's international tourism standing, he said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Washington: In the wake of the Pannun case, the United States is turning on the heat further on India now on the human rights and religious freedom fronts. US secretary of state Antony Blinken late on Wednesday (Thursday IST) said there has been a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, and demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities in India. News agency reports said he made the comments in his remarks at the release of the annual state department report on international religious freedom. It may be noted India has been rejecting official American reports critical of the country on the human rights and religious freedom fronts. The report said senior US officials continued to raise concerns about religious freedom issues with their Indian counterparts last year. In India, we see a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities. At the same time, people around the world are also working hard to protect religious freedom, Mr Blinken was quoted as saying. The 2023 report on International Religious Freedom said 10 of 28 states (in India) have laws restricting religious conversions for all faiths. Some of these states also impose penalties specifically against forced religious conversions for the purpose of marriage. During the year, some members of religious minority groups challenged the government's ability and willingness to protect them from violence, investigate crimes against members of religious minority groups, and protect their freedom of religion or belief, it added. In this years report, the US state department said Christians and Muslims were arrested under laws banning forced religious conversions, which religious groups said in some cases were used to harass and imprison members of religious minority groups on false and fabricated charges or for lawful religious practices. Observing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated calls to enact a Uniform Civil Code at the national level as called for in the Constitution, instead of a system of separate personal laws for religious communities, the state department said Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and tribal leaders and some state government officials opposed the initiative on the grounds it was part of a project to turn the country into a Hindu Rashtra. It may be recalled that after several critical references to India in the US state departments Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2023, India had in April this year snubbed the United States and had called the report deeply biased, adding that no value should be attached to it. In response to a media query, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had then said: This report is deeply biased and reflects a poor understanding of India. We attach no value to it and urge you to do the same. Just last month, India had also accused the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) of trying to interfere in the Indian election process, adding that these efforts will never succeed. This came soon after the US body attacked India in its annual report for 2024. On Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Kurt M. Campbell had said the United States believes India is looking at institutional reforms in the wake of the Pannun case, adding that the US has sought accountability from the Government of India on the matter which pertains to US allegations that two Indian nationals, including an Indian government employee, were involved in a failed plot to murder US citizen and pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun last year on American soil. Mr Campbell, who had accompanied US national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently on a visit to India, had also said at a virtual media briefing that the US has asked (India) for updates on the investigations launched last year by New Delhi in the matter and has raised the issue directly with the Indian government at the most senior levels. New Delhi: Following the horrific fire incident in a building housing foreign workers in Kuwait on Wednesday, in which at least 45 Indian workers were killed and over 50 were injured, minister of state (MoS) for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reached the Gulf nation on Thursday and visited hospitals where the injured are being treated. While the Kuwaiti authorities are working on identifying the deceased, an IAF aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains, officials said. Mr Singh, according to the foreign ministry officials, has reached Kuwait to oversee assistance to Indians injured in the fire and to ensure early repatriation of mortal remains. Hours after arriving in Kuwait, Mr Singh met the Gulf nation's foreign minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. Later, he called on the Kuwaiti first deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who conveyed Kuwaits condolences on behalf of the Amir and his instructions to ensure all necessary assistance and support. Mr Singh also visited the Jaber, Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Adan hospitals where the injured Indians are being treated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier directed the MoS to rush to the Gulf nation immediately to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with the Kuwaiti authorities for early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased. New Delhi had stated late on Wednesday night, In an unfortunate and tragic fire incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait, around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured. The Embassy is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities and the company. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families... The embassy is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti authorities." On Thursday, Kuwait said authorities have identified the bodies of 45 Indians and three Filipino nationals killed in the tragic fire incident in a building housing foreign workers. The Gulf Kingdom vowed to promptly investigate the incident and assured full support in repatriating the mortal remains of the victims. by Arundathie Abeysinghe A petition filed by a lawyer was rejected, while the government itself fears an alleged regulatory inconsistency in arriving at a one-year extension. The Electoral Commission complains that it has not yet received all the necessary funds for the vote, which is supposed to be held by 16 October. Civil society: "Let's put an end to these manoeuvres and set a date for the elections". Colombo (AsiaNews) - Confusion over election deadlines continues to dominate the scene in Sri Lanka. The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed a rights petition filed by lawyer Aruna Laksiri, seeking an order to prevent the presidential elections from being held on the grounds that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution would not be properly passed by Parliament. The verdict came after the Council of Ministers had in the past few days passed a resolution put forward by President Ranil Wickremasinghe himself calling for an amendment to Article 83 (b) of the Constitution with a reform bill that would correct an alleged inconsistency on the president's term of office, opening up the possibility of an extension from five to six years. The election of the previous president Gotabaya Rajapaksa - deposed by the street riots of summer 2022 and replaced without an election by Wickremesinghe - had taken place in 2019. According to the current Constitution, therefore, presidential elections should be held between 17 September and 16 October 2024 and parliamentary elections by August 2025. Behind the ongoing manoeuvres, however, many civil society representatives, political analysts and citizens - remembering that elections have been repeatedly postponed in recent years - wonder whether this will not ultimately be the fate for the presidential elections as well. In 2023, Wickremesinghe postponed the local elections on the grounds of lack of funds, a decision that caused controversy and raised questions about the government's commitment to democratic processes. Also in 2017, during his tenure as prime minister, Wickremesinghe had led an effort to postpone provincial council elections. Criticism was also levelled at the Election Commission for its alleged inability to set the date for the presidential elections, even though it had confirmed on 9 May that they would take place as scheduled. In this delicate situation, lawyers Shirantha Vithanage and Nimalka Gamage remind AsiaNews that 'the Commissioner General for Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, has stated that the presidential election is the only one for which the Constitution sets a timetable and therefore cannot be postponed. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was sworn in as president on 18 November 2019. Thus, the Constitution stipulates that the next presidential election should be held between September and October. And even if the President dissolves Parliament in the first week of September, the Commission has the option of holding the general and presidential elections on dates close to each other." However, Commissioner Ratnayake complains that he has asked for 20 billion rupees to organise the presidential elections and the local or provincial council elections. 'We have only received 10 billion rupees,' he explains. 'If the government decides to hold the municipal or provincial elections, the Treasury will have to provide us with the necessary funds. "We ask the government to stop these manoeuvres, ' lawyer Sunil Watagala tells AsiaNews. With its ruling, the Supreme Court emphasised that presidential elections, as guaranteed by the Constitution, cannot be prevented. We are grateful that this confusing situation has been clarified, now let us proceed to set the date for the elections'. (co-authored by Melani Manel Perera) Photo: Flickr / World Economic Forum by Santosh Digal In the Diocese of Novaliches, the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children programme supports women and children in dealing with trauma. The experience, cared for by women religious and volunteers, has expanded to 73 parishes in the Philippines. Sr Mary Adeline Abamo in charge: "Ministry relevant and necessary". Manila (AsiaNews) - Children and women victims of sexual abuse find hope, comfort and healing from the Sisters of the Divine Saviour of the Diocese of Novaliches, in Quezon City, near Manila. Thanks to the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children programme at Good Shepherd Parish, a group of the sisters and their volunteers provide much needed relief. "These children and women need mental health care, as well as other kinds of support, to cope with their lives and move on," said Sister Mary Adeline Abamo, who is in charge of the programme that has expanded to 73 other parishes in the country. According to the nun, if a child or woman affected by sexual abuse in society does not share or vent to others, their mental health is disturbed. This represents a key social ministry of the Sisters of the Divine Saviour. After 18 years of work, the nun said that these children and women are at risk of poverty and other types of vulnerability. However, they need healing that is not only physical: through forgiveness and pastoral care, they can start their lives anew with God's grace, with the support of their families, communities and the Church. "We are delighted with the interest in the programme. At least 12 vicariates are involved in the programme in the Diocese of Novaliches, sharing the commitment to make parishes more child-friendly," he adds. Volunteers, young people, collaborators, former victims and their families support the care and protection of children in the parish community. The idea of caring for abused children and women originated from the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1991 and the pastoral letter of the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on the exploitation of Filipino children. In 1998, both articulated the social teachings that underpin the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children. 2,584 child rights activists received instruction on these social teachings during training sessions and conferences. Pope Francis increased the importance of child protection by establishing the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children in March 2014 and hosting what was considered a high-level summit on the topic in 2019. In 2014, the 15th year of the programme, the Salvatorian Sisters extended their pastoral care for children to two more parishes in the Diocese of Novaliches. Bishop Antonio Tobias established the pastoral care programme for children and vulnerable adults, which now operates under the Diocesan Commission for Social Action. In response to Francis' request in 2019, Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches founded the Diocesan Safeguarding Office in 2022, with protocols recorded in a manual for the protection of children and vulnerable persons. Between January 2001 and January 2024, the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children programme helped 512 children who had suffered physical, mental, psychosocial or sexual abuse. Some were homeless, abandoned or had their births registered after the fact. Some received medical or educational assistance. A further twelve cases have reached trial, although they are still pending. The Sisters of the Divine Saviour face many challenges and resistance. But they face them with grit and courage. "Our ministry with these children and women is relevant and necessary," added Sr Abamo. The sisters also work closely with other religious organisations or ecumenical churches. The Salvatorian Sisters are committed to promoting the rights of children, ensuring their well-being and promoting their future. They follow the approach of participatory techniques for the empowerment of people. The guiding principle is that no child experiences any kind of neglect, abuse, violence, exploitation or discrimination; instead, all live in safe, healthy, caring and protective environments. A child-friendly parish, which utilises community engagement and child protection expertise, takes into account the Filipino culture and conditions in impoverished areas. "We motivate and cultivate a loving and supportive atmosphere for children in families and communities," said Sr Abamo. by Dario Salvi A Baha'i researcher under arrest and three Baha'is convicted are the latest examples of sectarian persecution. The president-elect has Azerbaijani and Kurdish roots, and one of the first steps he took was to meet religious leaders. For Turkeys Erdogan, he will improve relations because he "speaks Turkish". For others, the focus on dignity is just propaganda. The world is waiting to see who will be the next foreign minister. Milan (AsiaNews) A few days after reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Irans presidential election, minority groups continue to be the victims of sectarian attacks and persecution by the Islamic Republic. A Baha'i researcher was recently arrested and three members of the religious minority were sentenced to several years in prison because of their faith. Security forces arrested Mojgan Salmanzadeh, a Tehran-based researcher and scholar, in Maku, where she had been stayed for two weeks. The reasons for her presence in the town located in northwestern Iran, the circumstances that led to her arrest, and the charges against her are currently unknown. She was only able to contact her family, informing them that she had been moved to the citys central prison. This event, still wrapped in mystery, is one of a long list of arrests and a long history of persecution against Iranian Baha'is, whose religion is not recognised by the state and whose members are victims of decades of discrimination and persecution". Proof of this is the decision by the Appeals Court in Fars Province to uphold the convictions of three Baha'is. Hassan Salehi, Vahid Dana and Saeed Abedi were convicted of affiliation with an illegal and anti-regime sect with the intent of undermining national security and spreading "sectarian propaganda against Islamic law (Sharia). In this case, charges of being "spies or dissidents" was a pretext to attack the minority, something that also happens frequently with Christians, especially Protestants. Iranian, Turkish, Kurdish The relationship between minorities and the Islamic Republic will be carefully monitored during the first months of Pezeshkian's presidency. In addition to a reputation of a reformist, the new president has long ties with different ethnic groups. Pezeshkian was born on 29 September 1954 in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan province, a Kurdish-majority area. Like Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he is of Azeri ancestry on his father side, but Kurdish on his mother side. This has led him to support the rights of minority groups Azeris, Kurds, Baluchis and the full application of Article 15 of the Iranian constitution to all ethnic groups. The provision states that Farsi (Persian) is the official and common language of Iranians, used in official documents and textbooks, but the use of local and ethnic languages in the press and mass media and the teaching of their literature in schools is free, along with the Persian language. In addition to Persian and Azeri, the new Iranian president speaks English and knows some Kurdish and Arabic. As a staunch supporter of minority languages, he believes that the implementation of this principle would contain separatist or dissident groups. For Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this closeness to minorities will favour a positive development of Iranian-Turkish relations. For the Turkish leader, his Iranian counterparts ethnic background can serve as a potential diplomatic bridge. Masoud Pezeshkian is actually a Turk," Erdogan stated. "He speaks Turkish in Tabriz, can speak Kurdish in Kurdish regions, and is also fully proficient in Persian, the Turkish leader, stressing how Pezeshkians ethnic background is rooted in the Azeri community, an important group in Iran, particularly in Irans West Azerbaijan province where Turkish is also spoken. For the Turkish president, all these factors give hope for improved relations, although the reality on the ground remains full of challenges. Meanwhile, Pezeshkian will take office on 30 July with the official investiture by the supreme leader. Islamic republic and minorities One of first steps taken by the president-elect (the 10th of the Islamic Republic) after his victory was to meet on 13 July with representatives of religious minorities in Irans parliament at Shahid Beheshti Hall to discuss a series of issues, ranging from greater inclusion in government to dialogue between the parties. His approach is seemingly one of openness, not confrontation, at least in words, and his background in West Azerbaijan, known for its minority communities, Azeris and Kurds, certainly helps. He deeply reflects his Azeri heritage, even if Mahabad is predominantly Kurdish, while holding onto a vision of Iran as a unitary state capable of safeguarding the rights of minorities. The dignity of the Iranian people, especially women and ethnic minorities, played a crucial role in the election campaign before the presidential vote but, in practice, it lacks substance according to some experts and critical voices. Pezeshkian himself, 69, has repeatedly addressed the issue during the election campaign, citing the presence and role, above all, of (Sunni) Turkmen, Kurds and Baluchis who are deprived of the proper status and dignity of an Iranian due to religious distinction. Like other candidates who have had a prominent role in the Islamic Republic's power structure for decades, the president's words about the status of minorities (as well as women or the economy) seem reflect the view of an opposition figure rather than a member of the establishment. In fact, when he speaks about them, he is trying to differentiate himself from the other candidates to succeed Ebrahim Raisi, who died in May in the helicopter crash, event though they have all been part of the Iranian system for decades. Khamenei himself, to whom Pezeshkian says he is "indebted", has repeatedly attacked Christians, describing house churches as tools of the enemies of the Islamic Republic ... to weaken religion in society. One of Pezeshkians most high-profile supporters, former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, a so-called moderate, once mendaciously said no-one goes to prison for his beliefs in Iran, and that stories of Bahais and others going to prison for their beliefs were lies. This is why, Article18, a Christian non-profit advocacy group, argues in an editorial that regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, etc., unless all Iranians are afforded basic human rights, slogans such as Iran for all Iranians or even words like Iranian nation and people, women, minorities, and ethnicities are only the latest propaganda tools, which after 45 years of the Islamic Republic neither the narrator nor the audience believes in any more. Foreign policy staffing In addition to the dealing with domestic minorities, the new president must choose a new foreign minister, who will play a key role in the future cabinet, outlining Irans international relations. Although Iran will continue to look east, towards China, and will maintain strong ties with Russia, it remains to be seen whether a new foreign minister will be able to restore Irans presence in the world scene, as Zarif did when he negotiated the nuclear agreement. Some would like to see the latter back in his old post. The foreign ministry is one of the appointments along with Intelligence, Culture, Interior, and Defence, that require the approval of the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, since it is crucial in the state apparatus. Citing Iranian sources, Middle East Eye reports that four names are currently under consideration, and Zarifs is not one of them since he is disliked by much of the right-wing establishment in Parliament (Majlis). One man who appears to be leading the pack is Ali Akbar Salehi, a MIT graduate who served as foreign minister during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad between 2011 and 2013, as well as represented his country in international bodies, including the UN nuclear agency (IAEA). In the past he received the green light from Khamenei to negotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Washington. Resolute, fluent in Arabic, full of resources and global contacts, he also boasts a profile that allows him to reach out to conservatives. The second name is Majid Takht-Ravanchi, a former ambassador to the United Nations and Switzerland, also part of the team of nuclear negotiators, recognised for three qualities: high specialisation and a low profile, part of the team that secretly negotiated with the current head of the CIA Jake Sullivan in 2013, and a non-controversial figure with a good chance of getting Irans parliament to approve his appointment. The third is Abbas Araghchi, who previously worked at the foreign ministry as a deputy political director and nuclear negotiator. Known in the West, he enjoys greater esteem abroad than at home where he has many enemies in parliament. The fourth and last candidate is university professor and former parliamentarian Mehdi Sanaei, who served as Iranian ambassador to Russia and worked on several cooperation agreements over Syria. Although not decisive, whoever is picked to fill this post will signal which way the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic will go, especially vis-a-vis nuclear power and sanctions that are holding back the country's economy and bringing the population to its knees. GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Erdogan also indicated that the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border is conditional on such a peace deal. We hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia will achieve lasting peace which Turkey wholeheartedly supports, he reportedly told journalists. The opening of the Zangezur corridor is the final step of this agreement. We want positive decisions along this path to be made without delay. There are now positive signals coming from the region, and we hope that they will eventually bring good news. The Armenian government has said, at least until now, that people and goods moving between Nakhichevan to the rest of Azerbaijan cannot be exempt from Armenian border controls and that the two South Caucasus states should have only conventional transport links guaranteeing their full control over all transit routes passing through their respective territories. Visiting Turkey in March, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the issue is one of the two main sticking points in ongoing negotiations on an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. The Zangezur corridor is a strategic route that will benefit everyone, especially Azerbaijan, Armenia and Iran, Erdogan said, speaking on his way back from Washington where he attended a NATO summit. The corridor demanded by Baku and Ankara would pass through Syunik, the only Armenian region bordering Iran. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly warned against attempts to strip it of the common border and transport links with Armenia. Meeting with a visiting Azerbaijani official last October, then Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reportedly said that the Zangezur corridor is resolutely opposed by his country. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made this clear to Erdogan when they met in Tehran in 2022. The Turkish president complained about Irans stance a year later. His transport and infrastructure minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, said in March this year that the corridor would benefit not only Turkey and Azerbaijan but also the entire Turkic world. 16 July 2024 12:57 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more At a time when new global challenges are emerging, energy transformation has become a central priority on Azerbaijans national agenda. Although the country is traditionally rich in hydrocarbon resources, it is now focusing on increasing the share of green energy in its electricity production mix. This strategic shift aligns with Azerbaijans considerable potential in renewable energy resources, which positions it well to advance a sustainable energy future. Azerbaijan is demonstrating its role as a reliable energy partner and a responsible actor in the global effort to combat climate change. Through its ambitious plans, the country aims to significantly enhance its renewable energy infrastructure. By the end of 2027, Azerbaijan intends to commission nine new solar and wind power plants, with a combined energy capacity of 2 gigawatts. Furthermore, the nation has outlined a vision for the future, with plans to develop an additional ten wind and solar power plants by 2030, which will collectively add up to 5 gigawatts of new energy capacity. Solar energy production in Azerbaijan has reached an unprecedented level, with a remarkable ninefold increase in the first half of this year. The total solar energy output surged to 286.6 million kWh, bringing the countrys solar capacity to 32.3 MW. In the same period, Azerbaijan's total electricity production amounted to 13,557.4 million kWh, with 29.7 million kWh generated from wind power and 286.6 million kWh from solar energy. This impressive growth has nearly doubled the production from green energy sources compared to the 1,081.7 million kWh produced in the same period last year, reaching a new total of 2,032.4 million kWh. Vugar Bayramov, a member of the Economic Policy, Industry, and Entreprising Committee of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, highlighted these achievements on his social media account. "Increasing energy production from renewable sources in Azerbaijan as we prepare to host COP29 underscores our commitment to expanding the green energy sector in the region. This significant advancement is not only a contribution to global and regional climate goals but also a step towards strengthening our green economy," Bayramov stated. He further emphasized that in developed countries, communities and even households generate renewable energy from sources like wind and solar, both for their own use and to sell surplus energy to the government. Adopting a similar model in Azerbaijan could enhance electricity production, lower energy costs for citizens, and introduce innovative approaches to energy generation and distribution. Developing community-based integrated infrastructure will be crucial for this transition. MP Bayramov also pointed out that Azerbaijan's renewable energy potential is estimated at 27,000 MW, with 23,000 MW from solar and 3,000 MW from wind energy. The vast majority of the country is suitable for solar energy production, while wind energy is most viable in Baku, Absheron, and Khizi regions. In summary, Azerbaijan is at the forefront of energy transformation amidst emerging global challenges. By diversifying its energy portfolio and significantly expanding its green energy capacity, the country is not only addressing its own energy needs but also positioning itself as a key player in global climate action. The unprecedented growth in solar energy production, alongside ambitious plans for future renewable energy projects, underscores Azerbaijans commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, these efforts highlight its role as a responsible global partner dedicated to advancing green energy solutions and setting an example for others to follow. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 20:18 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Although the issue of Armenia-France anti-Azerbaijan campaigns has become somewhat passive on the agenda due to the uncertainty in French politics following the recent elections, the Armenian lobby continues its activities in different places. Radical Armenian groups from separatist remnants, who chose Europe as a massive area for themselves, shout anti-Azerbaijani slogans under the so-called "artsakh" slogan. They are protesting the arrest of separatist leaders who once were tyrans in Garabagh. Everyone knows that such dramatic scenes have been designed for special purposes. Even the Armenian authorities, fed up with them, are very happy today because of the arrest of Ruben Vardanyan, Araik Harutyunyan, and other separatist elements. The Armenians who left Garabagh on their own volition for a long time believed in the promises of separatist elements imprisoned in Baku and now regret everything that happened. When Ruben Vardanyan left all his business, from arms trading to smuggling, and came to Garabagh with a passion for leadership, he did not think about the future. Throwing into a political game and relying on the guesswork of someone who does not understand politics was like losing his life in gambling. By keeping Azerbaijani lands under occupation for more than 30 years, they thought that after that they would be able to change the times for their own good. However, every passing minute brought them closer to their arrest and the destruction of the so-called regime they had established. The laws of Azerbaijan would one day be applied to the occupied territories, and in the end, it is the group of 23 separatist criminals in the Baku prison who are receiving their deserved punishment today. Azerbaijan has a word for those who question this: What were you doing in the territories of Azerbaijan? During the September 19 anti-terrorist operations, the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly addressed this issue in several statements. The fact that no civilians were harmed during the operations and that only armed terrorist groups were the target proves it once again. The second main issue is that Azerbaijan has a full legal right to take measures to combat terrorist groups in its sovereign territories, and interference by foreign forces is against international law. And finally, the third main issue is the attempts of Armenian lobby organisations operating abroad to boycott the COP29 international event that will be held in Azerbaijan this year. In that statement, which is similar to cynicism, it is said that Azerbaijan cannot make any contribution to climate-related initiatives, even though it is supposedly an oil and gas country. First, Azerbaijan is one of the few countries that has over-implemented all climate-related initiatives. Participating in the global initiative, Azerbaijan duly fulfils its obligations until 2030. For example, Azerbaijan joined the "Global Methane Pledge" initiative, which aims to limit methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020. In addition, the updated document in 2023 includes a new commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2050. In addition, it was announced that the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur economic regions will be transformed into decarbonisation zones by 2050. As for increasing natural gas production, science also confirms that underground natural resources cannot pose any threat to the climate. Although the waste conversion and consumption of other products produced from oil affect the environment, it cannot be considered correct to apply this to the consumption of natural gas. For this reason, radical Armenian groups trying to denigrate Azerbaijan at any cost cannot argue this issue before the UN or any international organisation. Azerbaijan carries out all work in an orderly manner and, at the same time, tries to play the role of guarantor of peace and security in the region. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more We strategically integrate the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and reintegration of our liberated territories into our national development strategy to not only reaffirm our commitment to regional stability but also to understand the transformative impact of resolving conflicts on broader economic perspectives, Azernews reports, citing Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov as he said said this during the presentation of Azerbaijan's Fourth Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-Level Political Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. S. Mammadov provided detailed information to representatives of member states about the national strategies covered in the report. "The insights gained from our reports not only inform our ongoing national strategies but also offer valuable lessons for the global community in managing the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable development. The report covers the implementation status of national commitments from 2021 to 2024, highlighting significant action plans undertaken to mitigate the impact of global and local challenges on the realization of the sustainable development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda. We emphasize the principle of leaving no one behind, continuous stakeholder engagement, and strengthening partnerships to achieve the SDGs. Additionally, we demonstrated the importance of ensuring policy coherence for sustainable development. We explore how Azerbaijan manages the complexities of coordinating diverse sectoral policies to maximize their impact on sustainable development. Our report shows how Azerbaijan plays a decisive role as an architect of strategic alliances in strengthening partnerships for the implementation of the SDGs. We examine joint efforts with international organizations, stakeholders, and other countries to enhance the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives. We firmly believe that high-level dialogue dedicated to the SDGs is crucial. In this regard, we organized four high-level dialogues on the SDGs and high-level international conferences focused on the SDGs," he added. The Deputy Minister emphasized the critical nature of financial mechanisms for the SDGs and noted that the report explores the financial sources, investment frameworks, and financial instruments supporting Azerbaijan's sustainable development initiatives. "Azerbaijan's strong commitment to the sustainable development goals is reflected in our national development agenda, particularly in the 20 strategic national priorities for socio-economic development in Azerbaijan. This transformative long-term strategy and our achievements in socio-economic development include the reconstruction and rehabilitation of liberated territories. Enhancing economic potential and significantly improving social welfare are guided by the principles of the 2030 Agenda. In the last decade, we have witnessed substantial growth, with the minimum wage in the country nearly tripling. The average monthly salary has doubled, and minimum pensions have increased by 2.4 times. The emphasis on inclusive development expressed in our strategic documents highlights our commitment to promoting a dynamic, inclusive society built on the principles of social justice," he noted. S. Mammadov also addressed the mine crisis Azerbaijan faces. "The damage caused by mines to our country is enormous. There are 3,400 Azerbaijani victims of mine explosions, with nearly 300 having died. Among them, 358 are children, and 30 are women. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan ranks among the top five most mined countries globally, with more than 1.5 million mines scattered across 12% of its territories. Azerbaijan remains resolute in its commitment to resolving this humanitarian crisis. We have initiated extensive development efforts to build vital infrastructure and create safe and sustainable communities in our liberated territories. We call on other mine-affected countries to support our initiative. Azerbaijan has taken significant steps to implement an integrated national financing framework and an SDG investment map to expand financing for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs. Environmental sustainability stands as a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's development strategy, underscoring our commitment to promoting a clean environment and achieving green energy. Energy transition and green transformation hold central positions in our agenda, with the aim to increase the share of renewable energy to 24% of installed power capacity for electricity generation by 2026 and to 30% by 2030. In line with our nationally determined contributions, we are committed to achieving a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. Additionally, we have voluntarily committed to creating a net-zero emission zone in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur regions of Azerbaijan. In line with our commitment to sustainable development, Azerbaijan is preparing to host COP20 in 2024. We envision playing a key role in facilitating global dialogue and cooperation to achieve successful outcomes at this juncture," he stated. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 11:19 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more Azerbaijan's ornithological tourism opportunities were showcased at the Global Bird Fair tourism exhibition held in the Rutland region of Great Britain, Azernews reports, citing the release by the State Tourism Agency. The exhibition featured presentations on mountainous areas and water basins suitable for birdwatching in Azerbaijan, rare bird species and their optimal observation seasons, natural habitats for ornithological tourism, and the biodiversity found in national parks. Additionally, B2B-format meetings were conducted. The Agency, along with the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, collaborated closely with international experts and the Ornithological Society of Azerbaijan to advance ornithological tourism, a crucial facet of ecotourism. Their efforts included producing brochures and organising training sessions for nature tourism guides. The Global Bird Fair, attended by representatives from over 60 countries, is an annual international event dedicated to promoting ornithological tourism. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 14:07 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Cultural Diversity holiday has been celebrated at the international school in Almere, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Azernews reports. Students and teachers of the international school from different nations presented their national cultures. On the Cultural Diversity holiday, the Azerbaijani national stand was organized on the initiative of Nazakat Rahimli and Natella Mehdiyeva, the Azerbaijani teachers working in this school, and with the support of Motherland European Azerbaijani Women's Association. Books about the Azerbaijani culture and history, national musical instruments and traditional gowns were displayed at the national stand. Within the framework of the event, students from the participating countries presented dances and music of their countries in national costumes. The visitors also tasted the national cuisine of Azerbaijan as well as other countries. Azerbaijan's stand, as well as its cuisine, were welcomed by visitors. The organizer of the event, Jose Zuniga, shared his thoughts on the "Cultural Diversity" holiday and said that such a display of different cultures contributes to mutual recognition of national cultures, as well as respect for different cultures. Such events enable students to form their world view and prepare them to become global citizens. Students and parents expressed their satisfaction with the event. The event, which continued with the presentation of the cultures of different nations, clearly showed once again how important cultural diversity and inclusion are in schools. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) As State Secretary Antony Blinken said at the opening during the meeting with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the parties have made incredible progress and have come a long way." Azernews reports, citing Azertag that State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told this in a press conference. He said that the only thing the US can continue to do is encourage them to step forward. "Signing an agreement is crucial for the peace, stability, and security of both nations and the region as a whole. We believe that peace is possible, but it requires the parties to make difficult decisions and compromise. "We will continue to push the parties to resolve this latest disagreement and reach an agreement," the State Department official said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 10:37 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Turkiye welcomes the resumption of the operations of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Iranian capital, Tehran, Azernews reports, citing the Turkish Foreign Ministry. "We consider the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran and the restoration of diplomatic ties as important for the regions stability and the spirit of cooperation," the ministry said in a statement. It is worth noting that, as a result of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Iran, starting yesterday, Azerbaijan's embassy in this country has resumed its activities at a new address. It was stated that the ambassador and the current embassy staff have returned to Iran. It was noted that the Iranian side, as the accrediting country, has taken appropriate measures to ensure diplomatic protection in front of the new embassy building in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Currently, necessary work is being carried out to organise consular services at the new building of the embassy in Iran. The embassy is located at 8 Saqi Alley, Firuzkuh Street, Yarmehammadi Street, Shahriyar Boulevard, Darrous District, Tehran. The resumption of the embassy's activities will contribute to the future development of Azerbaijan-Iran relations based on mutual respect and good neighbourliness, as well as to the implementation of agreements reached and issues that need to be resolved between the two countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 10:58 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more At the United Nations headquarters in New York, a side event titled Mine and Unexploded Ordnance Activities to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Leave No One Behind was held as part of the High-Level Political Forum, Azernews reports. The event was co-organised by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos, the UN Development Programme, and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). During his speech, Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith, stated that unexploded ordnance and mines hinder the Lao people's struggle with the remnants of war and pose a serious threat to the nations development. He mentioned that currently, one-third of the country is contaminated with unexploded ordnance. Following this, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Economy, Sahib Mammadov, noted that Laos and Azerbaijan are collaborating within the framework of the Voluntary National Report twinning initiative proposed by UNESCAP. He emphasised that the topic of the conference is significant not only for Azerbaijan but for humanity as a whole. The Deputy Minister added that one of the main challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the issue of mines, which overshadow global initiatives for international peace and welfare. In this context, he highlighted that Azerbaijan is listed among the top five most heavily mined countries in the world: These mines continue to pose a major threat to human security in Azerbaijan. Approximately 3,400 Azerbaijanis have been victims of mine explosions, with around 600 of these incidents resulting in fatalities. Among those killed by mine explosions, 358 were children and 30 were women. According to Sahib Mammadov, mine contamination of territories endangers the lives and livelihoods of the population and prevents hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons from returning to their homes. He added that, recognising the crucial role of demining in restoration efforts, Azerbaijan has introduced the 18th national Sustainable Development Goal. The head of the Sustainable Development and Social Policy Department of the Ministry of Economy, Huseyn Huseynov, delivered an extensive presentation on the objectives and targets of the 18th national Sustainable Development Goal. Subsequently, Irina Zivkovic, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Regional Director of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for Europe and Central Asia, mentioned that an active team from her organisation is operating in Azerbaijan. According to her, the team has a busy agenda, including the issue of mines. The UNDP official also noted that a recent international conference on mine action was held with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA). UNDP supports countries fighting mine contamination and unexploded ordnance. This support includes information exchange on best practices, sharing knowledge on new technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and satellites, and exchanging experiences in involving animals, including dogs, in mine action activities. Azerbaijan has a very good experience in this area. I have personally witnessed this. A Centre of Excellence has been established between ANAMA and UNDP. This centre aims to develop activities for future periods and initially supports Azerbaijan, followed by other regional and global countries. We have high expectations from our cooperation, said the Assistant Secretary-General. Later, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Anar Karimov, spoke about the social protection of mine victims and noted that the ministry has taken significant steps to improve and ensure their living conditions. The Deputy Minister stated that important laws have been proposed to increase social payments and assign social benefits to those suffering from mines. In this regard, 10 new social benefits have been established. In 2018, four social reform packages were implemented. The increased social benefits are directed at the most vulnerable segments of the population. Their coverage has increased by 60%, reaching 880,000 people, Anar Karimov said. The Deputy Minister added that mine victims are provided with one-time compensation under the social insurance program. The amount of compensation depends on the degree of injury resulting from the mine incident. He also mentioned that landmine victims have access to various medical and physical social rehabilitation services. In this regard, he noted the existence of 14 rehabilitation centres with a total capacity of 700 beds. In conclusion, the Azerbaijani delegation answered questions from the event participants. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 13:45 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The Southern Regional Centre of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan organised an educational event on "Citizens' Right to Vote" in connection with the upcoming extraordinary parliamentary elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. At the event, attended by employees of various relevant state institutions' regional representatives, the head of the Southern Regional Centre of the Ombudsman, Z. Ismayilov, discussed topics such as "Ensuring Citizens' Right to Vote," "Principles of the Right to Vote," "Organisation of Elections," "Election Process and Stages," and "Active and Passive Voting Rights." He emphasised that the situation regarding the protection of citizens' voting rights in the country is constantly monitored and that the Ombudsman's institution regularly conducts a series of legal awareness activities in this field. The event continued with discussions, and participants' questions on the topic were answered. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 12:41 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more At the invitation of General Colonel Ruslan Jakslkov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, visited the brotherly country to observe the "United - 2024" international operational-tactical command-staff exercise, Azernews reports. At Aktau International Airport, General Colonel Z. Hasanov was welcomed by his Kazakh counterpart, General Colonel R. Jakslkov. During the official welcoming ceremony held at the airport, the defense ministers passed in front of the honor guard. Accompanied by a ceremonial military orchestra, the national anthems of both countries were played. As part of the visit, the Minister of Defense will observe episodes of the "United - 2024" exercise at the "Oymasa" training ground and the Tokmak Cape in the Caspian Sea. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 16:54 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Donald Trump is advancing in the US presidential elections. According to recent polls, Trump's current approval rating is 66%, while Biden struggles to gain 15%, and Kamala Harris's is 10%. This increases Trump's chances of becoming the US president. His election would undoubtedly have a significant impact on global political processes, including relations with Azerbaijan. It should be noted that during Trump's previous presidency, there was significant attention to energy independence and the oil and gas industry in the United States. Azerbaijan, as a significant producer of oil and gas, is therefore a country of importance in Washington's eyes. Armenian media is concerned about Donald Trump's potential presidency. Given the US policy last year, which aimed to increase its mediation in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trump's presidency could further escalate this desire. It is worth noting that in November last year, James O'Brien's critical statements against Azerbaijan led to a decline in US mediation efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Subsequently, official Washington attempted to restore its mediation role with apologies and requests addressed to Azerbaijan. During NATO's recent summit, the meeting between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the United States strengthened US mediation efforts. Matthew Miller, an official representative of the US State Department, mentioned that the meeting contributed to the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Interestingly, the Armenian lobby, which attempts to sway Europe and the US against Azerbaijan, maintains its composure. If Trump becomes president, he will likely focus on the idea of "America First," which does not align with the interests of the Armenian lobby. It appears that the Armenian diaspora is currently entrenched in the outcome of the US elections. It should be noted that Donald Trump is expected to prioritise the global oil and gas sector, potentially leading to special support for Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. Considering Trump's firm stance against Iran and his closeness to Israel, this could also facilitate the development of relations with Azerbaijan. Currently, Armenian media speculates that Trump will pursue policies aligned with Azerbaijan's interests. Another reason for concern is Trump's inclination towards straightforward policies without attempting to balance interests, which could affect the Armenian lobby. It should be noted that during Joe Biden's presidency, there was a period of stagnation in US policy. The Democratic Party exacerbated the chaotic situation in the country and allowed for an increase in migration. In contrast, Trump aimed to prioritise US political and economic development, making his return to the presidency eagerly awaited by the American public and allies. It is no secret that Biden's lenient policies undermine Washington's status as a superpower and strain its relationships with other countries. Many people are surprised by his frequent gaffes and unusual expressions in his speeches. Biden even calls the people in front of him by a different name. It is no coincidence that during an election rally in Pennsylvania, an attempt was made to assassinate Donald Trump, which President Ilham Aliyev described as a political violence act. This armed attack occurred not due to personal motives but specifically for political purposes during an election rally. Unlike Republicans, Democrats have historically had more lobbyists advocating for Armenians. This suggests that Trump could become president without the support of the Armenian lobby, similar to French President Emmanuel Macron. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 16:36 (UTC+04:00) The first congress of independence movements in French colonies, organized by the Peoples Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe and supported by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), will take place in Baku on July 17-18, Azernews reports. It will involve leaders from over 15 political parties and independence movements representing Corsica, Melanesia, Polynesia, the Caribbean, and the Antilles, regions that have historically suffered from French colonialism. The concept of holding the congress stems from the political parties and movements advocating for the independence of the French overseas territories. During the congress, three organizations from the islands of Bonaire and Saint-Martin, which are part of the Caribbean Netherlands, will participate as guests of honor. The two-day congress will provide participating parties with an opportunity to discuss strategies for closer organization in the fight for independence. Additionally, they will coordinate result-oriented activities aimed at defeating French colonialism by establishing a unified platform. Representatives from the colonies will also explore effective practices and strategies for self-determination. The congress will contribute to increasing the awareness of the international community about the numerous crimes and illegal acts committed by the French government against the native peoples who are the real owners of those territories in the mentioned colonies, and to draw attention to the problem of colonialism, which is one of the problems of the 21st century. The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) was created on July 6, 2023, in Baku by participants in the Complete Elimination of Colonialism conference within the framework of the ministerial meeting of the Coordination Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement chaired by the Republic of Azerbaijan. BIG supports the struggle for the freedom of people in various regions of the world still suffering from colonization in the 21st century. BIG has organized approximately 15 international conferences. Among these, four were held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. Additionally, one conference took place in Istanbul, Turkiye, while the remaining gatherings were hosted in Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 17:58 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan Writers' Union celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, Azernews reports. The prerequisites for the creation of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union appeared in 1923, when there was a need to unite all Azerbaijani writers within a single organization. As a result, a group of writers formed the Ildrm United Organization of Turkic Publicists and Poets. Later, in 1925, another organization known as "Qzl qlmlr" (Golden Pens) was founded uniting most writers and regularly conducting literary gathering events. Established in 1934, Azerbaijan Writers' Union included 93 members upon its registration. A newspaper "dbiyyat qzeti" (Literature Newspaper) started operating with the establishment of the union. Today Azerbaijan Writers' Union brings together members who write and publish in Azerbaijani, Russian, Lezgi, Talysh, Tat and other languages. The Writers' Union is currently chaired by Anar Rzayev. The main goal of the organization is practical support for the literary and artistic activities of young writers, promotion of Azerbaijani literature both within the country and abroad, uniting creative Azerbaijanis living in foreign countries around national literature, as well as strengthening the connection between writers and the readership. The Writers' Union anniversary has been solemnly celebrated in the International Mugham Center. The National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played at the beginning of the ceremony. Renowned writers from Azerbaijan and abroad commemorated the memory of the Azerbaijani martyrs with a minute's silence. Secretary of Azerbaijan Writers' Union poet, translator Selim Babullaoglu welcomed the guests of the event. The poet underlined the unique role of the Writers' Union in Azerbaijan's history of the 20th century and called the anniversary of the institution held for the first time in the whole of Azerbaijan a historic event. Noting that National Leader Heydar Aliyev highly appreciated the activities of Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Salim Babullaoglu stressed that the organization fulfilled the mission set before it with great success. Chairman of Azerbaijan Writers' Union, People's Writer Anar Rzayev also addressed the event. In his speech, Anar Rzayev remembered the victims of 1937's repression and spoke about their fates. In his speech, he emphasized the great role of writers and poets in the survival and promotion of the Azerbaijani language during the colonial period. He underlined that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev pays special attention to Azerbaijani culture and literature. Chairman of Azerbaijan Writers' Union noted that the guests from various Turkish countries visited Azerbaijan in connection with the organization's anniversary. He also shared with his impression of the visit to Shusha during the past three days. Anar Rzayev named the liberation of Shusha city and the entire Garabagh region a great historical event. President of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli reviewed the path taken by Azerbaijan Writers' Union, hailing the organization's exceptional services in the development of literature and literary studies in the country, as well as in raising the generation of writers. Isa Habibbayli underlined that People's Writer Anar brought the Writers' Union to a new stage in its activities, stood on the guard of Azerbaijani literature, and also did a major work in the formation of the new generation of the national poets and writers. He also hailed the close partnership between the Writers' Union and National Academy of Sciences. Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov, on behalf of the Culture Minister Adil Karimli, congratulated the writers and poets on the occasion of their 90th anniversary and conveyed their good wishes. The deputy minister highly appreciated the participation of guests from Turkish countries in terms of the development of literary and cultural relations. First Secretary of Azerbaijan Writers' Union, People's Writer Chingiz Abdullayev spoke about the injustices faced by prominent personalities who have been the chairman of the union until now. He also honored the memory of 11 writers-poets whose children were martyred in the First Garabagh War. President of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktot Raimkulova, former TURKSOY Secretary-General Dusen Kaseinov, Turkish poet Ataol Behramoglu, chairman of Public Association of owners of scientific and literary works of Turkiye (ILESAM) Mehmet Nuri Parmaksz, editor-in-chief of the magazine "Turk dbiyyat" Imdat Avsar, Kyrgyz poet Joldasbek Monoldorov, Vice-Chairman of the Uzbekistan Writers' Union Minhojiddin Mirzo, chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union' Council of Elders, People's Poet Nariman Hasanzade, Academician Rafael Huseynov, director of the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature, People's Poet Sabir Rustamkhanli, Writer Elchin Huseynbayli, Secretary of the Azerbaijan National Museum and Secretary Writer of Azerbaijan Writers' Union Elchin Huseynbayli, Adviser to the chairman of the Writers' Union Sayman Aruz and many others participated in the event. Secretary of Azerbaijan Writers' Union Ilgar Fahmi, editor-in-chief of "Ulduz" magazine Gulu Agsas as well as the expert of the Azerbaijani Parliament's Culture Committee Akbar Goshaly recited their poems. The event continued with an artistic part. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 17:43 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more A meeting was held between Vugar Gurbanov, Executive Director of TABIB, and Issam bin Saleh al-Jutaili, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Azerbaijan. The meeting was also attended by Araz Nasirov, Deputy Executive Director of TABIB, heads of relevant structural divisions, Miralam Jalalov, Director of the Republican Emergency and Urgent Medical Aid Centre, and Jeyhun Ahmadov, Director of Gabala District Central Hospital, Azernews reports. It was emphasised during the meeting that the relations between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are at a high level, further strengthened by the efforts of both the President of Azerbaijan and the King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Vugar Gurbanov recalled that during the 6th meeting of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of economy, trade, investment, technology, culture, sports, and youth, detailed discussions were held on expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade and investment, energy, digital development and transportation, science and education, social protection, tourism, and healthcare. Highlighting that our countries support each other in international organisations, Gurbanov stated that expanding cooperation in many segments of the healthcare sector, as well as supporting the development of medical rehabilitation services and medical tourism, will yield positive results. Ambassador Issam bin Saleh noted that sincere friendship relations have existed between our countries since 1991, with ties in all areas developing steadily, and both sides are mutually interested in expanding relations in business, investment, energy, and healthcare. The ambassador mentioned that significant work is being done to transform Riyadh into a medical tourism centre, and achievements have been made in this area, noting the possibility of experience exchange with Azerbaijan and encouraging citizens from his country to come to Azerbaijan for medical services. He also mentioned the existence of 7 healthcare centres in his country and the possibility of exchanging experience in the treatment methods used for stroke patients, which are dynamically increasing due to the hot climate, as well as in the field of medical rehabilitation. "Saudi surgeons successfully perform operations to separate conjoined twins. More than 60 successful operations on conjoined twins have been carried out so far. We are ready for practical cooperation in this area. Additionally, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, financial support can be provided for generally complex and high-cost operations," emphasised the ambassador. Finally, the ambassador expressed gratitude for the emergency medical services provided by the emergency medical team and specialised medical staff of the Gabala District Central Hospital to a critically injured Saudi Arabian citizen (a woman) involved in a road accident in front of Gabala Railway Station last month, who had an open skull-brain injury, intracerebral haemorrhage, closed chest trauma, and multiple rib fractures. He also thanked for the successful evacuation of the patient to a specialised medical institution in Baku by helicopter, thanks to the joint efforts of TABIB and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. He noted that her treatment is currently continuing in Saudi Arabia, and her condition is improving every day. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 July 2024 20:42 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov met with Acting Special Coordinator of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investments of the United States Helain Matz, Azernews reports. According to the information, during the meeting, the attraction of private financing in projects for the development of transport infrastructure, geology and digitalization was discussed. It is reported that this initiative, proposed by the United States at the G7 summit in June 2022, is aimed at mobilizing investments for the development of high-quality infrastructure in developing countries. It is noted that the United States plans to allocate up to $200 billion over five years through grants, federal funding and private investment, and the G7 countries - up to $600 billion. The World Bank and private investment companies such as BlackRock, Brookfield, and Global Infrastructure Partners are involved in the implementation of the initiative. There was also a constructive exchange of views on a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, including investments and the implementation of joint projects. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz John Oxendine, a former Georgia insurance commissioner, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for his role in a healthcare fraud scheme involving ENT clinics. Mr. Oxendine, who was Georgia's insurance commissioner from 1995 to 2011, conspired with a physician owner of an ENT practice chain to submit unnecessary claims to a Texas-based lab, the Justice Department said July 12. Jeffery Gallups, MD, the owner of the ENT clinics, was sentenced in 2022 to three years in prison for his role in the scheme. The scheme, which took place after Mr. Oxendine left office, billed private insurers for over $3 million in false claims. Mr. Oxendine would give a presentation to physicians at Dr. Gallups' practice pressuring them to bill medically unnecessary tests. The lab, Next Health, paid a 50% kickback to Mr. Oxendine and Dr. Gallups from net profits it made from the false claims. According to the Justice Department, Next Health charged private insurers for the tests ordered from the practice and was paid more than $750,000 in reimbursements. Mr. Oxendine and Dr. Gallups received $260,000 in kickbacks. Mr. Oxendine was also ordered to pay over $760,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine. Hospitals continue to look to ASCs as outpatient surgery becomes more popular and the need to cut costs grows. Jim Freund, managing partner for Physician Transaction Advisors, joined Becker's to discuss three trends on the horizon for the ASC industry. More procedures There will be continued migration of procedures from the inpatient to the outpatient setting, Mr. Freund said. This is largely because cost savings at ASCs are "really significant," he said. Medical procedures can cost as much as 58% more at hospital outpatient departments when compared to a physician office or ASC, according to an analysis by Blue Health Intelligence, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's data analytics company. Additionally, ASCs are often a more preferable setting for patients and physicians. Outside of cost savings, patients flock to ASCs for the convenience and physicians enjoy the autonomy and financial gain that they can offer. "There's no question there's going to be more and more cases and procedures done in outpatient settings," he said, adding that in the current healthcare landscape, there's a "greater acceptance and movement of procedures to the ASC space." More hospital partnerships As outpatient migration continues, hospitals have been "forced to embrace it," so Mr. Freund predicts an uptick in hospital partnerships and ASC ventures. A January survey of health system executives by VMG Health found that 60% of leaders were considering pursuing outpatient surgery joint ventures in 2024, the highest area of interest of any potential specialty partnerships. In 2023, Becker's reported on 55 hospitals and health systems opening ASCs. "They're either going to be part of that or they're going to lose in that race," he said. "So you see all the big consolidators out there, and even the smaller ones, are creating partnerships with healthcare systems, whether it's an independent or a joint venture group." While there are challenges with hospitals trying to "implement their systems into the surgery center space," Mr. Freund said, "that just doesn't work," and hospitals need to allow physicians the autonomy that drew them to ASCs. More consolidation Although the ASC industry remains fragmented, with 68% of ASCs being independently owned, Mr. Freund expects consolidation to tick up. Larger groups that have scale can bring to independent physicians, he said, and this is necessary as healthcare as a whole becomes increasingly consolidated. It's "very challenging from a cost perspective, from a technology perspective and from a staff perspective" to remain independent. Peoria, Ill.-based OSF Healthcare is investigating a social media post by an employee who allegedly made comments on the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, WMBD reported July 15. On July 14, an X account shared screenshots purportedly from an OSF lab assistant's post, which allegedly stated, "it's a shame they missed," after Mr. Trump was wounded in the right ear from an assassination attempt during a political rally in Butler, Pa. The individual later asserted their account was hacked and denied making the post. OSF Healthcare took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to release a statement on the matter. "We're aware of a statement that was shared on the social media account of an individual employed by OSF HealthCare. An investigation is underway. We do not share private personnel information," the post reads. OSF continued to say that it condemns any actions or words that harm others, and that it has a strict social media policy that requires adherence from all its "Mission Partners," with violations potentially leading to disciplinary action. A patient at Norristown (Pa.) State Hospital is facing first-degree murder charges after police say he killed his roommate during a July 14 altercation, ABC affiliate WPVI reported July 16. Police responded to the state-run psychiatric hospital around 9:45 p.m. Eastern time, after hospital staff found the 25-year-old victim unresponsive in his bed. He was later pronounced dead, and an autopsy identified the cause of death as asphyxiation due to neck compression. Staff members discovered the victim shortly after the suspect, 34-year-old Kyle Samuels-Robey, asked nurses for ice for a swollen hand. Mr. Samuels-Robey allegedly told staff members that he "beat up" and "choked out" the victim for touching his books, according to court documents cited by WPVI. Mr. Samuels-Robey is being held at Montgomery County Correctional facility without bail, according to NBC affiliate WCAU. His preliminary hearing is set for July 25. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which operates the hospital, told Becker's it cannot comment on specific incidents or investigations and referred all questions to local law enforcement. Eugene Kim, MD, has been named surgeon-in-chief and associate director of surgery at Torrance, Calif.-based Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's. Dr. Kim, a leading pediatric surgical oncologist, will collaborate with the leadership of all pediatric surgical subspecialties to support the hospital's mission. He succeeds Andrew Freedman, MD, who will continue to serve as chief of pediatric urology. Dr. Kim joined Cedars-Sinai in 2022 and will continue to serve as director of the division of pediatric general surgery and as vice chair of the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. On July 16, U.S. News & World Report announced the 2024-2025 "Best Hospitals" rankings and ratings, which assessed nearly 5,000 hospitals in 35 medical and surgical services. The latest edition of the rankings, now in its 35th year, highlights 466 "Best Regional Hospitals," ranked in states and major metropolitan areas nationwide. This year, U.S. News began including Medicare Advantage data in the rankings. Hospitals in 11 adult specialties were examined on their risk-adjusted mortality rates in patients insured by Medicare Advantage plans. The media company made other changes this year as well, such as excluding patients transferred to a hospital from outside the emergency department from its risk-adjusted outcomes for all specialties. Additionally, U.S. News, for the first time, recognized 98 "Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access" as part of its latest rankings. These include the 53 hospitals that were recognized in June as part of the initial list for their work to improve care in historically underserved communities. The following 20 hospitals made the 2024-2025 Best Hospitals Honor Roll, meaning they earned the most points out of the possible total of 543 across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals that earned at least 280 points are recognized. Each hospital on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll ranked No. 1 or tied for No. 1 in their state. They are: Arizona Mayo Clinic-Arizona (Phoenix) California Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles) Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital (Palo Alto) UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles) UC San Diego Health-La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco) Illinois Northwestern Medicine-Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago) Rush University Medical Center (Chicago) Maryland Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore) Massachusetts Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston) Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) Minnesota Mayo Clinic-Rochester New York Mount Sinai Hospital (New York City) New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell (New York City) North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health (Manhasset) NYU Langone Hospitals (New York City) North Carolina Duke University Hospital (Durham) Ohio Cleveland Clinic Pennsylvania Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian (Philadelphia) Texas Houston Methodist Hospital View the full list of top-ranked hospitals in each state and major metropolitan area here. More information about the methodology is available here. An $11 million jury award in favor of Stephen Courtney, MD, was reversed, opening up the possibility of a new trial, The Dallas Morning News reported July 15. In 2021, Jonathan Rute was ordered to help pay nearly $11 million to Dr. Courtney after a jury found Mr. Rute gave information to help a local TV station air stories in 2017 comparing the surgeon to Christopher Duntsch, MD, also known as "Dr. Death." At the time, Dr. Courtney alleged the news reports cost him about $10 million in damages and that he lost 208 procedures between May 2017 through 2020. Dr. Courtney won the trial against a former clinical partner and a medical malpractice lawyer, and a state medical board found Dr. Courtney didn't harm his patients. Now in a July 5 ruling, Dallas' Fifth Court of Appeals overturned the verdict, The Dallas Morning News said. Mr. Rute and Dr. Courtney did not respond to a request for comment from The Dallas Morning News. Mr. Rute's attorney told the publication that the ruling will allow him to file new litigation against Dr. Courtney and his lawyers over malicious prosecution allegations, seeking more than $5 million in damages. Arist's rendition of The Ivy restaurant that will be opening in Belfast The new Ivy restaurant in Belfast, which is to create over 100 new jobs, is set to open this September. Joining 39 other locations in The Ivy Restaurant portfolio, the Belfast premises will launch across two floors at the historic Cleaver House on Donegall Square North, in the heart of the city centre. Initially, the firm said that around 70 jobs would be created at the new luxury eatery. But in an announcement today, The Ivy said the restaurant will provide over 100 jobs within the local hospitality sector, and it will be open seven days a week for breakfast through to dinner. Commenting on the latest addition, Laura Mills, managing director of The Ivy Collection, said: Belfast has been in our sights for quite a while, and we are absolutely thrilled to be opening in this vibrant city. The city is one of the must visit cities in Europe, if not the world, and we are excited to be a part of the emerging buzz and buoyant atmosphere that comes with that. We cannot wait for Belfast to experience the undeniable magic that The Ivy Collection is renowned for, and we look forward to joining the Citys already incredible culinary offering. "We are currently recruiting passionate and dedicated individuals to be part of our dynamic team. Please contact us at recruitment@theivy-collection.com The company is now actively recruiting for a range of jobs. That includes bar manager, sous chef and waiter roles. Construction for The Ivy in Belfast began back in January of this year, and is said to be part of an overall 8m investment. With the listed Cleaver House building, much of its external and internal character remains. The building was originally constructed in 1888, designed by architect Young & Mackenzie, and was a department store until 1984. The Ivy opened at its original location at West Street in London more than a century ago. It now runs more than 30 restaurants across the UK, including cafes and brasseries. It opened its first location in Dublin in 2018. The original Ivy marked its centenary in 2017, and remains arguably Londons most famous restaurant. It was first opened by Abel Giandolini as an Italian cafe in a building on the same site. Some of those cited as fans of the restaurant include Laurence Olivier, Noel Coward, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and David and Victoria Beckham. New 3m store to open later in July as part of the programme Trevor Magill, managing director of Musgrave NI, joins Oran McCloskey, owner of the new Centra Frosses Road store on the A26 at Cloughmills The owner of Centra, SuperValu and Mace has announced a 16m investment in their stores across Northern Ireland. An as part of the programme, Musgrave Retail NI has said it will open a new 3m Centra store and petrol station later this month in Co Antrim. The new location on Frosses Road, Cloughmills, is the 108th Centra to open here, and is located on A26 between Ballymena and Coleraine. The shop will be operated by Oran McCloskey, working with Musgrave. Musgrave Retail NI said it plans on opening stores in Armagh, Portadown and Magherafelt in the next few months, and also launched a store on the Glenarm Road in Larne in recent months. Renovations have been carried out in recent months to SuperValus in Downpatrick and Fintona, as well as Centras in Annaclone, Bushmills and Draperstown. Andrew Hutchinson, director of Solo Petroleum, Oran McCloskey, Centra Frosses Road owner and Trevor Magill, managing director of Musgrave NI The company has plans to refresh a number of stores across Northern Ireland including SuperValus in Dungiven, Londonderry and Lurgan, and Centras in York Road Belfast, Antrim and Carrickfergus. Trevor Magill, managing director for Musgrave in Northern Ireland, said: Centra Frosses Road is a fantastic addition to our store network and I wish Oran and his team all the very best. At Musgrave, we are ambitiously focused on growing our store network and continuing to innovate to provide our shoppers with what matters to them not just excellent customer service and value for money but an extensive range of quality products with an emphasis on local alongside new technologies for a seamless shopping experience. We look forward to continuing to develop our SuperValu, Centra and Mace stores and ensuring we offer customers a world-class shopping experience. The company has also announced the launch of a new brand, Good Food Locally Sourced, which will see 14m spent on local produce. Musgrave Retail Partners NI is part of the Musgrave Group, an Ireland-wide food retail, wholesale, and foodservice company. Its other brands include Musgrave MarketPlace, Drinks Inc and La Rousse Foods. They service 311 stores, owning 41 themselves and working with 130 other independent retailers. Musgrave Retail Partners NI had a turnover last year of 321.5m, and 820 employees. Meet the Lisburn woman driving change at Ford: Electrification is the future, but the move may be choppy Lisa Brankin grew up in Lisburn, helping out her father who was a self-employed coal man. Now, as chair and managing director of Ford Britain and Ireland, she has big plans for its business. Lisa Brankin. Photo: Stan Papior Sean Pollock Tue 16 Jul 2024 at 17:00 A lot is happening at motoring giant Ford, and Lisa Brankin is in the thick of it. SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said the issue was causing heartache for parents every summer. Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl said children are being failed by the annual crisis in SEN education. Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire The Education Authority has told MLAs it cannot guarantee that all children with special educational needs (SEN) statements will be placed in schools in time for the new term. While EA statistics show that 97.3% of all parents of SEN pupils holding a relevant statement have been informed on which school their child will be attending, 120 remain in limbo. The new term starts in around six weeks time. The EA only has three family support link officers in place to deal with parents concerns. The majority of those still waiting on places are those who are ready to start primary school with 78 still to have a place confirmed. There are also 17 children awaiting a nursery school place, 28 transferring from primary to post-primary and two further in other transition years. Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl said that number remains unacceptable. The South Belfast MLA was speaking following a briefing to MLAs from the EA. Children are being failed by the annual crisis in SEN education, she said, and the Education Minister must prioritise reform and investment in the sector. While progress has been made, it is unacceptable 120 children are still awaiting confirmation of a place. The annual crisis in special school placement is having devastating consequences for families across Northern Ireland and I am regularly contacted by desperate parents who dont know where to turn. They will be extremely concerned the EA could not provide a guarantee that every child who is currently waiting for a place will receive one before September 1." Ms Nicholl said special schools have been over-capacity and under-resourced for far too long. SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said the issue was causing heartache for parents every summer. SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said the issue was causing heartache for parents every summer. She urged the EA to find a permanent solution to the issue. This is an issue at every level involving nursery, primary and secondary schools, she said. I am deeply concerned about the message this sends to SEN children and their families about ensuring equality and the right to access education. Ms Hunter said that since 2018, SEN statements have increased by 50%, and she fears this figure may continue to rise. Were not seeing a similar increase in funding to meet demand, she said. In April Education Minister Paul Givan set out a new series of measures to help tackle the problems in special needs education. Up to eight new special education schools are to be built over the next 10 years. Taking up his Ministerial role, Mr Givan admitted more than 1000 extra school places were needed for children with SEN this September. Approaches to primary schools to set up units to enrol SEN pupils will ease some of the pressure, but warned it would be a long term fix. The EA has been contacted for a response. Stay Well: Why do I have a dowagers hump and what can I do to fix it? Two men were today returned for trial over the seizure of 500,000 worth of cannabis by police in south Belfast linked to an organised crime gang. Yilin Xie (23), of Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast and Siong Shok Goh (44), of Fairview Mews, Dublin are both jointly charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cannabis in March this year. Mums anguish at appalling way she was told of Maghaberry death of her French Foreign Legion son Mother reveals trauma as prison watchdog urges review of how behind-bars tragedies are communicated to families Maghaberry Prison Liam Tunney Tue 16 Jul 2024 at 08:00 The mother of a prisoner who died in HMP Maghaberry four years ago has described the way she was informed of his death as nothing short of appalling. Algae on the surface of Lough Neagh at Ballyronan Marina (PA) Alarm has been expressed at the lack of a plan following the resurfacing of toxic blue-green algae on Northern Irelands largest fresh water lake. Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir earlier this month called for the urgent signing off by the Executive on an action plan to tackle the issue. It is understood to contain 37 actions, 17 of which needed Executive support. Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir (David Young/PA) Lough Neagh is the biggest freshwater lake, by surface area, in the UK and Ireland, supplies 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water and sustains a major eel-fishing industry. Noxious blooms covered large parts of the lough last summer and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be a major contributory factor. The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating more algal photosynthesis. Climate change is another factor cited, with the highest water temperature at Lough Neagh recorded last June. On Tuesday, the Lough Neagh Partnership said with the visible impact of the blue-green algae returning, it is profoundly disappointed that a plan has not been signed off on yet. Manager Gerry Darby said it is no surprise that the blue-green algae is back with a vengeance. It was only a matter of time with the right weather conditions that it would reappear, he said. We consistently campaigned over the winter for action to be taken, as we feared that momentum would be lost once the algae disappeared below the surface and it would be a case of out of sight out of mind. We met with the main political parties and, despite assurances that immediate action would be taken upon Stormonts return, in reality we have not seen any of the promised efforts to resolve the crisis. Gerry Darby, Lough Neagh Partnership manager on the shore of Ballyronan beach (Liam McBurney/PA) Whilst we have put on record that we have welcomed the plan presented by Minister Muir, we are utterly disheartened by the lack of consensus to approve and implement it. As a result, we face another summer watching this ecological disaster unfold, powerless to intervene. A 91-year-old man is to stand trial accused of causing the death of an eight-year-old child in Co Antrim. Scarlett Rossborough was knocked down and killed while walking with a group of children along High Street in Carrickfergus shortly before noon on August 9 last year. John Noble Lindsay of Prince Andrew Way, Carrickfergus, appeared via videolink from his home for a preliminary enquiry into the case. Watching proceedings from the public gallery at Belfast Magistrates Court were family and friends of Scarlett. The defendant is charged with causing the death of Scarlett by driving dangerously on High Street, Carrickfergus. Asked by the court clerk if he understood the charge, Lindsay dressed in a blue jumper replied: I do, Your Worship. He declined to say anything in answer to the charge. He also declined to call evidence or witnesses. A prosecution lawyer told the hearing that based on the papers before him he believed the defendant had a prima facie case to answer. Defence barrister Stephen Molloy told the court the defendant was appearing via video link from his home as he is currently recovering from an operation on his stomach performed within the past two weeks. I am aware that members of the deceaseds family are present in court. We are very eager for this case to proceed and I know the family wish the case to move as quickly as possible as well, said Mr Molloy. District Judge Steven Keown said: I am satisfied there is a case to answer. The case will be returned to Belfast Crown Court for arraignment hearing on a date to be fixed. Lindsay was released on his own bail of 500 but Judge Keown said the defendant did not have to sign for his bail. Mr Molloy applied for legal aid in the case. He said the defendant had 1,000 in the bank, 91,000 in an ISA (Individual Savings Account) and there was 180,000 equity in his home. These are serious charges which are now going before the Crown Court which is why I am applying for legal aid, said the defence lawyer. Judge Keown refused the application for legal aid at this stage but said a fresh application could be made once the case is before Belfast Crown Court. Scarlett was from Larne where she attended Linn Primary School. Following her tragic death last summer, teachers at the school said she was a much-loved pupil who would always be remembered for her infectious giggles and sense of fun. The school added that Scarlett was very popular with both staff and pupils and that she would be deeply missed by all who knew her. She and the other children are understood to have been on a community centres summer scheme trip when the collision happened. News Catch Up: Monday 15 July 2024 Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Over 30 petrol and paint bombs were thrown at police during a night of disorder in south Belfast. Officers responded to reports of running battles between youths from the Village and St Jamess areas of the city close to the Broadway Roundabout. On arrival, officers were pelted with masonry and paint bombs. The incident, which spanned several hours, worsened around 8.30pm when officers were forced to close the off-slips from the nearby Westlink. Petrol and paint bombs were thrown at officers and vehicles by groups of up to 50 young people. The windscreens of three cars were shattered and splattered with paint with some damage also caused to police vehicles. Police managed to corner a majority of the youths, most masked; in the nearby Glenmachan Street where officers and members of the public once again came under attack. Watch: Police attacked with petrol bombs during Belfast disorder At the height of the operation over 13 police Land Rovers were visible on Broadway Roundabout with a police drone monitoring the situation from overhead. As the night progressed officers once again came under attack from petrol bombs, bricks, and bottles as they monitored the crowds movements in the side streets. Calm was restored shortly after 1am when youths dispersed as the police drone was brought down to change its batteries. Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay, District Commander for Belfast, said: Thankfully, no injuries to police officers or the public were reported. However, this was a particularly protracted period of public disorder lasting into the early hours of today. Local officers will continue to patrol the area tonight to prevent anti-social or disorderly behaviour and detect those involved. We will also continue to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community. I would urge the young people who have been involved and their parents or guardians to seriously consider the impact of their actions on the local community, but also on their own futures. These actions have serious consequences. My message is simple, walk away and dont get involved in any trouble. I want to thank local community representatives who worked with us to restore calm and minimise the impact on the local community, he said. The anti-social plagued roundabout, which sees weekly running battles involving local youths has been at the forefront of weekly neighbourhood policing operations. Earlier this month several UVF flags were erected on the roundabout along with an eleventh night bonfire bearing All Taigs Are Targets and ramblings about the Belfast Telegraph and Irish News. Police deal with disorder on Broadway Roundabout close to the Village area of South Belfast on July 16th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl said she is disgusted by what happened. For the second time in a week, we have seen police officers attacked, this time with petrol bombs in South Belfast, the Alliance representative said. I am disgusted, disappointed and angry at this. What possesses people to go out and carry out such attacks on those who are there to protect us? My thoughts are with all the officers who were attacked in this horrendous incident and I am thankful none were injured. Those involved have done nothing but bring misery and disruption to residents, workers and anyone else affected. These sorts of incidents are not wanted by the vast majority of people here. If anyone has any information on those involved in this, I urge them to take it to police immediately. In June, police said a vehicle and police officer had been struck by objects after they attended the area. During the incident, police responded to reports of a female staff member being threatened at a local community farm. Posting to social media in June, staff at St James's Community Farm said incidents of this nature have become a regular occurrence in recent weeks. About 10 male youths attacked our farm with bricks. They got into the animal field and verbally threatened a female member of staff, they posted on Facebook. This has been a regular occurrence for the last three weeks. We have had wooden pallets that the goats use taken and burnt and the goats playground damaged. The animals were terrified last night with the bricks hitting the metal of our building. Inspector Ross Hakin said: "I am appealing to parents to know where your children are and advise them against becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. "Officers continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives, and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem. "We are committed to working towards a solution and welcome any information from the public and local elected representatives to inform what we are doing. "Our officers continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout west Belfast. Keir Starmers chief of staff Sue Gray has been accused of subverting cabinet ministers in relation to negotiating a 310m bailout for the redevelopment of Casement Park. According to The Times, Ms Gray who ran a pub in Newry during the Troubles has angered government officials and ministers by personally dominating discussions for a bailout for the dilapidated west Belfast stadium. Taoiseach Simon Harris will travel to Chequers to meet Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Brian Lawless/PA) Taoiseach Simon Harris and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss Northern Ireland as well as the situations in Gaza and Ukraine during their first face-to-face meeting since the UK general election. Mr Harris said the meeting would also be used to discuss the shared aim of a reset in British-Irish relations. The Irish premier is travelling to Chequers where he will meet Sir Keir over dinner. Mr Harris said: The invitation extended to me by Prime Minister Starmer to meet with him at Chequers is a strong signal of the value he attaches to the friendship and closeness that saw our two countries achieve so much together in the past, and to resetting the relationship so that we can again achieve much together in the time ahead. I look forward to getting to know the Prime Minister and to conveying to him the broad welcome across Government, and more widely across Ireland, to a reset in relations with the United Kingdom at this time. I am fully committed to a stronger, mutually respectful and ambitious partnership between both countries, and to getting down to work to make this happen. The relationship between London and Dublin has been under severe strain in recent years. The turbulence caused by Brexit and the Conservative governments controversial laws to deal with the legacy of the Troubles were areas of major tension. One of Sir Keir Starmers first actions as Prime Minister was to invite Simon Harris to a meeting (Benjamin Cremel/PA) Sir Keir has pledged to repeal the legislation that offered conditional immunity for perpetrators of Troubles crimes. One of Sir Keirs first actions after entering Downing Street was to hold a phone conversation with the Taoiseach and to invite him to the face-to-face meeting. During the phone conversation the two leaders committed to reset and strengthen Anglo-Irish relations with urgency and ambition. A statement from the Taoiseachs office said: As well as discussing bilateral relations, it is expected that the Taoiseach and Prime Minister will discuss Northern Ireland and international issues, including the situation in Gaza and in Ukraine. The Taoiseach will update on current EU priorities and the leaders will share perspectives on EU-UK relations. The meeting is expected to allow both leaders to re-affirm their respective commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and the resolve of both governments to furthering reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Mary Lou McDonald urged Simon Harris to use his meeting with Sir Keir Starmer to push for a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane (Damien Storan/PA) Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald urged the Taoiseach to use the meeting to press the case for a public inquiry into the murder of lawyer Pat Finucane. Mr Finucane was gunned down by loyalist paramilitaries inside the family home in north Belfast in 1989. For years, the Finucane family has campaigned for a public inquiry, after several examinations of the case found state forces colluded in the murder. Earlier this month, a Court of Appeal ruling in Belfast gave the new government three weeks to state how it would carry out an investigation into the lawyers death which is compliant with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Ms McDonald said: In 2019, the Supreme Court in London declared that previous investigations commissioned by successive British governments into the murder of Pat Finucane by loyalists to have failed to meet the standards required by Article 2. For decades now, Geraldine Finucane and her family have led a dignified campaign for truth and justice, seeking a public inquiry into her late husbands murder. Pat Finucane was murdered at his home in north Belfast in 1989 (PA) The Sinn Fein president added: Regrettably, the British government has not adequately or sufficiently responded to that 2019 Supreme Court judgment, forcing Mrs Finucane to fight a series of legal battles. In the latest case last week, the Court of Appeal set out a timetable for action, requiring the British government to respond within three weeks and agree to an Article 2 compliant investigation into Pat Finucanes murder. I have written to the Taoiseach to urge him to raise the matter directly with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer when they meet and to urgently press the case for a public inquiry to be held which is long overdue and decision time draws near. Former First Minister says paper calling for preparations to begin now ignore principle of consent The new Labour Government has said that Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK for as long as its people wish for it to be after a cross-party Irish parliamentary report suggested preparations for a united Ireland should begin immediately". The report, by the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, called on the Irish Government to publish a paper setting out its vision for unification. It also examined the economic relationship between both sides of the border and the potential of an all-island economy. However, a UK Government spokesperson said: "In accordance with the Good Friday Agreement and the Principle of Consent, Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK for as long as its people wish for it to be. "The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has made clear there is no clear basis to suggest that a majority of people in Northern Ireland presently wish to separate from the United Kingdom. "The overwhelming consensus is that Northern Ireland needs a strong Executive to deliver on the issues that really matter health, jobs, the cost of living, education and that will remain our focus." Former DUP leader, former first minister Dame Arlene Foster, took to X to reject the paper. Sharing a link to the story, she said the report seems to have overlooked that the majority in NI do not want a so called United Ireland. She added: Remember the consent clause? Didnt think so. #Nothanks #British. Dame Arlene previously warned that nationalists should be careful what they wished for because she believed any poll would show a clear majority of people in Northern Ireland wanted to remain in the UK. She told the BBC in 2013: If we have the border poll, that instability goes away and, in actual fact, what we have is a very clear validation of the Union. Thats something were looking at. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said yesterday the report was a thoughtful contribution to the debate over unification. It carries the weight of the cross-party, cross-border committee, he added. We support the call for more structured engagement on what a new society would look like and believe that the best way to do that is to bring together the New Ireland Forum so that New Ireland parties can develop a consensus and prospectus for change. 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 The report showed a major increase in cross-border trade, which rose from around 2bn in 1998 to 20bn in 2022. It also examined the potential cost of a united Ireland, and made the case that planning for one should begin now. The group, which has met 11 times since April of last year, recommended that an Oireachtas committee be set up to prepare for unification. It also recommended that these preparations should begin immediately. Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd, the chair of the group, called for others to seriously discuss the issues around the possibility of constitutional change. He also said he hoped the change of government in Westminster would result in a reset of the relationship between the UK and Ireland. Mr ODowd added: [The report] is very hopeful of the future. Its an opportunity that we can grasp for change, but change with consent. A united Ireland? Definitely, yes. But an agreed united Ireland? Definitely, yes. Fianna Fail TD for Cavan and Monaghan Brendan Smith said: We can remove barriers to ensure greater participation as well. So, incrementally, I believe we can build quite speedily at the same time towards the achievement of a united Ireland that my people want to see achieved. Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh said it was up to the Irish Government to implement the recommendations contained in the report. She added: The economic success of the future of a united Ireland is in our own hands and theres no insurmountable barriers there to Irish unification. There will be variances in terms of the time that it might take, in terms of the duration, in terms of the transition period but also that none of those things are insurmountable. This report presents positive inclusive conversation thats taking place across the island in planning for constitutional change. I think the onus is on the Irish government to implement the reports recommendations and that also includes a Green Paper on Irish unity and what needs to be done. The King and Queen Camilla pose in front of the RNLI Lifeboats (Chris Jackson/PA) The King sampled half a pint of Charles ale during a visit to Guernsey. Charles and Camilla were given a tour of local businesses as they arrived at St Peters Port on Tuesday. The Queen was seen wearing a bandage around her right foot and it is understood she suffered a slight ankle sprain on Monday. The King took a sip of Charles golden ale from the Little Big Brew Company, a local craft brewery established in 2020. The new brew was created to celebrate the Kings coronation. The King and Queen Camilla attend the special sitting of the States of Deliberation (Chris Jackson/PA) Speaking after his visit, Dan OBrien, director and head brewer at LBBC, told the PA news agency: He seemed to enjoy it. He tasted it. He told us thats as much as I can manage as Ive got a long day ahead. Camilla was also given a piece of Guernsey Dairy Vintage Cheese by the Guernsey Dairy company. The gift was as an early present before her 77th birthday on Wednesday. Charles and Camilla, who were in Jersey on Monday, are on their first visits to the Crown Dependencies off the north-west coast of France, since the King acceded to the throne. Queen Camilla during a visit to Hauteville House, the residence of writer Victor Hugo during his exile in Guernsey, in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA) The King returned to public facing duties in April despite his continued treatment for cancer. Jersey and Guernsey announced special public holidays to mark the royal visits on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing possessions of the British Crown. When Queen Elizabeth II visited Jersey in 2001, she was presented with two dead ducks on a silver tray, part of an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when six seigneurs, lords of the manor, would pay homage to the sovereign as the Duke of Normandy with the mallards. Charles and Camilla last visited the Channel Islands during the Diamond Jubilee year of 2012. More than 1,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister (Gareth Fuller/PA) More than 1,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, as the Government warned of a difficult summer ahead. Home Office figures show 427 people made the journey in seven boats on Monday, taking the provisional total for the year so far to 14,759. It means the number of arrivals recorded since Sir Keir took office on July 5 in the wake of Labours election victory now stands at 1,185. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that Channel crossings were at a record high in the first half of the year and indicated a difficult summer ahead, according to Downing Street. (PA Graphics) The total number of crossings for 2024 to date is 12% higher than the number recorded this time last year (13,200) and up 1% on the same period in 2022 (14,554), according to PA news agency analysis of Government data. Last year, 29,437 migrants arrived in the UK after making the journey, down 36% on a record 45,774 in 2022. Tackling illegal migration was an important part of our European reset, where the Government is working with European bodies, including Europol, to tackle criminal gang networks and work to disrupt supply chains, Ms Cooper told ministers. It comes after the Prime Minister last week warned the number of crossings cant be changed overnight and acknowledged the situation may get worse before it gets better. On Friday, Ms Cooper described the deaths of four migrants in the Channel as truly awful after they ended up in the water off the northern French coast near Boulogne-sur-Mer in the early hours of the morning when their boat capsized. The Home Office said: Everyone wants to see an end to the dangerous small boat crossings. They are undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. We are taking action to smash the people smuggling gangs responsible for this trade, establishing a new Border Security Command to bring together our intelligence and enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terror-style powers and hundreds of personnel stationed in the UK and overseas. Our staff continue with their dedicated mission to save lives in the Channel whilst working with our French and other international partners to ensure the criminals responsible face the full extent of the law. Germanys top security official has banned a far-right magazine, accusing it of stirring up hatred against Jews, people with immigrant roots, and parliamentary democracy (Sven Kaeuler/dpa/AP) Germanys top security official has banned a far-right magazine, accusing it of stirring up hatred against Jews, people with immigrant roots, and parliamentary democracy. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser banned Compact magazine and the company that publishes it, Compact-Magazin GmbH, as well as a film production company, Conspect Film. Police raided properties and apartments in four German regions linked to the organisations, their management and shareholders, her ministry said. Ms Faeser described Compact as a central mouthpiece of the right-wing extremist scene. She said in a statement: This magazine agitates in an unspeakable way against Jews, against people with a history of migration and against our parliamentary democracy. Our signal is clear: We will not allow who belongs in Germany and who doesnt to be defined by ethnicity, she added. Compact is run by far-right figure Jurgen Elsasser and produces the monthly magazine of the same name, which has a circulation of about 40,000, as well as an online video channel, Compact TV. It also runs an online shop selling books, CDs, DVDs and other merchandise. Compact has been published since 2010. In its annual report for 2023, Germanys domestic intelligence agency said that it regularly disseminates antisemitic, anti-minority, historically revisionist and conspiracy theory content. Compact magazine was founded by Juergen Elsaesser and has been published monthly since 2010 (Carsten Koall/dpa/AP) It said a main feature is agitation against parliamentary democracy in general and the German government in particular, and quoted Mr Elsasser as saying on Compacts home page last year that we want to topple this regime. The strength of the far right has caused increasing concern in Germany in recent months. Last month, the far-right Alternative for Germany party took 15.9% of the vote to finish second in the European Parliament election, despite recent scandals and setbacks. The partys co-leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, said the ban on Compact is a serious blow to press freedom. They accused Ms Faeser of abusing her authority in order to suppress critical reporting. A sizzling heatwave has sent temperatures in parts of central and southern Europe soaring toward 40C (104F) in some places (Luca Bruno/AP) The Italian health ministry placed 12 cities under the most severe heat warning on Tuesday as a wave of hot air from Africa baked southern Europe and sent temperatures over 40C (104F), with the worst still to come. Croatia reported the highest-ever temperatures of the Adriatic Sea, with the thermometer reaching nearly 30C (86F) at the southern walled city of Dubrovnik, the countrys most popular tourism spot. In Serbia, the state power company reported record consumption on Tuesday due to the use of air conditioning. Municipal authorities in several southern European and Balkan cities took measures to look after elderly people in particular as civil protection crews fielded calls for Canadairs and other aircraft to douse wildfires that raged in southern Italy and North Macedonia. Tourists shelter from the sun in front of Sforzesco Castle in Milan, Italy (Luca Bruno/AP) Its hellishly hot, said Carmen Diaz, a tourist from Madrid, Spain, who was trying to keep cool with a fan at lunchtime in Rome. These fans help a little too, but its really hot. In Greece, municipalities made air-conditioned spaces available to the public. Certain forms of outdoor work were banned, such as manual labour, deliveries and construction, during the hottest time of the day when temperatures reached 40C (104F). Temperatures are expected to hit 42C (107.6F) on Wednesday and Thursday in several countries. Spains national weather service said thermometers could reach 44C (111.2F) in the southern Guadalquivir river basin in the coming days. To beat the heat, Romes zoo made plans to offer popsicle respite for the animals later this week when temperatures were expected to top 38C (100.4F0. For those flocking to the Eternal Citys Coldplay concerts this week, there were no such icy treats. It really feels like we are in an oven with a hairdryer pointed at us, said Patrizia Valerio, who had just arrived in Rome from Varese for the bands final performance on Tuesday night. Tourists try to find some shade as they wait for a bus in Milan (Luca Bruno/AP) Fellow concert-goer Mattia Rossi was more philosophical, citing the freak storms which hit Italy earlier this summer as evidence of climate change wreaking havoc on the southern Mediterraneans weather systems. These are all symptoms of a planet that is suffering in my opinion, he said. In Albania, where temperatures were expected to hit 42C (107.6F), a 72-year-old man was found dead at his farm in Memaliaj, 125 miles (200km) south of the capital, Tirana, with the cause of death believed to be the heat, the local Panorama portal reported. There was no immediate confirmation from health authorities. In Tirana itself, streets and cafes seemed almost empty, with the few people out and about using umbrellas to shade themselves. High temperatures and winds have fanned wildfires from the south to the north in recent weeks. Even with temperatures a comparatively cool 34C (93.2F), Turkeys Istanbul municipality issued a heat warning on Tuesday advising residents especially the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with health issues to avoid going out between 10am and 4pm. The advisory said temperatures in Istanbul are expected to remain a few degrees above seasonal norms until July 28 and advised residents to drink plenty of fluids and opt for light or cotton clothing. For the second time this month, North Macedonia faced a heatwave with temperatures rising to 42C (107.6F). Some 200 wildfires have been raging in the country since the beginning of the month, with one firefighter so far injured. The government has declared a month-long state of crisis. A woman sunbathes in a park in Milan, Italy (Luca Bruno/AP) For Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia, it is the second week that temperatures have been hovering around 40C, with the Bosnian town of Mostar registering that high for the sixth consecutive day. Meteorologists said the heatwave was expected to peak on Tuesday and slowly ease towards the end of the week. Romania and neighbouring Moldova have also been gripped by an intense heatwave over the past week, with temperatures in both countrys capitals, Bucharest and Chisinau respectively, exceeding 40C this week. In Italy, the civil protection service reported that it received 18 calls on Monday for help to douse wildfires that were raging in several southern regions. The health ministry placed 12 cities from Trieste in the north to Rome in the centre under a red alert heat warning, the highest state of heat emergency. In cities under such warnings, everyone not just the elderly and young children is urged to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and heavy foods. Palermo in Sicily was expected to join the list of red-bulletin cities on Wednesday, the health ministry said. Much of Greece was also sweltering in a heatwave due to last until the end of the week, with temperatures in some areas forecast to reach 42C (107.6F). The heatwave is predicted to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, particularly affecting regions of central, western and northern Greece, where temperatures could rise to 43C (109.4F). President Paul Kagame has won 99% of the vote in provisional results from Mondays presidential election in Rwanda, electoral authorities said. The outcome was widely expected as the countrys long-time ruler aims to extend his three-decade grip on power. Mr Kagames opponents Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana were collectively getting under 1% of the vote in provisional results, which accounted for 79% of all ballots cast. The result mirrored the outcome in 2017, when the president took nearly 99% of the vote. Final results are expected by July 27, although they could be announced sooner. People line up to cast their vote in a presidential election in Kigali (Brian Inganga/AP) The 66-year-old president, who has held power since the end of the countrys genocide in 1994, was running virtually unopposed with two of his stronger critics blocked from running for high office. There were long lines at some polling stations in the capital Kigali with election authorities saying 9.5 million Rwandans were registered to vote in a population of 14 million. Mr Kagame has led the East African country since he seized power as the head of rebels who took control of the government and ended the genocide in 1994. He was vice president and de facto leader from 1994 to 2000, when he became president. He has been condemned by many as a violent authoritarian, but praised by others for presiding over impressive growth in the three decades since the genocide. He is among African leaders who have prolonged their rule by pursuing changes to term limits. In 2015, Rwandans voted in a referendum to lift a two-term limit and Mr Kagame could stay in power until 2034. People line up to cast their vote (Brian Inganga/AP) The ruling party and Rwandans have been asking me to stand for another mandate, he said. At a personal level, I can comfortably go home and rest. Rwandas election took place amid heightened fears of insecurity in Africas Great Lakes region. Rebels known as M23 are fighting Congolese forces in a remote area of neighbouring eastern Congo. Between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan forces are fighting alongside M23, United Nations experts said in a report circulated last week. The US government has described the group as being backed by Rwanda. Rwanda accuses Congos military of recruiting fighters who were among the perpetrators of the genocide. Rights groups continue to raise alarm over harsh restrictions on human rights, including freedom of association, in Rwanda. Amnesty International in a recent statement expressed concern over threats, arbitrary detention, prosecution on trumped-up charges, killings and enforced disappearances targeting the political opposition. It said the suppression of dissenting voices, including among civic groups and the media, has a chilling effect and limits the space for debate for people of Rwanda. White House hopeful looks like a winner, irrepressible, unbeatable and very lucky Ive always regarded Donald Trump as vulgar, odious and unworthy of public office. Two million people signed a petition opposing his state visit to London in 2018, and the Mayor of London agreed that a 20 foot high balloon depicting him as a podgy, permanent-tanned baby could be flown over Parliament. The prospect of his return to the White House makes me shudder, and Im baffled that one of the most vibrant democracies in the world cant seem to stop him. But loading a high calibre round into a long range rifle and firing it from a rooftop overlooking one of his campaign rallies is not the answer. For the bullet to graze his ear shows how close this was to the most lethal shot possible smack into the brain. A tilt of the head, the tiniest of movements by a very big man, looks like it saved him. We will never know what exactly motivated the would-be assassin. But we can safely assume he did not want Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, and so his failure was spectacular. Not only is the former President still alive, but hes arguably better placed than ever. Most of us who laughed at the baby blimp in London will have been horrified by the shooting on Saturday six years to the day he was in the city. However gross this burlesque politician, he did not deserve to be killed. Weve all had a sobering shot of perspective a reminder that even in the most loud, bitter and polarised of electoral battles we are all playing by a critical set of rules that reflect a shared sense of what always matters most to those of us fortunate enough to live in a democracy. The red lines that separate government and opposition in the House of Commons are thirteen feet apart because that is the length of two swords and the idea of putting opposing parties in the chamber was that they would resolve their differences through debate not battle. Having pushed the limits of the US system to the brink and beyond, Donald Trump is now clearly in the democratic corner, compared to the young man who tried to take him out. He also looks like a winner, irrepressible, unbeatable and very lucky. Whether we like it or not, voters are drawn towards such people. No-one wants a loser at the helm. The shooting, of course, follows a whole string of legal battles designed, above all, to ensure Donald Trumps name is not on the ballot paper this November. I feel for his victims, and I understand the noble motives for pursuing him through the courts, but every twist and turn so far seems to have made him stronger, turbo charging the narrative that the system is out to get him because hes on the side of those let down by that system. So it is time for our American friends to get real at long last, and realise that there is only one way to stop Donald Trump being President again, which is to confront him with the best possible candidate and the most compelling case to beat him at the ballot box. Not only are they not doing this but Joe Bidens recent performances have presented his opponent with a wide open goal. Confusing Presidents Putin and Zelensky was painful. Describing Donald Trump as his vice president was pathetic and its hard to believe that even his closest friends believe Joe Biden is now truly equipped for arguably the most demanding job in the world. So the killer blow is the contrast. In the moment of maximum surprise, confusion and trauma, with blood on his cheeks and the secret service bundling him off the stage, Donald Trump hit the bullseye, instinctive, focused and composed enough to know that what was needed most was a signal of strength and defiance. Up went the fist, unleashing an iconic image that will stick with all of us, and reverberate loudly through polling day, a survivor, fighter, statesman capturing the moment. Sooner or later, the bullet fired at Trump will now, surely, deliver the coupe de grace for Biden. UDA boss Cokehead caught on CCTV stealing purses in Newtownabbey bar Rathcoole unit a laughing stock, say sources, as senior member is stood down and now faces punishment beating A mural at the entrance to Rathcoole estate Sunday Life Reporter Tue 16 Jul 2024 at 07:10 A hated paramilitary boss has gone to ground after he was caught on CCTV stealing ladies purses from a loyalist bar. Adobe Stock One of the most significant struggles Christians have historically faced is figuring out how to be in the world without being of the world. Jews have historical customs, dresses, a unique headspace, and other cultural characteristics that distinguish them as Gods people. As Gentiles put their faith in Christ, they found themselves called to a new way of living in their societies. For some people, there was concern and confusion, while others experienced newfound freedom they misunderstood. The Church in Corinth was filled with people who believed, but their Greek history led to early misinterpretations and outright bad behavior, including women shaving their heads in the manner of pagan temple prostitutes. Paul wrote a letter to the church cautioning them for several reasons, including the behavior of some of the women, as detailed in 1 Corinthians 11:6. Over time, outside of the context in which Paul wrote this letter, some interpreted this verse to mean all Christian women should cover their heads. Understanding the context, as well as what freedom in Jesus truly means, reveals that Paul was writing to the women that they needed to dress appropriately for their culture, not saying that all believing women needed to cover their heads. What does the Bible say about head coverings? In 1 Corinthians, Paul addressed a Gentile church, which had multiple issues within it at the time. There was bad doctrine, adultery, and many concerning behaviors. As he addressed these behaviors, he wrote that if a wife refuses to cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. However, since its disgraceful for a wife to cut or shave her head, then she should cover her head, as detailed in 1 Corinthians 11:6. This verse happens as part of a more significant conversation. Paul talked about the importance of understanding, specifically when he said all things are lawful, but not everything is helpful. Just because there are things Christians can do, that doesnt mean its civilizing for the believer or glorifying God. In that light, Paul addresses the question of whether or not the woman of Corinth, who culturally wouldve been expected to wear a head covering, should continue to do so. Should Christian women wear head coverings? Like other questions about whether Christians should do something that falls outside a sin issue, ultimately, it comes down to the believers personal conviction. In most countries, its still considered modest, or even practical, for a woman to cover her head. In others, men cover their heads. Not doing so signifies that a woman is immodest, perhaps in a certain scandalous job, or that shes sexually available. In these instances, Paul would probably encourage the women of these cultures to cover their heads since thats appropriate for their context. Paul gave recommendations for Christian behavior, including how women and men should conduct themselves, in other letters to other churches. However, he never brought up head coverings again. He addressed marital relationships more than once, appropriate conduct amongst associates and out in the world, proper policy, and other topics regularly. If it were a mandate of Christian womanhood to wear a head covering, it can be assumed that he wouldve addressed it. Some of this debate is brought on by theologians who take away the original context in which Pauls letter was written. For example, who were the people he was writing to? Where was Paul from? What was the common attire for their areas? Part of the concern with women going uncovered was that it sent cultural signals of moral degradation. In the Middle East, where Paul was from, it was standard for women to wear head coverings. In Corinth and Israel, women typically kept their hair long. However, in Greece, women would shave their heads to signify that they were temple prostitutes, so when a Christian woman threw off her head covering and shaved her head, it was a cheeky thing to do in Corinth and didnt send a signal to the non-believing Greeks that she was a Christian. Instead, she was signaling something different. When someone only looks at the instructions for the women Paul was addressing to cover their heads, theyre forgetting that head coverings exist across different cultures for different reasons. Another significant cultural context is that in Corinth, women wear head coverings to show they are married and committed to their husbands. A woman going out without her head covered wouldve indicated that she wasnt married or that she wasnt committed, possibly even unfaithful, in her marriage. Another important verse that contributes to the idea that Christian women dont need to wear head coverings, either out in the world or in worship, is a verse later in the same passage. A womans hair is her covering, not a piece of cloth. Paul even called for his audience to look around them and see that women tend to grow their hair long as a general rule, even though its not absolute. In some cultures, head coverings symbolize modesty, but if its not culturally dictated, the head covering isnt serving to protect a womans modesty, virtue, or marital status. Just as men can go to God in any state of need, so can a woman. In her time of distress or joy, in contemplation or worship, she can cry out to God without her head being covered. Every person has their conscience, struggles, and convictions about how to carry out their relationship with God. Ultimately, every woman and man will stand before God and give an account, even believers, although they wont be judged for their sins as non-believers. Its down to the conscience of each Christian woman. Though some disagree, most denominations and theologians agree that Paul discussed head coverings as an element of the culture. Sheikh Hasina had equated anti-quota protesters and collaborators with the Pakistan Army in the 1971 independence war. A man raises a stick threatening to attack protesters, as anti- and pro-quota activists clash in the Dhaka University area of Bangladeshs capital Dhaka, July 15, 2024. Hundreds of university students in Bangladesh erupted in fury on Monday against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after she equated those who wanted to end job quotas for independence heroes families with Pakistan army collaborators during the independence war. Mondays were the first major protests in 15 years faced by the administration of Hasina who returned to power for a fourth consecutive term following the January elections when the opposition boycotted the polls. Nearly 300 students were injured around the country as a result of clashes between anti- and pro-quota groups, with the latter backing Hasinas ruling Awami League. Battles between the two sides involved clashers throwing stones and using sticks and heavy metal rods to beat others. Anti-quota protests began last week after the High Court in June reinstated the 30% civil service job quotas that had ended in 2018 for those who fought in the 1971 war. Protesters believe the quotas benefit only those who support Hasina and her party. And Hasinas comments Sunday to reporters about the protests were akin to throwing oil on fire, leading protesters to shout slogans such as autocrat! against her. If the grandchildren of the freedom fighters dont get quota benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars get the benefit? she said at an unrelated news conference. Those who collaborated with the Pakistan Army in 1971 are called Razakars. On Monday, Hasina again criticized the protesters who mockingly called themselves Razakars. They [protestors] do not know how the Pakistani invasion forces and the Razakar have carried out killings in the country, she said at an event in Dhaka. They have not seen the torture, bodies lying on the streets. So they do not feel ashamed to call themselves Razakar. But students agitating against quotas say that meritorious people are left out of a system that blocks more than half of the civil service jobs. In addition to the quotas for the independence war heroes families, 10 % of civil service jobs are reserved for districts, 5% for minority ethnic groups and 1% for the differently-abled. Students carry a wounded woman after anti- and pro-quota protesters engaged in a violent confrontation in the Bangladesh capital on Dhaka University campus, July 15, 2024. [Rehman Asad/AFP] Angered by Hasinas comments, hundreds of private university students on Monday joined the protests. In Dhaka, students from Dhaka University, Jagannath University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) were part of the protests. Elsewhere, students from Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Islamic University and Kusthia protested around the country. Among the injured, about 250 were from Dhaka University alone, and they were victims of attacks by students from the Bangladesh Student League, which is affiliated with the Awami League, alleged Asif Mahmud, a coordinator with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, a quota reform group. He further alleged that BSL students entered the emergency department of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital armed with batons and threatened the injured students who had been taken there for treatment. The hospital, the countrys largest, had to suspend emergency services as panic spread among doctors, nurses and patients, Brig. Gen. Md. Asaduzzaman, director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, told BenarNews. To control the situation, we have deployed more nurses and doctors in the emergency department, he said. Anti- and pro-quota protesters clash on Dhaka University campus in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on July 15, 2024. [Rehman Asad/AFP] Nahid Islam, another coordinator of the quota reform movement, urged Hasina to apologize to the students for her comments and added that they would continue their protests. The movement should go on [to become] a larger mass movement. People from all walks of society participate in student marches and gatherings, he said at a news conference. However, BSL, the Awami Leagues student body, and Awami League representatives took a more threatening tone. BSL President Mazharul Kabir Shayan claimed many from his organization were injured in clashes in the Dhaka University area. They have incited our leaders and activists. We gave a very mild response. Today we [merely] kicked them out of the campus in five minutes, he told reporters. One Awami League official, General Secretary Obaidul Quader said he did not expect Dhaka university students to audaciously ask Hasina to withdraw her remarks. The BSL is ready to respond to the statements made by some anti-quota leaders, Quader said. The president of BSL, Saddam Hossain, told reporters that it is clear that the protesters are crossing their limits. BSL knows how to deal with those who cross the line politically, he said. Policemen escort a colleague to safety after he was struck by a brick during a clash between pro-and anti-quota protesters, Dhaka, July 15, 2024. [BenarNews] The countrys main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party condemned what it said were attacks on students protesting the quota. The scene witnessed by the countrymen of suppressing the legitimate demands of the students in a bloody manner to stay in power will go down in history as another violent chapter of the Awami League, said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP secretary general, in a statement. The Awami League is now celebrating after shedding the blood of the students. Meanwhile, more than 300 police personnel were deployed late Monday in the Dhaka University area. Biplab Kumar Sarkar, Dhaka Metropolitan Police joint commissioner (Operations), told reporters that police would follow the directions given by university officials. We will do whatever the university administration instructs us, he said. Dhaka Metropolitan Police has come here to assist the university administration. The Malaysian Airlines jet was shot down by a Russian-made missile over Ukraine in 2014. A relative of a Malaysia Airlines flight 17 passenger who was killed when it was shot down over Ukraine in 2014 holds a flower after offering prayers during a ceremony at the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur marking the fifth anniversary of the crash, July 17, 2019. Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahim, a brother of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 co-pilot Muhamad Firdaus, said he is embittered that a decade after Russian-backed separatists shot down the passenger jet, the families of the nearly 300 victims are still fighting for justice. He wants the three men a Dutch court held responsible for the tragedy caught and thrown in jail for life as the sentence against them dictates, he told BenarNews just days before Wednesdays 10th anniversary of the attack. Ten years have passed and the MH17 tragedy still lingers in our hearts as we continue to await justice for the victims. Our family wants those responsible for the tragedy to be punished for their actions, Muhammad Faizal told BenarNews using an acronym for the flight. What frustrates us the most is that the perpetrators are still free. We hope they are found and face appropriate punishment for what they did. On July 17, 2014, the Boeing 777 departed from Amsterdam and was flying to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by a Russian-made Buk missile fired from territory in Ukraines Donetsk region controlled by separatist rebels, according to a Dutch inquiry in 2015. The attack killed 298 people on board, including 198 Dutch nationals, 43 Malaysians, 38 Australians, and 10 from the United Kingdom. In 2022, a Dutch court convicted three men Russians Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy, and Ukrainian separatist Leonid Kharchenko on murder charges. All three remain at large. Another man, Russian Oleg Pulatov, was acquitted. Last year, Dutch prosecutors said there are strong indications that Russian President Vladimir Putin supplied a Buk missile system to Ukrainian separatists, the weapon that downed MH17. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the 2014 attack that occurred years before Russias Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. Russia did not cooperate with the investigation, and many legal requests to the Russian Federation went unanswered, Brechtje van de Moosdijk, a spokeswoman for the Netherlands Public Prosecutors Office, told BenarNews in an email. Moosdijk said there are two legal avenues being pursued by the Netherlands and Australia one by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and another by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that are aimed at holding Russia accountable. Still, Russia withdrew from the ICAO proceedings last month. In Malaysia on Monday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke reaffirmed his nations commitment to pursuing international legal actions. We will continue to take legal steps, which are currently in progress, Loke told BenarNews during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is involved alongside other nations pursuing international legal actions regarding MH17, he said without elaborating. Unlike the Netherlands and Australia, Loke did not explicitly name Russia, echoing his stance in 2018 when he served as transport minister during Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamads administration. A year later, Mahathir backed Russias objections to the MH17 probe, calling the Dutch-led investigation biased from the beginning. Wreckage of the MH17 aircraft is seen in the town of Shaktarsk, Ukraine, on the day after it crashed, killing all 298 people aboard, July 18, 2014. [Dominique Faget/AFP] Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia Program Chatham House, a United Kingdom think tank, said Malaysia is walking a tightrope with the Kremlin. Malaysia is taking a cautious line with Putin because they dont want to antagonize them. The international probe was clear Russian personnel and weapons caused the tragedy, Lutsevych told BenarNews. Neutral Even now, Malaysia has been neutral in most of its diplomatic relations, mainly for economic purposes, analysts said. Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow from the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said Malaysia is better served by pursuing substantive economic interests rather than getting caught up in geopolitical issues. Generally, in the conduct of international affairs, pursuit of justice is often very pragmatically tempered with economic interests, more so in the case of developing countries where the scale is often tipped more in favor of the latter, Oh told BenarNews. Unlike the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, where there is a religious-kinship-camaraderie dimension, Malaysia does not seem to take a keen interest in the conflict in the Russian-Ukrainian issue. Meanwhile, Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, said Malaysia had felt like an outcast during the formation of the Joint Investigative Team (JIT), which has included authorities from Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ukraine and eventually Malaysia. At that time, Malaysia was seen as too close or too lenient towards Russia and its proxy. When the JIT team released the report linking the rebels in Ukraine to Russia. Mahathir, at that time, did not agree with the report even though we were part of it. In Malaysias eyes, MH17 has been used as a geopolitical tool ... and Malaysia was not satisfied, he told BenarNews. Global demands Victims families around the globe are demanding that political leaders take a stronger stance in regard to the aircraft tragedy. Piet Ploeg, chairman of the MH17 Disaster Foundation, which represents victims families, said theres a need for international pressure on Russia to cooperate. All information about the crew of the Buk system and other responsible persons has to come from Russia, and Russia is not cooperating at all, Ploeg told BenarNews. Malaysian soldiers carry a coffin with the remains of a victim of the MH17 crash during a ceremony at the Bunga Raya complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Aug. 22, 2014. [Manan Vatsyayana/AFP] If sanctions are helpful, [affected] countries should consider this, said Ploeg, who lost his brother, sister-in-law and nephew in the attack. Last week, Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus reaffirmed his nations commitment to the pursuit of justice for the attack victims. We remember the victims. Australia remembers them. The international community remembers them. Together, we will honor their memory and continue to seek justice for their loss, Dreyfus said in a July 4 statement. Back in Malaysia, the country has spent more than 27 million ringgit (U.S. $5.78 million) to fund the MH17 trial, Loke told Parliament in March 2023. Eight months later in November, he said compensation had been settled with the families of the 43 Malaysian victims, but the amount remains confidential between Malaysia Airlines and the families. Darlina Kwan, the youngest sister of MH17 flight attendant Dora Shahila Kassim, said her family chose not to attend the 10th-anniversary commemoration in Amsterdam, opting instead for a quiet remembrance at home because of her mothers health. She called on the government to maintain financial and emotional support for the survivors. I just hope that our government and Malaysia Airlines will check on everyone, the next of kin of MH17, to see how we are doing and support us, Darlina told BenarNews. Former House of Representatives member Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro raise clenched fists during a protest in Manila, July 15, 2024. The protest happened after a court convicted the two left-leaning politicians and several others for violating child protection laws. A Philippine court on Monday convicted two left-leaning politicians and several others of violating child protection laws when they removed indigenous youth from a school caught in the crossfire between pro-government militias and communist rebels. The court in the southern province of Davao Del Norte sentenced House of Representatives member France Castro, former lawmaker Satur Ocampo and 11 other people to prison terms of up to six years. Castro and Ocampo, who are free on appeal, said the convictions were unacceptable and unjust. The case highlights the continuing vulnerability of indigenous Lumad peoples in the countrys southern Mindanao region, which has been beset for decades by conflicts between the state and armed groups including Muslim separatists, communists and criminal gangs. Activists, meanwhile, said the ruling shows how courts in the Philippines have been weaponized against human rights defenders. Castro, Ocampo and their co-defendants were accused of removing indigenous youth aged 14-17 years from a school without parental consent during a November 2018 aid convoy in Mindanao. Judge Jimmy Boco of the Tagum City Regional Trial Court said the prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed acts detrimental to the safety and well-being of Lumad minors in Talaingod town of Davao Del Norte province. Aside from prison sentences, he ordered the defendants to pay 20,000 pesos (U.S. $341) in moral and civil damages to each of the victims. Castro and Ocampo had characterized their actions as a rescue mission of endangered indigenous children. They argued they were responding to calls from the Lumad community who were allegedly threatened and harassed by military and paramilitary forces over alleged ties to communist rebels. This wrongful conviction speaks of the continuing persecution of those who are helping and advocating for the rights of Lumad children and the persistent attacks on Lumad schools and communities, Castro and Ocampo said in a statement. Lumad is an umbrella term for several indigenous peoples in Mindanao who are predominantly non-Christian and non-Muslim. The mainly Catholic Philippines has a sizable Muslim minority centered on southern regions such as Mindanao. Philippine authorities have accused some left-leaning politicians and groups of fronting for communist rebels and using schools to radicalize Lumad children. Castro and Ocampo belong to the left-leaning Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives. The court ruling came a week after Makabayan announced it would field 12 candidates in the 2025 senatorial elections. Mixed reactions National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano hailed the court decision. It doesn't matter if you are prominent in society, the law is the law and one has to be accountable for one's actions, he said in a statement. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict described Mondays ruling as justice served in a landmark case. Ocampo and Castro were given their day in court, said Ernesto Torres Jr., the task forces executive director. They were assisted by a battalion of lawyers and their case was found wanting. They should accept the courts decision because we are a nation of laws, he said. A group of Southeast Asian parliamentarians, however, assailed the ruling. It is an absurd decision that has no basis in reality, said Mercy Ch. Barends, chairwoman of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights. We stand in solidarity with Rep. France Castro and her fellow human rights defenders and we further call on the higher courts to recognize the ridiculousness of this case and duly overturn this preposterous conviction, Barends said in a statement. Philippine rights group Karapatan said the verdict shows courts are increasingly weaponized against human rights defenders. We denounce this court ruling, as the double standard in our justice system remains so stark, Cristina Palabay, Karapatans secretary-general, told BenarNews on Monday. The moneyed and powerful are acquitted while those who advocate for the rights of the Lumad and other vulnerable sectors of society are repeatedly violated, she said. Castro and Ocampo also called for an end to attacks on Lumad communities, which they claimed intensified during the administration of former leader Rodrigo Duterte and have continued to persist under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. When he became president in 2016, Duterte engaged the communist rebels in peace talks and even appointed some left-leaning personalities to his cabinet. That gesture however was short-lived, and the negotiations aimed at ending one of Asias longest-running insurgencies came to a halt in 2017 after both sides accused each other of continuing with the violence. Jojo Rinoza and Gerard Carreon from Manila and Jeoffrey Maitem from Davao City, southern Philippines contributed to this report. 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. BENNINGTON Kerry Raheb, 56, one side of an ongoing, un-neighborly drama played out over several months between adjourning residences along a private dirt road in Bennington, has agreed to a plea deal, possibly resulting in no jail time. The long-standing dispute along Blue Stone Road between Raheb and Peter Geannelis, a well-known former veterinarian, involved, at times, guns being fired, threats, intimidation, assault on a police officer, dueling stalking orders, order violations, disorderly conduct and fighting between both men, their spouses, and several neighbors in this mostly quiet dirt road. Details of the plea deal have not yet been made public. Sources told the Banner that Raheb will likely not receive any jail time in exchange for guilty pleas to charges spread over four separate criminal dockets between July 2022 and late September 2023. Raheb was arraigned on a single count of False Swearing Tuesday. The charge stemmed from Raheb allegedly making a false statement on a legal document provided to the Bennington court related to his finances. Raheb allegedly stated on his public defender application that he had no other assets besides a self-employment income of $30,000. Authorities in Massachusetts alerted Vermont prosecutors that Raheb was the sole owner of the Indica Cannabis Store in Adams, Massachusetts. Raheb also failed to notify the court on his application that the licensing for the store he owns is transferable and has a monetary value. The new charge is reportedly part of the plea deal. Peter Geannelis, 65, the other side in the long-standing dispute on Bluestone Road, pleaded guilty in June to an amended charge of aggravated disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, for a September 2023 incident involving himself and Raheb. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed a more serious felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which carried a possible five-year prison sentence. Prosecutors also dismissed a charge of resisting arrest, which had a possible 1-year sentence if found guilty. The deal allowed Geannelis to avoid any jail time. Geannelis was sentenced to a six-month deferred sentence for the aggravated disorderly and fighting charge. Deferred sentences in Vermont allow a defendants conviction to be erased if they do not violate any conditions of their probation. If conditions are violated, the original sentence can be imposed without trial. Conditions for Geannelis include standard conditions plus no driving within 24 hours of consuming alcohol and 50 hours of community service. Raheb is currently facing 15 separate charges over four dockets. Charges include several felonies an aggravated stalking violation with a court order, attempted aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, eluding law enforcement, impeding a public officer, obstruction of justice, and false swearing. Misdemeanors include stalking, gross negligence while operating a vehicle, aggravated disorderly conduct, disorderly conduct, violating conditions of release, violation of an abuse prevention order, reckless endangerment, and vehicle operation with excessive speed. Raheb faces a combined 46-plus years behind bars if he is convicted on all charges. The Bennington court has scheduled an October change of plea hearing for Raheb covering all four cases. Erica Marthage, Benningtons States Attorney, has been leading the negotiations in the Raheb criminal matters with Rahebs defense attorneys. The Banner reached out to Marthage for comment, clarity, and details on Rahebs plea deal. Those efforts were unsuccessful as of press time. Kerry Raheb unsuccessfully ran for the open Vermont seat for the U.S. Senate in 2022 after Patrick Leahy retired. In September 2022, Raheb was charged with violating a protective order. Raheb requested a stalking order against the victim in that case. Raheb also had a stalking order against Geannelis. Geannelis, in turn, had a stalking order against Raheb. Since his arrest in August 2022, Raheb has sued the former officer in the case, Amanda Knox; States Attorney Erica Marthage; and a trial judge in Bennington, Kerry Ann McDonald-Cady. All suits were filed in small claims court for $5,000 each, the maximum allowed in the state. In September 2023, Raheb was involved in an incident with the Bennington Police Department. Officers, acting on an active arrest warrant, attempted to take Raheb into custody on Route 9 in Bennington. According to a police affidavit, Police stopped Rahebs car and asked that he step out of the vehicle. Raheb refused. When the officer reached in to remove him, Raheb allegedly put the vehicle in drive and sped off, with the vehicles door narrowly missing the officer. On June 6, 2022, Bennington Judge Cortland Corsones issued a temporary order against stalking, listing Peter Geannelis as the plaintiff. Raheb was ordered to stay away from Geannelis and not contact or harass him. Raheb refused to sign the order. At the same time, Judge Corsones issued a temporary order against stalking, listing Monique Geannelis, Peter Geanneliss wife, as the plaintiff. Again, Raheb refused to sign. Both orders still took effect. On September 8th, 2023, Bennington Police responded to a call of shots fired on Blue Stone Road. Geannelis allegedly admitted to shooting his gun off intentionally to harass Raheb. Geannelis showed Police a video of Raheb yelling at him. Raheb accused Geannelis of trespassing on his land and using profanity. Raheb also reportedly made many social media posts about Peter Geannelis and Monique Geannelis during the time the stalking order was in force. The Banner will update this breaking story as more information becomes available. BRATTLEBORO Just a few weeks from the 80th anniversary of when Richard Hamilton was shot down in the skies of Germany during World War II and had to make a daring jump from his plane, the Marlboro resident was honored by becoming an honorary paratrooper. Hamilton, 101, became an honorary paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during a dinner at the American Legion in Brattleboro in June. I just can't believe it, I'm overwhelmed, he said. Hamilton was born in Brattleboro in 1922. He lived in a multigenerational household on a farm, which would not get electricity until the mid 1940s and is still in use today, and graduated from Academy School and Brattleboro High School. Hamilton was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps in 1942 and participated in a year-long training to be part of a B-17 crew as a radio operator. On July 20, 1944, Hamilton and his team took off from Bassingbourn, England, during the crews ninth mission over Germany to strike Leipzigs industrial plants. It started out as an ordinary day. We were going to have an escort group that joined us and we were told about it. The tail gunner said We can see them, they're coming in, they're making the turn, said Hamilton. Instead of it being the escort crew, it was a group of enemy fighter planes. They were all in formation, they just swept over our group and that was it. The right wing was shot off, and we began going into a spin. Four crew members were killed in action and the remaining five bailed out of the burning plane into enemy territory. After being captured, Hamilton spent 10 months in a German prison camp. He and the prison camp members were forced to march for 77 days in the winter with little protective clothing, hygiene, food or water. I realized the minute I got on the ground that I had lost my freedom, said Hamilton. We don't realize how valuable and precious our freedom is, until freedom is denied. Greg dArdonne, representing the 101st Airborne Association, and the Association of the United States Army, read the honors in a full room at the American Legion. For his 101st birthday, his family asked if he can become an honorary member of the 101st Airborne Division, said dArdonne When we heard this story, we said, well, he made a combat jump in World War II. We are honored to make him an honorary member of the 101st Airborne Association. dArdonne said this honor does not happen often. He added that the national president has signed the document to make Hamilton an honorary member as well as the New England chapter president. This is the generation that saved the world, said dArdonne. We're honored that we can do this today." During the ceremony Hamilton was pinned with his own jump wings as well as a challenge coin and certificate of membership. After getting the jump wings, Hamilton joked that he feels inspired to jump again, but he said while the mind is willing, the body is another matter. So he will stay on the ground for now. The heat has been hanging around lately, the air feels heavy, and, as unusual as it is for me, some days I havent had much motivation to think about what to make for dinner. While theres always the possibility of going out to eat or ordering in, that quickly becomes tiresome and quite expensive, too! Through extensive travels in Italy including a semester in Rome during college and the many Italian cookbooks I own and the many more I have borrowed from the library and read, I have learned that canned tuna is very much a thing in Italy. Traditionally, the big meal has been lunch (although that is changing), with an easy, light dinner later in the day. A common option for dinner in the summer might be a salad of green beans and potatoes with some canned tuna for protein. Generally speaking, however, the canned tuna in Italy is much better than our American brands, mostly because its usually packed in olive oil. But even if you cant find Italian tuna, or you just happen to have a stack of regular cans of tuna in the cupboard because they were on sale, you can drain it and add olive oil to make it more Italian. Canned tuna, along with a can of tomatoes, is also popular for making a quick pantry pasta, which is great on a hot day (or even in the middle of the winter when youve had a crazy busy day and its so cold out you just want to find something in the pantry for dinner). I realize cooking pasta sounds like a steamy endeavor, but when the temperature rises, I make sure to pick pasta with a short cooking time, like thin spaghetti, which for most brands takes 5-7 minutes. (I wouldnt use angel hair here because it goes from al dente to mushy in about a second!) The sauce can come together in the time it takes to cook the pasta. Im often extra lazy here when I cut a clove or two of garlic in half, allow it to flavor the oil, and then remove it before serving, just to save me the task of cleaning out the garlic press or scrubbing the cutting board. Although this preparation would always use dried pasta (and Italians have strong feelings about what shape goes with what sauce), on a really hot day, you could shorten the pasta cooking time even more by using store-bought fresh pasta. I promise I wont tell anyone! (I also wont tell anyone if you decide to serve this with grated cheese, although Italians would never do that.) I love this dish just as written, or you can elevate it a bit with the addition of capers and olives. Either way, the ingredients for this dish are easily kept on hand in the pantry, so you can always have something quick and easy to make for dinner! PASTA WITH TUNA AND TOMATO Serves 2, can be doubled INGREDIENTS 8 ounces pasta, preferably dried, thin strand for faster cooking One 4- to 5-ounce can or jar tuna 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus more as needed 1-2 garlic cloves, halved 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Pinch fresh ground pepper Pinch red pepper flakes, optional Capers or chopped olives, optional One 14-ounce can tomatoes, whole, crushed, or puree DIRECTIONS Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and toss in the pasta. As the water is coming to a boil, or even once youve tossed the pasta in, make the sauce. (If using fresh pasta, which cooks in 2-3 minutes, start the sauce before you add the pasta to the water.) If the tuna is imported and packed in olive oil, empty all into a medium saute pan and add a tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan well. If using tuna packed in water or vegetable oil, drain well, empty into medium saute pan, and add 2-3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the halved garlic cut side down, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, capers or olives if using, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After a couple minutes, add the tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, take care when crushing either by hand or with a spoon as they tend to squirt. Warm through. Remove the halved garlic cloves and discard. When pasta is al dente according to taste or package instructions, move the pot right next to the saute pan with the sauce. Remove the pasta directly from the water into the sauce, using tongs for a strand or a spider or strainer for a shape. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water. Combine the pasta and sauce, adding pasta water, a little at a time, if it seems too thick. At my CSA, it's the time of year where I have to make hard decisions choosing between kale and Swiss chard. It doesn't seem like a hard decision, but it is. I'm standing there, making a split-second decision about what I'm going to make later in the week with whatever I choose in that moment. Sometimes, I choose kale because I want to saute it with garlic scapes and scallions and top it with an egg. Sometimes I know I'm making a stir fry, so it can go either way. Most recently, I grabbed the rainbow Swiss chard, not because I had any plans for it, but because its emerald green leaves looked so luscious and tender. I had no idea what I was going to do with the bunch as I packed it into my tote bag. I was sure I would think of something other than throwing it in a stir fry. A few days later, I decided to peruse the internet in hopes of finding a recipe or two to add to my culinary repertoire. My search turned up quite a few options, as well as some much welcomed insight into the vegetable. A FEW CHARD FACTS Chard is believe it or not not Swiss in origin. In fact, it's native to the Mediterranean, where it's been cultivated since ancient times. According to foodprint.com's Real Food Encyclopedia, Aristotle gave a shout out to "red-stalked chard" in 350 BCE. Where did the Swiss come from? I still have no idea, but it appears even the chard part of its name is a misnomer. This veggie's name implies it's from the thistle family (Asteraceae), which includes artichoke, chicory, lettuce and endive. But, chard is part of the goosefoot family (a subfamily of Amaranthaceae), which includes beets and spinach. This accounts for its names in other parts of the world: silverbeet, leaf beet, seakale beet and spinach beet. And, can we say healthy? This leafy green is packed with vitamin K and vitamin A, so I can feel great when I add it to recipes. RECIPES ABOUND I anticipated finding a recipe or two when I went online. I ended up with a bounty of options: Swiss chard pesto with almonds; Swiss chard slab pie; quinoa salad with Swiss chard; potato and Swiss chard gratin; one-pot chicken and rice with Swiss chard; Swiss chard lasagna; rolled stuffed salmon; Swiss chard farinata ... The choices were endless. I settled on two recipes: a Swiss chard tzatziki, a creamy yogurt-based dip, and a rainbow chard quiche made with phyllo dough. Unfortunately, the extreme heat kept me from turning on the oven, so we have yet to indulge in the quiche. The weather, however, was perfect to enjoy the tzatziki, which subs in blanched Swiss chard leaves for the traditional cucumber used in tzatziki. The key is to make sure you drain the leaves well, squeezing out any extra water. I was excited to try this new version of tzatziki and was not disappointed. It was rich and creamy with a zesty punch from the cayenne pepper. It's texture was similar to a spinach dip. It did not last long. SWISS CHARD TZATZIKI (Recipe from marthastewart.com) Servings: 4 Yield: About 1 1/4 cups INGREDIENTS 1 cup green or red Swiss chard, stemmed and finely chopped 1 garlic clove 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt) 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 whole-wheat pitas, cut into wedges and toasted DIRECTIONS Prepare an ice bath; set aside. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add chard; cook until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain. Immediately plunge into ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain. Using a mortar and pestle, grind garlic and salt into a paste. Stir chard, yogurt, garlic paste, oil, lemon juice and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Serve with pita wedges. The Pittsfield School Committee voted to approve the hiring of a new special education director on Wednesday night, solidifying a key position just days ahead of the first day of school. Jane Kaufman is Community Voices Editor at The Berkshire Eagle. She can be reached at jkaufman@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6125. Proverbs 21:1 says that In the Lords hand the kings heart is a stream of water, but He also gives us free will. Books like Deuteronomy, Kings and Chronicles present rulers of Israel and Judah, and the choices they made. God uses this history to reveal His high standard for kings actually anyone in leadership and how it effects those around us. The command for rulers to be closely aligned with Him When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). The call for rulers to obey Him so others might be blessed Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook (2 Kings 18:5-7). 5. Through Love Stories and Poems Song of Songs 8:7 says that Many waters cannot quench love. And Psalm 36 calls Gods love priceless. The descriptions of romance and love in these books reflect the passion the Lord feels for us. He reveals a longing to have relationship with us, and how far He will go to capture our hearts. He shows an immeasurable love for us But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine (Song of Songs 6:3). He commits to walking with us through every circumstance You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way (Psalm 18:35-36). He delights in providing us with good gifts I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it (Psalm 81:10). Photo credit: Getty Images/Liudmila Chernetska In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10). Folliott Pierpoint was an educator in the area of Bath, England. He published poems and contributed hymns to the publication The Churchmans Companion. This piece came to him while enjoying the view of the Avon River. Cheerful thoughts about that day grew into gratitude to God for the blessings He gives - whether through the world around us, our loved ones, or our personal relationship with Him. For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, friends on earth and friends above, for a gentle thoughts and mild Christ our Lord to you we raise this our hymn of grateful praise Click here to listen. 8. How Great Thou Art Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place (1 Chronicles 16:27). Carl Boberg, besides serving in the Swedish Parliament, was a writer who published collections of both poetry and hymns. On a walk one day, Boberg saw a storm quickly come up and felt inspired by the calm he saw outside afterward. He wanted to share the joy he felt at seeing this display of Gods greatness - and gratitude that the Lord uses it for our good. And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: My God, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Click here to listen. Photo credit: Getty Images/Oleh_Slobodeniuk BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia China-Pakistan green cooperation gains pace, a viable model of sustainable development: expert 13:26, July 16, 2024 By Ma Tong ( Global Times Chinese and Pakistani engineers celebrate the starting of first unit wet testing of Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, June 16, 2024. The first unit of the China-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan was started up and formally entered the wet testing phase on Sunday. (Photo: Xinhua) Pakistan and China are deepening cooperation in emerging green sectors through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute told the Global Times in a recent exclusive interview. Sayed viewed the green CPEC project as a global model of people-centered, win-win cooperation that significantly advances new energy transition and sustainable economic development. The comments came ahead of the 8th China-South Asia Expo, which is scheduled to take place in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 23-28. During the Expo, green energy will stand out as a crucial sector where the two regions aim to enhance extensive and diversified business cooperation, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Sayed highlighted accelerating Chinese industry relocation and technology transfer to Pakistan to enhance bilateral cooperation across green sectors. "This process will fuel local economic development and energy transition while allowing Chinese firms to benefit from Pakistan's lower production costs, facilitating China's green engagements with Central Asia and the Middle East," he said. CPEC, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is now upgrading into a green economic corridor. Sayed noted that the initiative has significantly benefited Pakistan by addressing its energy crunch, improving intra-country and cross-regional connectivity, developing local infrastructure, and revitalizing ports for enhanced commerce. Pakistan is committed to developing renewable energy projects and investing in eco-friendly initiatives within the green CPEC by absorbing and utilizing Chinese advanced expertise and technologies, Sayed said, acknowledging the necessity of securing financial support from China. "Drawing investments from Panda Bonds, which are yuan-denominated debts issued by foreign entities in China, along with green bonds issued by Chinese banks, will contribute to funding green projects and fostering sustainable development in Pakistan," Sayed said. Since its establishment in 2013, CPEC has cumulatively created 236,000 jobs for Pakistan and contributed to the addition of 510 kilometers of highways, 8,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity, and 886 kilometers of expressway network across the country, according to official data. Various energy projects under CPEC, such as wind energy and hydroelectric projects in northern Pakistan, are the country's notable efforts toward diversifying the energy matrix. Chinese investments can help Pakistan reduce dependence on imported fuels while supporting its vision of reaching 30 percent of green energy capacity in the power mix by 2030, according to Sayed. In June, the first unit of the China-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan entered its wet testing phase, marking a major step towards official operation and power generation, furthering the progress of renewable energy cooperation under the CPEC, Xinhua News Agency reported. Looking forward, Sayed said that more joint ventures are expected, focusing on localizing solar panel cells manufacturing in Pakistan. "Our way is to facilitate low-carbon investment from China into Pakistan, establish clear green investment criteria for Chinese investors, as well as ensure projects' financial viability, security, and profitability," he said, adding that Pakistan is eager to cooperate with and learn from China. Pakistan-China cooperation exemplifies people-centric cooperation between countries, Sayed said. "China has been prioritizing ecological and environmental protection as integral to human development, focusing more on improving people's living standards, which Pakistan views as a model for its modernization," he added. In late May, China and Pakistan announced five new corridors for the second phase of CPEC construction, including the Innovation and Green Corridors, according to Pakistan media reports. Pakistani officials have vowed to attract more Chinese investment for joint ventures in renewable energy and modern agriculture projects. Unlike Western models, China's economic growth is based on shared prosperity, extending mutual benefits to its partners, he said, highlighting this model's crucial role in reshaping the global landscape, while some Western countries' new Cold War mentality is overshadowing world peace and the rise of the Global South. He criticized these countries' ongoing smear campaign against China as part of their containment strategy to hinder China's rise. They are also trying to create controversy around the BRI cooperation by labeling China's investments as placing debt traps. However, these attempts will fail, Sayed said. The Global South is looking to China for leadership, as the future of the world economy is shifting toward the East, while the Western powers will seek confrontation to uphold their hegemony, he noted, urging the West to engage constructively with China in all potential areas, avoiding over-politicizing economic and trade issues. Sayed is optimistic about China's growth prospects, noting despite external challenges, the Chinese economy remains resilient amid efforts for high-quality development. China's new development pattern of "dual circulation" will transform its economy into one driven by both domestic and international demand, promising a sustainable path of development, he said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Beverly Hills 90210 star Jennie Garth has shared her tremendous grief for her late co-star Shannen Doherty, describing her as one of the strongest people I have ever known. The actress, best known for playing Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills 90210 and Prue Halliwell in Charmed, died on Saturday July 13th, aged 53. Advertisement Doherty shot to fame in the hit 1990s teenage drama alongside co-star Jason Priestley, who played her twin Brandon Walsh, as the pair moved to Beverly Hills from middle America. The star, who also played Heather Duke in the cult 1988 film, Heathers, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and it had later gone into remission, but in 2020 she announced that it had returned the previous year. In a tribute posted to Instagram, Garth said: I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long-time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Advertisement Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration. She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honour her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie (her dog) and all the people who loved her. Advertisement Shannen Doherty died on Saturday (Andrea Carugati/PA) Priestley also paid tribute to Doherty saying he was shocked and saddened at her death. He posted on Instagram: Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time. Advertisement Fellow Charmed actor, Rose McGowan, said she had become friends with Doherty later in life, having replaced her in the supernatural series. She said in a post on Twitter: Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion. Passion for craft is often mislabelled as trouble. Shannen was passion. I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live. Shannen knew how to be a star because she was one since childhood. Her work ethic inspiring to the end. Shannens great love for directing, for acting, Holly, her friends, her parents, dog and her beloved fans was legendary. Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts. May angels and God carry her to the holy kingdom where she is healthy, young and wild forever. Rest now warrior, we will never forget you dear sister. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan) Alyssa Milano, who had a feud with Doherty over the pairs complicated relationship on the set of Charmed, also paid tribute in a statement issued to Variety. She said: Its no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of. She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her. Brian Green, who played David Silver in Beverly Hills 90210, said he was heartbroken by the news of Dohertys death. Green said in a post on Instagram: Shan, my sister, you loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. Ill miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you. I cannot stop crying, Im so heartbroken. I cant believe it, I know Shannen was back on chemo, but this is shocking. Now she is reunited with her daddy and Luke. Another Beverly Hills 90210 co-star, Tori Spelling, posted an Instagram story with a caption which read: I dont have outward words yet, but we knew and thats what matters. Fifteen people have appeared in court charged with a range of public order offences following clashes with Gardai in Coolock. Thirteen men and two women appeared before a late night sitting at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday. Advertisement It comes after a major disturbance erupted at a site designated to house asylum seekers in north Dublin. A large-scale security operation continued throughout the day and evening after Gardai clashed with protesters at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock. The 15 people were charged with a range of offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. Among those charged was Philip Dwyer (56), of Tallaght Cross, West Tallaght, Dublin 24, who unsuccessfully ran in the recent European and local elections. Advertisement His solicitor told the court that Mr Dwyer is a citizen journalist as a hobby and often reports on gatherings. Judge Dermot Dempsey replied: He can live with consequences now. If he breaches the bail conditions, the bail could be revoked, and he could face custody. Anthony Moody (34), of Clonshaugh Walk, Dublin 17, was among the first to appear in court. The court in Dublin was told that after caution, he made no reply. Advertisement As part of his bail conditions, he has to sign on at Coolock Garda station and stay away from the former Crown Paints site in Malahide Road. He was also ordered not to wear a balaclava in public. Asked if he will abide by the conditions, he told the court yep. Also appearing in court was Mia Johanna Kearney (28), of no fixed abode, who works as a part-time hairdresser. Also charged was Dean Ward (29), of Cromcastle Crescent, Coolock; Colin Belton (28), of Belcamp Avenue, Priorswood, Dublin 17; Christopher Byrne (27), of Marigold Crescent in Darndale; John Turner (40), of Ferrycarrig Place Coolock; Josh Hanlon (23), of Marigold Crescent in Darndale; Patrick Scanlon (38), also of Marigold Crescent. Advertisement Also appearing were Andrew Vickery (30), of Moatview Avenue in Darndale; Stephen Burke (28), of Bunratty Road in Coolock; Joyce Bergin (42), of Cromcastle Park, Kilmore; Owen Burke (51), of Newtown Drive, Ayrfield Estate; Martin Maughan (18), of Chanel Grove in Coolock; and Paul Metcalfe (18), of Botanic Road. All defendants were charged under section 6 under Public Order Offence, namely engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on July 15th. All defendants, except Mia Johanna Kearney, were also charged under section 8, in failing to comply with garda directions on the same date. Ms Kearney was also charged with a dangerous driving offence on July 15th. Advertisement They were granted bail on their own bond of 300. All defendants were released on bail and subject to the same bail conditions, including that they must stay away from the former Crown Paints site, and not to engage in any antisocial behaviour or protests. Judge Dempsey warned the defendants that if they breach any of the conditions, their bail will be revoked. Gardai have arrested 63 people as part of an operation with Interpol across 21 countries around the world. 17 people have been charged, while two cars have been seized, as well as 49,000 worth of goods believed to have been bought with stolen or laundered money. Advertisement 17 bank accounts have been blocked under suspicion of being opened under false names. 37 searches were carried out, with 11 phones seized. 81,133 and $260,953 in cryptocurrency were also seized. Gardai from Dublin, Kerry, Laois, Tipperary, and Galway were involved. The former chief executive of Custom House Capital (CHC), jailed for his role in a sophisticated 61 million conspiracy to defraud investors in the firm over a decade ago, has appealed his prison term, arguing it was wrong for a judge to pluck a headline sentence of 14 years out of the air. Harry Cassidy (68), of Clon Brugh, Aitkens Village, Stepaside, Dublin pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to defraud investors in, and clients and customers of, CHC by intentionally misleading them as to where and/or how their assets had been placed contrary to common law. Advertisement All of the offences occurred within the State on dates between October 1st, 2008 and July 15th, 2011. Victim Impact Statements A total of 197 victim impact statements were submitted at the sentence hearing, where CHC clients spoke of the financial losses they had suffered and of the emotional and psychological effects they and their loved ones had faced over the last 10 years. Some statements also outlined the devastating impact of the loss of savings and investments intended to provide a pension. The nephew of one German victim told the court that his aunt's life work was effectively stolen by Cassidy, who he said did more damage to her life than the Second World War. Advertisement Judge Orla Crowe began with a headline term of 14 years when Cassidy was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Court last May but reduced this to seven years, after taking mitigation into consideration. Cassidy was also given credit for the two months he spent in custody in Germany, giving him an effective sentence of six years and 10 months. Judge Crowe said victims were systematically deceived in a sophisticated operation which was carried out for over two years by people who owed them fiduciary duties. She said the offending was most egregious and involved a gross abuse of trust and duty. She said the fact that the fraud involved pension money was a particularly aggravating factor. Advertisement Financial crash The court previously heard that CHC had entered agreements to buy properties in mainland Europe at the time of the financial crash. In 2008, CHC began to use client funds to meet these obligations, often without the knowledge or authorisation of clients. CHC's liquidator Kieran Wallace said 61 million in client funds were found to have been misappropriated. 41 million (64 per cent) of this amount has been recovered, with clients receiving 39 million so far as of March 2023. A total of 253.4 million across over 3,000 accounts was held by the company on the date of liquidation. Advertisement At the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Hugh Hartnett SC, for Cassidy, said a decision had been made at the time to borrow from Peter to pay Paul in the hope that things would come right eventually. He said this should be distinguished from other cases where money was embezzled solely for personal gain or to fund a certain lifestyle. There is a moral difference, he said. The court failed to take that into consideration significantly when passing sentence. He suggested the headline sentence was wrong and should not have been set at 14 years, arguing that anything more than 10 years was incorrect. Advertisement Counsel for the State asserted there was no error in sentencing and said the discount of almost 50% to the original headline sentence given by the judge was extraordinarily generous in the circumstances. The damage that was wrought by the scheme put in place by Harry Cassidy is something that has not been seen by this country before, said counsel for the DPP Lorcan Staines SC, noting that a total of 202 victims came forward to give statements in the case, a number of whom were present in court for the appeal hearing today. Mr Hartnett told the three-judge appeal panel it was wrong for a court to merely pluck a figure of 14 years as a headline sentence out of the air. One cannot have an arbitrary decision without any principle behind it, he said. There must be a reference to clear principles, for instance a reference to comparator cases or to legislation. There must be some form of grounding, some sort of plinth for this and there wasnt. He suggested the judge erred in imposing a sentence which was disproportionate having regard to similar sentences imposed including those imposed on the appellants co-accused. Mr Hartnett submitted that the sentence was excessive, disproportionate, overly punitive and oppressive in all the circumstances. Mr Staines said the maximum sentence for these offences was one of life in prison. He said the trial judge had to select a point on the scale from zero to life in prison and from that point she then took mitigating factors into consideration when deciding what discount to give. He said the judge couldnt have placed this case in any category other than the highest end of the ranges available. Mr Hartnett also argued that the sentencing judge failed to take account of a number of mitigating factors in the case, including the appellants advancing age and health issues. He said Mr Cassidy was undergoing tests for cancer at the time of sentencing and has subsequently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he is receiving treatment in prison. Bankruptcy Cassidy had also lost his family home, had been obliged to enter into bankruptcy and had lost his career in financial management. When he walks out of prison he can never work in his chosen field of financial management again and surely that is a significant factor, said Mr Hartnett. He said prior to his incarceration, the appellant had been working as a foreign language teacher online earning about 24,000 a year. Counsel further submitted that the judge erred in failing to afford the adequate weight to the evidence that Cassidy was motivated by an intention to preserve and protect monies invested in Custom House Capital. He said a decision was made to move money around from accounts borrowing from Peter to pay Paul in the hope that things would come right eventually, as they did. Counsel noted that the prosecuting guard had agreed that this was done for the purpose of keeping the company afloat. One has to give the benefit of the doubt when someone is trying to save a company, said Mr Hartnett. Mr Hartnett highlighted the Anglo Irish Bank case which, he said, involved deception that had helped to bring the country to its financial knees. He referenced a number of Anglo related cases for comparison, including that of former Anglo Irish Bank CEO David Drumm who was jailed for his role in a 7.2 billion banking fraud. The lawyer said in that instance a headline sentence of eight years had been set and this had been reduced to six years after mitigation. He said all the mitigating factors in that case were also present in this case along with others, including Cassidys advanced age, ill health and his plea of guilty. Is there value in this comparison? I submit there is, said Mr Hartnett. Mr Staines said there were differences in the Anglo cases cited by Mr Hartnett and Cassidys case. He said in the Anglo case, balance sheets had been inflated artificially, the consequence of which was that an investor would be misled as to the health of the bank. The Anglo case wasnt actual money, he said. In this case youre dealing with real money from real people both big and small. Mr Staines said this has resulted in really significant hardship for people. He said the suggestion that because Cassidy was trying to keep the business afloat, he didnt have a personal motive, was wrong - adding that the appellant was CEO of the company at the time and was drawing a salary from it. In relation to the argument that the maximum headline sentence in the case should have been ten years, Mr Staines submitted that the charge in this case was a common law offence and there was no maximum sentence. He said the appellant could have been charged with hundreds of counts of theft, forgery and deception but this would not have been practical. He said if Mr Hartnett was right and the maximum sentence available to the court was 10 years it would be totally unjust in a case where there were hundreds of victims. In the circumstances it simply cannot be that the court is restricted in such a way, he said. The breath and complexity of the fraud, coupled with the vast numbers of transactions involved and exceptional number of victims meant that a single conspiracy to defraud charge was appropriate to ensure that all the offending behaviour was captured, he said. Mr Justice John Edwards, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, said the court would reserve judgement in the matter. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has condemned unacceptable scenes when violence flared and his officers came under sustained attack at a disused factory designated as accommodation for asylum seekers in north Dublin. Mr Harris said it had been a difficult policing day, while Taoiseach Simon Harris described the scenes at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock as reprehensible. Advertisement Fifteen people, thirteen men and two women, appeared before a late-night sitting at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday, charged with a range of public order offences. Another four people have been arrested. Gardai carry out a baton charge at protesters on Malahide Road, Coolock (Niall Carson/PA) Advertisement A number of Garda cars were damaged during the disturbances and garda public order officers used incapacitant spray on anti-immigration protesters who threw missiles at them. At one point on Monday, the protesters tried to move away from the factory towards Coolock Garda station before they were dispersed. The area is now quiet, after a large number of protesters gathered at the site earlier in the day and attacked gardai on several occasions with missiles. Speaking in Dublin, the Garda Commissioner said: This has been a difficult policing day for us in terms of dealing with serious public disorder centred on the Crown Paints factory. Advertisement He added: What we saw today was really unacceptable. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said it had been a difficult day (Niall Carson/PA) We have a number of people, 15, already charged and there will be more charges overnight. Advertisement On top of that, we have seen serious disorder throughout the day, attacks on gardai, criminal damage and also offences of serious public disorder. All of those will be under investigation. Mr Harris said almost 200 gardai were involved in dealing with the disorder. The public order unit responded. It was operational decisions in terms of deployment, assessing the situation and then making sure that our deployment was proportionate. Advertisement We did call upon additional public order units to support the additional unit. We had almost 200 gardai deployed, both public order and normal uniform personnel, and that was sufficient with the disorder that we faced. In a statement on Monday night, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: I am appalled at the violent scenes in Coolock today. This is thuggish criminal behaviour and has no place in our society. The Garda Commissioner has kept me updated throughout the day, and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice. Ms McEntee added: Public order units and regular Garda members have been out in force today. Arson and assaults are reprehensible and serious crimes. They will be fully investigated and those involved will be held to account for their actions. This is not protest. What we have seen today does not represent the decent communities of Coolock and surrounding areas. Gardai will continue to manage the situation and support the community. Gardai during a stand-off with protesters (Niall Carson/PA) Taoiseach Simon Harris said: The scenes we have witnessed in Coolock today are reprehensible. The Minister for Justice has briefed me throughout the day and the law will be implemented. No person has a right to burn cars, damage property or attack members of An Garda Siochana and emergency services. These actions are criminal and are designed to sow fear and division. Wheelie bins were set alight by protesters (Niall Carson/PA) He added: We should not accept them being legitimised in any way by describing them as protest. I want to thank An Garda Siochana, who have come under attack today. They have shown extraordinary professionalism. Incapacitant spray was used by the Garda public order unit in an attempt to disperse a crowd which had gathered close to a makeshift anti-immigration camp. The violence flared in the morning after preparations were made to start work at a disused building which is to be redeveloped to house asylum seekers. #Coolock The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we deal with pallets and construction machinery alight. Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations along with a turntable ladder are on scene. pic.twitter.com/zBzQxGZay0 Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 15, 2024 Protesters gathered, some with their faces covered, and a number of fires were set. Videos and pictures posted on social media on Monday showed a digger in flames. Workers who were to begin renovating the premises were removed from the site. The protest camp was set up several months ago to prevent workers from renovating the premises, with people there around the clock. Videos on social media showed a stand-off between gardai and protesters, while some demonstrators shouted abuse at officers. Dozens of gardai formed a line to bar access to protesters. Protesters with their faces covered approach gardai (Niall Carson/PA) Officers from the public order unit were also in the area, as well as the Garda helicopter. The violence escalated as bricks and fireworks were thrown at officers and the fire service, and bins and mattresses were set alight. Traffic was diverted from the area and one of the citys main arteries, the Malahide Road was closed for several hours. A larger number of people gathered on Monday evening after a call on social media for a protest to take place at 6pm. Gardai were again attacked with missiles and responded by using incapacitant spray. I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today. I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice. Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 15, 2024 A Garda car was set alight and two buses were surrounded as protesters moved towards Coolock Garda station. A Garda spokesperson said officers would remain at the scene overnight. The spokesperson added: Over 200 members of An Garda Siochana were deployed in the operation, including frontline uniformed Gardai, supported by public order gardai. Gardai were subjected to both verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated into rocks, fireworks and other objects being launched towards them. A number of fires were lit and official Garda vehicles seriously damaged. Gardai detain a protester (Niall Carson/PA) As the situation intensified, members of An Garda Siochana used force to defend themselves as part of an escalated response to the situation. Assistance was provided by members of An Garda Siochana public order unit and the Garda air support unit. The use of force included the use of incapacitant spray and deployment of public order gardai in public order helmets and shields. An Garda Siochana is unaware of any injuries at this time. Garda public order unit officers line up across a road during a stand-off with protesters (Niall Carson/PA) A spokesperson for the Department of Integration said: This morning a provider attempted to begin work on the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock to allow it be used as accommodation for people seeking international protection. No international protection applicants were due to be accommodated today as the work is anticipated to take several weeks. Protests at the entrance to this site have delayed work beginning on this site for several months. The department condemns all acts of criminality and intimidation of providers and their employees. A man accused of unlawfully reoccupying his north Dublin home taken by a debt purchasing firm on foot of a court order claims he has footage that debunks claims a security guard was mistreated at the property. Joseph Kennedy told the High Court on Tuesday that Everyday Finance DACs allegations against him and others are not true and he had CCTV and body camera film to back up his rebuttals. Advertisement An alleged interaction at the two-bed house at Brackendown, Portrane, last Thursday was very mild mannered and peaceful, he said, adding that he finds himself in a very stressful position. Everyday Finance told the court on Friday that Mr Kennedy has reoccupied the property it possessed last month following sanction from the court. It claims it purchased an AIB mortgage in default that was taken out by Mr Kennedy and his estranged wife. It alleges a security guard contracted to secure the premises was approached by Mr Kennedy last Thursday and was shortly afterwards grabbed and forced out by four unidentified men. Everyday Finance alleges the guard reached his vehicle before several men emerged from the property, kicked his car and verbally abused him. He was followed to Malahide Garda station by a Nissan SUV, which shoved into his car, the firm claims. Advertisement Everyday Finance says gardai did not take a criminal complaint. It claims the security guard observed about 20 people at the house when he returned that evening. On Tuesday, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey quizzed the man who identified himself as Joseph Kennedy about his legal entitlement to be in the property. Mr Kennedy said he has been misinformed by people who said they know what they are doing. He said his solicitor could not arrange for him to be represented in court at such short notice. He lost his business in 2008 and everyone ran off with my money, he said. However, he has no problem paying these people, as thank goodness things have turned around, he added. Advertisement He said he recently had a brain operation and spent weeks in hospital. A younger man, who said he was Mr Kennedys son David Kennedy, told the court he was living at the property after returning to Ireland from Australia. He told the court he is in possession. He added: I had heard of things but I had no idea. My father needs help with this That is why I am here. A carpenter by trade, he said he and friends carried out substantial repair works to the upstairs of the house after it was damaged by a fire. Advertisement I would never have rebuilt the home if I knew I was rebuilding the home for Everyday Finance and the receiver, he said. Mr Justice Sanfey said Everyday Finance is making extremely serious allegations against Joseph Kennedy and those who were allegedly with him on Thursday. The judge said he has not heard anything yet that points to a legal basis for them occupying the property. This issue will be the focus of his attention when the case returns to court next Wednesday, he said. The judge said he hopes the pair will take legal advice. Everyday Finances case asks the court to make an order restraining the Kennedys and anyone else from occupying the property. It acknowledges he was living in the property before it executed its possession order last month. The firm says he issued court proceedings against it after it took repossession. Police have been attacked with petrol and paint bombs in Belfast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) urged the public to avoid the Broadway Roundabout area in the south of the city. Advertisement In a statement issued on Monday evening, a PSNI spokesperson confirmed officers had attended reports of "ongoing disorder in the area". The spokesperson added: "Petrol and paint bombs have been thrown at officers and police vehicles." Six people charged with public order offences following a series of disturbances in Coolock, Dublin, have been granted bail with conditions. Gardai carried out multiple arrests on Monday evening after a demonstration at the former Crown Paints Factory on Malahide Road in Coolock. Advertisement The building has been earmarked for use to accommodate asylum seekers. Five men and a woman appeared at Dublin District Court on Tuesday before Judge Cephas Power and Judge Maire Conneely. They were all charged with failing to leave various areas in Coolock, including the local Garda station. Two had additional charges for using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. Advertisement Court sergeants provided certificates of arrest charge and caution, and the judges noted there were no bail objections provided they obeyed a specific condition to remain away from Malahide Road or the factory. They have all been granted 200 bail with various conditions to stay away from the Crown Paints Factory on Malahide Road or only pass through it, and they were granted legal aid. One was ordered to stay away from Coolock Garda station. They did not address the court and were ordered to appear again on September 10th to enter pleas. Legal aid was granted. Advertisement Unemployed Gary Daly, 45, of Burnell Square, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin 17, is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words at Dunree Park, Coolock, and not moving on from the scene after being cautioned. Tom Printer of Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge in Co Kildare Tom Printer, 67, retired and from Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, is accused of not obeying a garda's direction to leave the vicinity of Oscar Traynor Road. His solicitor told the court that not leaving the scene was the height of the allegation, and his client had partial hearing. Alan Dunne, 63, of Bunratty Avenue, Coolock, who is employed, is accused of failing to leave the vicinity of Coolock Garda station after being directed. Advertisement Edmond Butler, 53, of Holywell Crescent in Donaghmede, Dublin 13 Edmund Butler, 53, of Holywell Crescent, Donaghmede, Dublin, was also accused of not complying with a garda direction to leave the Malahide Road retail park. The court heard he needed to drive through Malahide Road, and Judge Conneely ordered him not to stop there. Hugh O'Rourke, 55, of Moatview Avenue, Priorswood, Dublin, was charged with failing to leave Malahide Road. Una Colgan, 69, of Achill Court in Drumcondra Pensioner Una Colgan, 69, of Achill Court, Drumcondra, Dublin, was visibly upset in court. She is accused of two offences: engaging in threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour and non-compliance with a direction to leave Oscar Traynor Road. 15 other people appeared before a special sitting of the court on Monday night, charged with public order offences. They were granted bail with similar conditions and must return to court on September 18th. A teenager accused of removing a submachine gun from the Dublin restaurant where Jason Hennessy Senior was murdered on Christmas Eve has been granted bail after the Court of Appeal overturned a previous High Court decision refusing his application. Gunman Tristan Sherry (26) was killed after he opened fire inside Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on December 24th, 2023. Advertisement Mr Hennessey Snr was fatally injured in the shooting and died in hospital 11 days later. Jaures Kumbu (18), Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown, is charged with possession of a submachine gun contrary to Section 27A (1) of the Firearms Act, at Main Street, Blanchardstown on December 24th 2023. After viewing CCTV footage of the incident at the restaurant and hearing submissions from lawyers acting on behalf of Mr Kumbu at the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Mr Justice John Edwards said the court was prepared to admit the 18-year-old to bail subject to a number of conditions. These include that he signs on three times a week at Blanchardstown Garda Station, that he surrender his passport and that he stay away from his co-accused in the case. Mr Kumbu must also observe a curfew, reside at a named address and must stay away from the Hennessy family home. Advertisement In delivering the three-judge courts ruling on the matter, Mr Justice Edwards noted that the appeal related to Mr Kumbus bail refusal on the grounds that he may not turn up for his trial and a concern that he has and will continue to interfere with evidence. That is a concern borne out [by the allegation] that he removed an important exhibit from the scene of the crime and to this day has not cooperated with gardai, it is alleged, in enabling that item to be recovered; that item being a firearm, said the judge. He said the court had considered the matter and had concluded that the objection based on the possibility of flight was simply not made out. Mr Justice Edwards said the issue regarding the possible interference with evidence was much more finely balanced. However, he said having considered the overall circumstances of the case and the fact that Mr Kumbu was interviewed in January but was not charged until April, the court was of the view that the level of concern with respect to this issue was not such that they would deny bail. Advertisement He said the court had decided that Mr Kumbu should be admitted to bail subject to strict conditions. Counsel for Mr Kumbu, Seamus Clarke SC had earlier outlined the grounds of appeal, telling the court that the High Court judge who heard the bail application, Ms Justice Karen OConnor, had erred in refusing bail on the grounds of flight risk and concerns relating to possible interference with evidence. Mr Clarke highlighted the delay between his client speaking to gardai on January 8 and his arrest on April 24. The gardai permitted the applicant to be out at his liberty form early January until April, he said, adding this was a relevant factor as to the credibility of a fear that Mr Kumbu was at liberty with a weapon that was out in the community. Advertisement He also submitted that the High Court judge who heard the bail application erred in refusing bail in a mistaken understanding as to the likely sentence to be imposed in the event of conviction. He said the judge had stated that the minimum sentence for the offence charged was 10 years as opposed to the presumptive minimum which applied of five years. Mr Clarke said small things such as this could make a difference in terms of the overall assessment. Fiona Murphy SC, for the State, said the risk of flight was higher now than it had been before the appellants arrest because he has now been charged. Once he is charged the incentive to flee has to increase because there is no need to flee when you havent been charged with anything, she said. Advertisement In relation to the concern regarding interference with evidence, she said it is the States case that Mr Kumbu is the person who leaves the premises with the firearm. Ms Murphy said gardai have no idea where the firearm is save to say it was in his possession when he left the restaurant. Its a firearm that has already killed someone so we know its capabilities, she said. Counsel said the remark made by the judge hearing the bail application in relation to the 10-year minimum sentence had simply been a slip of the tongue and there had been a number of factors involved in the decision to refuse bail. After delivering the courts ruling on the matter, Mr Justice Edwards outlined the conditions for bail, including that the teenager surrender his passport and driving licence and give an undertaking not to apply for new documents, that he sign on three days a week at Blanchardstown Garda Station between the hours of 8am and 8pm and that he observe a curfew between 8pm and 8am. Mr Kumbu must also stay away from his nine co-accused in the case and the Hennessy family home. He will also be required to provide an independent surety of 3,000. A teenage boy is being detained at a Garda station in Cork after he allegedly engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour towards his family during an incident on Monday evening. Gardai from Carrigaline attended the scene at an estate in the town at around 7pm on Monday. Advertisement It is alleged the boy produced a BB imitation firearm during the incident. The teenager declined to drop the BB gun and was subsequently arrested. Nobody was injured during the incident and no shots were fired. The teenager is being held at Togher Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. The boy was examined by a doctor on Monday evening, who directed that questioning should not resume until Tuesday morning. Gardai said investigations into the matter are ongoing. Israeli strikes in the central Gaza Strip overnight into Tuesday killed 24 people, according to hospital records, as Israel and Hamas weigh the latest ceasefire proposal and deadly violence rages on. The strikes in Nuseirat and Zawaida killed 10 women and four children, the records from Al Aqsa hospital show. Advertisement The Israeli military said it conducted targeted raids on terror targets in central Gaza, without elaborating. Another nine people were killed in strikes in southern Gaza late on Monday, according to medical officials. The deadly violence comes as Israel and Hamas are weighing the latest ceasefire proposal. Palestinian children are evacuated from a site in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday following an Israeli bombardment (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Advertisement International mediators are working to push the two sides towards agreeing to a deal that would bring a halt to the devastating fighting and set free roughly 120 hostages still held by the militant group in Gaza. Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli police said officers shot and killed a Palestinian after he stabbed a police officer in the occupied West Bank. Police said the officer was slightly injured in the attack and identified the Palestinian as a 19-year-old from the Gaza Strip. It was not immediately clear what he was doing in the West Bank. Advertisement Also on Tuesday, the Israeli military said Palestinians opened fire on a car in the West Bank, slightly wounding a number of Israeli civilians. Palestinians inspect the damage at a site in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip after an Israeli bombardment on Saturday (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Elsewhere in the territory, the military said forces opened fire on a suspicious vehicle that turned out to belong to an Israeli. Advertisement Two Israeli civilians were slightly injured as a result of the apparent mistaken fire, the military said. The bloodshed is part of a wave of violence surging in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza. More than 500 Palestinians have been killed in the territory during that time, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, most of them in fighting with Israeli forces. Others were killed while throwing stones, or in protests against the military. Some of those killed were not involved in confrontations with Israeli forces. Advertisement Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank have also been on the increase since the war broke out. Destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel on Sunday (Tsafrir Abayov/AP) Hamass October 7 attack sparked the war when militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducted about 250. Since then, Israeli ground offensives and bombardments have killed more than 38,400 people in Gaza, according to the territorys Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crammed into squalid tent camps in central and southern Gaza. Israeli restrictions, fighting and the breakdown of law and order have limited humanitarian aid efforts, causing widespread hunger and sparking fears of famine. Under American pressure, Israel has pledged to deliver large quantities of humanitarian aid into the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. But at the same time, the US and Israel have allowed tax-deductible donations to far-right groups that have blocked that aid from being delivered. At least 40 people died and nearly 350 others were injured during a powerful storm which brought heavy rain to eastern Afghanistan, Taliban officials said on Tuesday. Elsewhere, at least 17 people died when a bus overturned on a main highway, official media reported. Advertisement Public Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman Amar confirmed that 40 people were killed in Mondays storm and that 347 others had been taken to the regional hospital in Nangarhar from Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, and nearby districts. People gather to clear the rubble of a house damaged by a landslide caused by heavy rain in the Surkhroad district of Jalalabad (Shafiullah Kakar/AP) The dead included five members of the same family who were killed when the roof of their house in Surkh Rod district collapsed, according to provincial spokesperson Sediqullah Quraishi. Four other members of the family were injured. Advertisement About 400 houses and 60 electricity poles were destroyed across Nangarhar province, Mr Quraishi said. Power was cut in many areas and there were limited communications in Jalalabad city. The damage is still being assessed, he added. Resident Abdul Wali (43) said much of the damage occurred within an hour. The winds were so strong that they blew everything into the air. That was followed by heavy rain, he said. His four-year-old daughter suffered minor injuries, he said. Advertisement Victims of the storm are treated at a hospital in the city of Jalalabad in Afghanistans Nangarhar province (Shafiullah Kakar/AP) In May, exceptionally heavy rain killed more than 300 people and destroyed thousands of houses, mostly in the northern province of Baghlan, according to the World Food Programme. Separately, the official Taliban news agency Bakhtar reported that at least 17 people were killed and 34 others injured when a bus overturned on the main highway linking Kabul and Balkh in northern Baghlan province on Tuesday morning. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear, but poor road conditions and careless driving are often blamed for such incidents in the country. US president Joe Biden has admitted it was a mistake to say he wanted to put a bullseye on his Republican election rival Donald Trump ahead of an assassination attempt on the former president. In an interview with NBC News, Mr Biden argued that the rhetoric from his opponent was more incendiary while warning that Mr Trump remained a threat to democratic institutions. Advertisement The interview marked the resumption of campaigning for the Democrats following Saturdays assassination attempt, which came after Mr Biden told donors in a private call that he was done talking about his poor debate performance and that it was time to put Trump in the bullseye, saying Mr Trump has received far too little scrutiny on his stances, rhetoric and lack of campaigning. While he acknowledged his mistake, Mr Biden told NBC he is not the guy who said I wanted to be a dictator on day one and that he wanted the focus to be on what Mr Trump was saying, accusing his rival of engaging in that kind of rhetoric, referring to the former presidents past comments about a bloodbath if he loses in November. US president Joe Biden walks to board Marine One on Monday (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Advertisement Look, how do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says? Mr Biden said. Do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody? The NBC interview, scheduled before the attempt on Mr Trumps life at a rally in Pennsylvania, had been part of Mr Bidens broader strategy to prove his fitness for office after his disastrous debate performance on June 27th. In the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt, the Biden campaign pulled advertising off the air while the White House scrapped the presidents planned visit on Monday to the Lyndon B Johnson Library, where he had been due to deliver remarks on civil rights. Mr Biden spoke privately to Mr Trump after the assassination attempt, a call that the president described in the NBC interview as very cordial. Advertisement I told him how concerned I was and wanted to make sure I knew how he was actually doing, Mr Biden said. He sounded good. He said he was fine, and he thanked me for calling. I told him it was literally in the prayers of Jill and me, and I hoped his whole family was weathering this. Republican Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance speaks as Republican presidential candidate former US president Donald Trump listens at a campaign rally (AP) Advertisement Mr Bidens renewed campaigning comes as Democrats have been at an impasse over whether the incumbent president should continue in the race even as he was defiant that he would stay in. Mr Biden has made it clear in no uncertain terms that he remains in the race and aides have been operating as such. Asked by NBC interviewer Lester Holt if he has weathered the worst of it from his own party, Mr Biden responded that 14 million Democratic voters selected him through the primaries and added: I listen to them. He said his mental acuity is pretty damn good, but said the question of his age was legitimate to ask. Advertisement The president and his campaign also criticised Mr Trump, who was confirmed as the Republican nominee for president, nominating freshman Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate. Hes a clone of Trump on the issues, Mr Biden told reporters as he headed to Nevada for a series of speeches and campaign events. I dont see any difference. The presidents staff issued a statement saying Mr Vance had been chosen because he would bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda. At least five people have been killed and dozens injured in two separate incidents in Bangladesh as violence continued on university campuses in the nations capital and elsewhere over a government jobs quota scheme, local media reports said quoting officials. At least three of the dead were students and one was a pedestrian, the media reports said. Another man who died in Bangladeshs capital, Dhaka, remained unidentified. Advertisement The deaths were reported on Tuesday following overnight violence at a public university near Dhaka. The violence involved members of a pro-government student body and other students, when police fired tear gas and charged the protesters with batons during the clashes which spread at Jahangir Nagar University in Savar, outside Dhaka, according to students and authorities. Students clash during a protest at Jahangir Nagar University in Savar, outside Dhaka, over the Bangladesh government jobs quota system (Abdul Goni/AP) Advertisement Protesters have been demanding an end to a quota reserved for family members of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971, which allows them to take up 30% of governmental jobs. They argue that quota appointments are discriminatory and should be merit-based. Some even said the current system benefits groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Some Cabinet ministers criticised the protesters, saying they played on students emotions. The Bengali-language Prothom Alo daily reported that one person died in Dhaka and three others, including a pedestrian, were killed after they suffered injuries during violence in Chattogram, a south-eastern district, on Tuesday. Prothom Alo and other media reports also said that a 22-year-old protester died in the northern district of Rangpur. Advertisement Details of the casualties could not be confirmed immediately. While job opportunities have expanded in Bangladeshs private sector, many find government jobs stable and lucrative. Each year, some 3,000 such jobs open up to nearly 400,000 graduates. Ms Hasina said on Tuesday that war veterans commonly known as freedom fighters should receive the highest respect for their sacrifice in 1971 regardless of their current political ideologies. Dozens were injured during the violent clashes at Jahangir Nagar University, outside Bangladeshs capital, Dhaka (Abdul Goni/AP) Advertisement Abandoning the dream of their own life, leaving behind their families, parents and everything, they joined the war with whatever they had, she said during an event at her office in Dhaka. Protesters gathered in front of the universitys official residence of the vice-chancellor early Tuesday when violence broke out. Demonstrators accused the Bangladesh Chhatra League, a student wing of Ms Hasinas ruling Awami League party, of attacking their peaceful protests. According to local media reports, police and the ruling party-backed student wing attacked the protesters. Advertisement But Abdullahil Kafi, a senior police official, told the countrys leading English-language newspaper the Daily Star that they fired tear gas and blank rounds as protesters attacked the police. He said up to 15 police officers were injured. More than 50 people were treated at Enam Medical College Hospital near Jahangir Nagar University as the violence continued for hours, said Ali Bin Solaiman, a medical officer at the hospital. He said at least 30 of them suffered pellet wounds. On Monday, violence also spread at Dhaka University, the countrys leading public university, as clashes gripped the campus in the capital. More than 100 students were injured in the clashes, police said. On Tuesday, protesters blocked railways and some roads across the country, and in Dhaka, they halted traffic in many areas as they vowed to continue demonstrating until the demands were met. A student hides underneath a vehicle as students clash at Jahangir Nagar University in Savar, Bangladesh (Abdul Goni/AP) Local media said police forces were spread across the capital to safeguard the peace. Protesters say they are apolitical, but leaders of the ruling parties accused the opposition of using the demonstrations for political gains. The family of veterans quota system was halted following a court order after mass student protests in 2018. But last month Bangladeshs High Court annulled the decision to reinstall the system once more, angering scores of students and triggering protests. Last week, the Supreme Court halted the High Courts order for four weeks and the chief justice asked protesting students to return to their classes, saying the court would issue a decision in four weeks. Meanwhile, the prime minister said the matter is in the hands of the Supreme Court now. But the protests have continued daily, halting traffic in Dhaka. The quota system also reserves government jobs for women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, but students have only protested against jobs reserved for veterans families. Ms Hasina maintained power in an election in January that was again boycotted by the countrys main opposition party and its allies due to her refusal to step down and hand over power to a caretaker government to oversee the election. Her party favours keeping the quota for the families of the 1971 war heroes after her Awami League party, under the leadership of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led the independence war with the help of India. Mr Rahman was assassinated along with most members of his family in a military coup in 1975. In 1971, the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which shared power with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Ms Hasinas archrival, former prime minister Khaleda Zia in 2001-2006, openly opposed the independence war and formed groups that helped the Pakistani military fight pro-independence forces. All the major political parties in Bangladesh have student wings that are active across the South Asian nation. Israeli air strikes have killed more than 60 Palestinians in southern and central Gaza, including one that hit an Israeli-declared safe zone crowded with thousands of displaced people. The days deadliest strike came on Tuesday afternoon, hitting near a fuel station outside the southern city of Khan Younis in Muwasi, a coastal region that is part of the humanitarian safe zone where the Israeli military has told Palestinians to take refuge to escape offensives elsewhere. Advertisement Officials at Khan Younis Nasser Hospital said 17 people were killed. Nearby areas are packed with tent camps. Apparently referring to the strike, the Israeli military said in a statement that it targeted a commander in Islamic Jihads naval unit west of Khan Younis. It said it was looking into reports that civilians were killed. Palestinian children are evacuated from a site in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday following an Israeli bombardment. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP. Advertisement It occurred in the same area where Gaza health officials said more than 90 Palestinians, including children, were killed by a strike on Saturday that Israel said was targeting Hamass top military commander, Mohammed Deif. His status remained unclear. The new air strikes came as Israel and Hamas continued to weigh the latest ceasefire proposal. Hamas has said talks meant to wind down the nine-month war would continue even after Israel targeted Deif. International mediators are working to push Israel and Hamas towards a deal that would halt the fighting and free about 120 hostages held by the militant group in Gaza. Other strikes hit in the Nuseirat and Zawaida refugee camps of central Gaza. Advertisement Strikes on four houses killed at least 24 people, including 10 women and four children. Another hit a school-turned-shelter in Nuseirat, killing at least nine. An Associated Press journalist saw the bodies as they were taken to the Al Aqsa hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah, where hospital officials provided the death count. Palestinians inspect the damage at a site in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip after an Israeli bombardment on Saturday. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP. Advertisement Another hit a UN school in Nuseirat where families were sheltering, killing at least nine. AP footage showed the schools yard covered in rubble and twisted metal from a structure that was hit. Israels military said Hamas militants were operating from the school to plan attacks. Its claim could not be independently confirmed. Other strikes in Khan Younis and the southern city of Rafah overnight on Monday and on Tuesday killed 12 people, according to medical officials and AP journalists. An AP journalist counted the bodies at the hospital before a funeral was held at its gates. The military said air force planes had struck some 40 targets in Gaza over the past day, among them observation posts, Hamas military structures and explosives-rigged buildings. Advertisement The war in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamass October 7th attack, has killed more than 38,600 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The war has created a humanitarian catastrophe in the coastal Palestinian territory, displaced most of its 2.3 million population and triggered widespread hunger. Destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel on Sunday. Photo: Tsafrir Abayov/AP. Hamass October attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants took about 250 hostages. About 120 remain in captivity, with about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities. Violence has also surged in the West Bank. On Tuesday, a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli police officer, wounding him lightly, before another officer opened fire, killing the assailant who was identified as a 19-year-old from Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has said it will begin sending draft notices to Jewish ultra-Orthodox men next week a step that could destabilise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and trigger more large protests in the community. The announcement followed a landmark Supreme Court order for young religious men to begin enlisting for military service. Under long-standing political arrangements, ultra-Orthodox men were exempt from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jewish men. The exemptions created resentment among the general public in Israel, especially after more than nine months of war against Hamas militants in Gaza. The army summons is the beginning of a months-long enlistment process that can be difficult to enforce if there is large-scale refusal to comply. The army did not say when it expects ultra-Orthodox men to begin serving or how many men were receiving the new notices. The court ruled that the system of exemptions, which allow religious men to study in Jewish seminaries while others are forced to serve in the army, was discriminatory. Ultra-Orthodox leaders say religious study is equally important for the countrys future and that their generations-old way of life will be threatened if their followers serve in the army. Mr Netanyahus government relies on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties that oppose changes to the system. Religious leaders have not said what steps they will take. If they leave the ruling coalition, the government would likely topple and the country would be plunged into early elections two years ahead of schedule. The mother of missing British teenager Jay Slater said our hearts are broken after a Spanish court confirmed his multiple injuries were consistent with a fall in a rocky area. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice confirmed the identity of the body with the use of fingerprint technology after the remains were found near the village of Masca on Monday. Advertisement A spokesman for the court said the post-mortem examination report determined that the injuries he sustained were compatible with an accidental fall. Mr Slaters body was found near the village of Masca on Monday. Photo: James Manning/PA. In a statement issued through charity LBT Global, Mr Slaters mother Debbie Duncan said: I just cant believe it were here with the embassy staff waiting for an update and now its come the worst news. Advertisement She added: I just cant believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken. The charity previously said the remains were found with the 19-year-olds clothes and possessions near his last known location. The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered. Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings. Advertisement Following the discovery, Mr Slaters friend Lucy Law, who was the last known person to speak to him during a phone call on June 17th, issued a tribute on her Instagram page. She said: Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was (sic) one of a kind Jay and youll be missed more than you know. Im sure youll have your dancing shoes polished and ready waiting for us all. Advertisement We all love you buddy. Fly high. The Spanish Civil Guard released video footage of rescuers climbing rock faces and battling through scrub as they carried out the search. Part of the clip showed two members of the search team being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body had been found and recovered. Advertisement A group of search and rescue workers near to the village of Masca during the hunt for the 19-year-old. Photo: James Manning/PA. Mr Slater had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. He had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out, but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled not relevant to the case. Spanish police said they had called off the search for the apprentice bricklayer at the end of June after helicopters, drones and search dogs were deployed to find him. The man who stabbed and wounded a French soldier patrolling Paris just days before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics has been taken to a psychiatric hospital, French prosecutors said on Tuesday. The attack happened outside the Gare de lEst station in eastern Paris on Monday. Advertisement The city has been under a high security alert before the start of the Summer Games on July 26. The soldier was taken to hospital suffering from a shoulder blade injury, but was not in life-threatening condition, officials said after the attack. The stabbing happened outside the Gare de lEst station in eastern Paris on Monday (Paul Thompson Live News/Alamy/PA) Advertisement A statement from the Paris Public Prosecutors office on Tuesday identified the attacker as 40-year-old Christian Ingondo, who was born in Congo. Ingondo was released from custody on Tuesday morning and transferred to a psychiatric hospital under police supervision, the statement said. Investigations into attempted murder and the suspects background are continuing, it added. In 2018, Ingondo was under judicial investigation on murder charges, the prosecutors statement said. Advertisement Two years later, in 2020, the investigating judges dropped charges against him and ordered a mandatory admission to hospital. Soldiers arrive at the military camp being set up in the Vincennes woods, just outside Paris, to house 4,500 troops assigned to security during the 2024 Olympic Games (Thomas Padilla/AP) Thousands of troops serve in the Sentinelle force for Frances domestic security, created to guard prominent French sites after a string of deadly Islamic State extremist attacks in 2015. Soldiers in the Sentinelle force have been targeted in the past. Advertisement Paris is deploying around 30,000 police officers each day for the Olympics, which run from July 26 to August 11, with a peak of 45,000 for the opening ceremony on the River Seine. About 18,000 members of the military are also helping ensure security, with thousands of them staying in a huge camp erected on the edge of Paris. Britain's deputy prime minister has hit back after Donald Trumps candidate for US vice president described the UK under Labour as the first truly Islamist country with a nuclear weapon. Ohio senator JD Vance, who was chosen as Mr Trumps running mate on Monday night, made the comments in an address to the National Conservatism conference in Washington DC last week. Advertisement Saying he had to beat up on the UK, he told the conference he had been discussing with a friend which would be the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon. He said: We were like maybe its Iran, maybe Pakistan kind of counts, and then we sort of decided maybe its actually the UK since Labour just took over. But to my Tory friends, I have to say, you guys have got to get a handle on this. Advertisement UK foreign secretary David Lammy is reported to have good relations with JD Vance, despite the latters comments about the UK (Lucy North/PA) Figures from both the Labour Party and the Conservatives hit back at Mr Vances comments on Tuesday morning. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner told ITV that Mr Vance had said quite a lot of fruity things in the past and she looked forward to meeting him and Mr Trump if they won the US election in November. She added: I dont recognise that characterisation. Im very proud of the election success that Labour had recently. Advertisement We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of the country, and were interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also working with our international allies. Andrew Bowie, the shadow veterans minister, said he absolutely disagreed with the claim that Labour was creating an Islamist country. He told Times Radio: I disagree with the Labour Party fundamentally on many issues, but I do not agree with that view, quite frankly. I think its actually quite offensive, frankly, to my colleagues in the Labour Party. Advertisement Britain's deputy prime minister Angela Rayner says she does not recognise JD Vances characterisation of the UK (Lucy North/PA) Despite Mr Vances comments about Labour, UK foreign secretary David Lammy is reported to have good relations with the senator, has met him multiple times and praised his memoir, Hillybilly Elegy, saying it reduced me to tears. In an address to the Hudson Institute in Washington in May, Mr Lammy described Mr Vance as his friend, saying he was right to say we in Europe have a problem that we need to fix with higher defence expenditure. World Who is JD Vance and did he once compare Trump to H... Read More But the selection of Mr Vance, a former US marine who previously opposed Mr Trump, could still pose a challenge for the new Labour government if Mr Trump returns to the White House. Advertisement As well as his comments about the UK and Labour, Mr Vance has backed attempts by the US Republican Party to end support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. In the same speech at the National Conservatism conference, he criticised the decision to send Ukraine hundreds of billions of dollars of weaponry with no obvious end in sight and no obvious conclusion or even objective that we are close to getting accomplished. South Koreas spy agency said on Tuesday that a senior North Korean diplomat based in Cuba has fled to South Korea, the latest defection by members of the Norths ruling elite that is likely to have hit leader Kim Jong Uns push to bolster his leadership. The National Intelligence Service confirmed that media reports on the defection of a North Korean counsellor of political affairs in Cuba are true, but a brief statement by the NIS public affairs office gave no further details. Advertisement South Koreas mass-circulation Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported earlier on Tuesday that diplomat Ri Il Kyu fled to South Korea with his wife and children in November. Chosun Ilbo cited Mr Ri as telling the newspaper in an interview that he had decided to defect because of what he called disillusionment with North Koreas political system, an unfair job evaluation by Pyongyangs Foreign Ministry, and the ministrys disapproval of his hopes to visit Mexico to treat his neural damage. He said hospitals in Cuba did not have the necessary medical equipment to treat his health problem due to international sanctions. A North Korean flag flies in Kijong-dong, near the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone in Paju, South Korea (Lee Jin-man/AP) Advertisement Other South Korean media outlets carried similar reports later on Tuesday. North Korea did not immediately respond to South Koreas announcement of Mr Ris defection. North Korea has previously expressed fury over some high-profile defections, accusing South Korea of kidnapping or enticing its citizens to defect. It has also described some defectors as traitors or criminals who fled to avoid punishment. Advertisement Mr Ri defected before South Korea and Cuba established diplomatic ties in February, an event that experts say is likely to have dealt a political blow to North Korea, whose diplomatic footing is largely dependent on a small number of Cold War-era allies like Cuba. The Chosun report said Mr Ri had been engaged in efforts to block Cuba from opening diplomatic ties with South Korea until his defection. The report said he had won a commendation from Kim Jong Un for his role in negotiations with Panama that led to the release of a ship detained in 2013 for allegedly carrying banned items like missiles and fighter jet parts. The report said that at the time Mr Ri was a third secretary of the North Korean Embassy in Cuba. About 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea to avoid economic hardship and political suppression, mostly since the late 1990s. A majority of them are women from the Norths poorer northern regions. But the number of highly educated North Koreans with professional jobs escaping to South Korea has steadily increased recently. Advertisement In 2023, about 10 North Koreans categorised as members of the countrys elite group resettled in South Korea more than in recent years, according South Koreas Unification Ministry. Advertisement Ministry officials have said that an increase in high-level defections is likely to have been due to North Koreas pandemic-related economic difficulties and its pushes to reinforce state control of its people. Those who had to stay abroad longer than initially scheduled due to Covid-19 curbs were exposed to freer foreign cultures for an extended period. This high-level defection adds insult to injury for North Korea, as Ri was instrumental in representing Pyongyangs interests in Havana, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. The Kim regime is no doubt taking measures to make it more difficult for diplomats overseas to defect, but increased repression is likely to further isolate Pyongyang and may actually encourage more defections. Moon Seong Mook, an expert with the Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, said news of high-level defections like Mr Ris will spread to North Korean diplomats and others, potentially dealing a big blow to Mr Kim although it is unlikely to lead to a regime collapse. Few North Korea monitoring groups question Mr Kims grip on power, but observers say the leader is grappling with chronic economic difficulties, the influence of South Korean pop cultures and the expansion of the US-South Korean military co-operation. The most high-profile defection in recent years happened in 2016, when Tae Yongho, then a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London, arrived in South Korea. He said he had decided to flee because he did not want his children to live miserable lives in North Korea as he also fell into despair over Mr Kims execution of officials and his pursuit of nuclear weapons. North Korea has called him human scum and accused him of embezzling government money and committing other crimes. Mr Tae was elected to South Koreas parliament in 2020. In 2019, North Koreas acting ambassador to Italy, Jo Song Gil, arrived in South Korea, and also that year North Koreas acting ambassador to Kuwait went to South Korea with his family. North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns sister, Kim Yo Jong, has warned of gruesome consequences over political leaflets from South Korea (Jorge Silva/Pool/AP) In recent months, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have soared over North Koreas launches of rubbish-carrying balloons towards South Korea and its continuation of missile tests. North Korea has said its balloon campaigns are a tit-for-tat action against South Korean activists floating political leaflets via their own balloons. On Tuesday, Mr Kims sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, warned South Korea of unspecified gruesome consequences, saying that South Korean-sent leaflets had again been found in the North. She issued a similar warning on Sunday. South Korea responded to North Koreas earlier balloon activities by suspending a 2018 tension-reduction deal with North Korea. Donald Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention with a bandage over his right ear, two days after surviving an attempted assassination. Delegates cheered wildly as Mr Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged to the strains God Bless The USA. Advertisement Mr Trump did not address the convention with his acceptance speech scheduled for Thursday. His appearance came hours after jubilant delegates nominated the former US president to lead their ticket for a third time and welcomed Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Former US president Donald Trump with Republican vice presidential candidate Senator JD Vance (J Scott Applewhite/AP) Advertisement The former president announced his choice of his running mate on his Truth Social platform as delegates in Milwaukee were voting on his nomination on Monday. He hit the necessary threshold with votes from his home state of Florida, announced by his son Eric. We must unite as a party, and we must unite as a nation, said Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley, Mr Trumps hand-picked party leader, as he opened Mondays primetime national convention session. We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future. Advertisement But Mr Whatley and other Republican leaders made clear their calls for harmony did not extend to President Joe Biden and Democrats. Their policies are a clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values and our people, said Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, welcoming the party to his battleground state, which Mr Trump won in 2016 but lost to Mr Biden four years ago. Donald Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee (Matt Rourke/AP) Advertisement Also on Monday, US president Joe Biden told NBC News that it was a mistake to say he wanted to put a bullseye on Republican nominee Donald Trump, but argued that the rhetoric coming from his opponent was more incendiary while warning that Mr Trump remained a threat to democratic institutions. Those remarks came during a private call with donors last week when Mr Biden declared he was done talking about his poor debate performance and that it was time to put Trump in the bullseye, saying the former president has had far too little scrutiny on his stances, rhetoric and lack of campaigning. Insisting there was very little focus on Trumps agenda, Mr Biden told NBC anchor Lester Holt that while he acknowledged his mistake, he nonetheless is not the guy who said I wanted to be a dictator on day one and that he wanted the focus to be on what Mr Trump was saying. It is Mr Trump, not Mr Biden, who engages in that kind of rhetoric, Mr Biden said, referring to Mr Trumps past comments about a bloodbath if the Republican loses to Mr Biden in November. Advertisement Look, how do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says? Mr Biden said. Do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody? A young woman accused of throwing a milkshake over Nigel Farage has denied assault by beating and criminal damage. The Reform UK leader was doused with what appeared to be a McDonalds banana drink as he left the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoon pub in Clacton-on-Sea in Essex on June 4th. Advertisement Mr Farage, who is now Clacton MP, had earlier addressed supporters at a rally in the seaside town during the UK general election campaign. The veteran Eurosceptic (60) was left with the yellow liquid splattered across his dark blue suit. Victoria Thomas Bowen (25), of St Osyth Road in the seaside town, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Prosecutors say 30 (35) of criminal damage was caused to a jacket belonging to James Woolfenden. Advertisement Caroline Liggins, partner at Hodge Jones & Allen, the law firm representing Bowen, said: My client strongly protests her innocence and looks forward to fighting these unjust charges in court. Bowen was released on unconditional bail to appear before the same court for trial on October 21st. Last month, 28-year-old Josh Greally admitted throwing a coffee cup and another item at Mr Farage as he campaigned on his battle bus in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on Tuesday, June 11th. Greally, of Damsbrook Drive, Clowne, Derbyshire, appeared before a district judge at Barnsley Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence. Advertisement He will be sentenced on August 28th at the same court. During a campaign walkabout in Newcastle in 2019, Mr Farage had a banana and salted caramel milkshake thrown at him. Milkshaking the act of dousing public figures in milkshake was officially recognised by Collins Dictionary the same year. Dont be disheartened by recent events. Things in the Land of Oz are far from perfect, and we have our share of problems. But dont be tempted by the thought that if Americas going to the dogs, we wont be far behind. No, were holding things together much better than the Yanks are. With the US reverting to its traditional practice of taking shots at presidents and presidential candidates, this week of all weeks is the time to say, Only in America. Thanks to the courage and quick thinking of John Howard after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, our access to guns is well controlled. Illustration by Simon Letch Of late, its been tempting to think that the goal of every generation being better off than their parents has been lost. Its not true. Not yet, anyway. And theres still time to ensure that Gen Z youngsters in their teens and early 20s get a fair shake. Its not easy to compare generations with statistical accuracy. But lately, statisticians have made progress in linking information from the census and official surveys with banks of data held by government departments. And last week, the Productivity Commission used this advance to publish a much more authoritative study on economic mobility. Simon Birmingham, the shadow foreign minister and a senior Liberal MP, has flagged the Coalition could demand a ban on people with a criminal record acting as union delegates if Labor needs their support to legislate for a CFMEU administrator. Earlier today, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said the government would seek to intervene in support of any Federal Court application made by the Fair Work Commission to appoint a CFMEU administrator. If legal problems thwarted that regulator action, Burke said he would legislate to remove any barriers to appointing administrators to whatever sections of the construction division of the CFMEU. Liberal senator Simon Birmingham. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen On the ABCs Afternoon Briefing program, Birmingham was asked whether the Coalition would support such legislation if required. Wed always reserve the right to see such legislation, but we support strong action against the CFMEU, he responded. Our concern is, at present, this is the weakest possible action by the Albanese government. Burke has said any bill would be narrow and focus on the powers needed for CFMEU administration, but ABC host Greg Jennett asked Birmingham if the opposition would support adding a ban on someone with a criminal conviction from being a union delegate, if Labor was forced to negotiate a bill with the Coalition. In response, Birmingham said: Michael Ravbar, the Queensland and Northern Territory secretary of the CFMEU, has accused the Albanese government of putting tens of thousands of workers at risk by taking action against the the union and not big business. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday confirmed his government would seek to appoint independent administrators over the CFMEUs Victorian, NSW and Queensland branches. Queensland has been included in the federal response at the request of Premier Steven Miles. CFMEU Queensland and NT state secretary Michael Ravbar speaking to protesters outside state parliament in February. Credit: Matt Dennien In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Ravbar declared the CFMEU would not buckle under pressure, as it was owned by the members, not media moguls or spineless politicians. The sad reality is that its the major civil companies that have brought the unsavory elements on government-funded projects, and yet Albanese knows that a thorough investigation will put Labor Governments in a world of pain, Ravbar said. Albanese is selective about his interest in criminal associations and willingly ignorant about our industry. Albanese has panicked and soiled himself over some unproven allegations in the media. Last year, Ravbar was fined for repeatedly stopping work on Brisbanes Cross River Rail project, where CFMEU members are again rallying this week. Theres cruising, and theres cruising. Theres a style of cruising that I do enjoy, on small ships with a maximum of 100 fellow passengers, vessels that go on expeditions or visit small ports, rather than the model of mega-ships spewing forth thousands of passengers into already crowded destinations. And the idea of circumnavigating the entire globe on one of those things, essentially calling it home? Not my thing. Climb Mount Everest A long queue of mountain climbers lines one of the two popular routes on Mount Everest in May 2019. Credit: AP Youve seen the photos by now: long queues, hundreds of people waiting below the summit of the worlds highest mountain, slowly shuffling forward for their moment at the top. Mount Everest is a circus these days, filled with so-so climbers who possess the one key factor necessary for success: money. Get money, get training, get equipment, get permits, get Sherpas, get to the summit. And for what? To say you did it? Visit every country This strikes me as another competition in travel, another way to beat other people, which is not what drives me in this pursuit. The challenge of visiting every country also encourages a box-ticking mentality, to see the world not as a set of unique destinations, but a to-do list that needs to be managed. I would love to see as much of the world as possible in my lifetime, but I dont ever anticipate visiting every single country. Ride animals Ive done my share of this in the past, though Im not exactly proud of it. I rode elephants in Laos a long time ago. Ive sat atop many a horse. But its not something that appears on any of my wish lists these days. For a human to be able to ride any animal you have to break it to your will, and thats not something I want to involve in my travel experiences. The only thing I plan to ride is a bike. Fly Sydney to London non-stop (in economy/with my kids) Its coming. Qantas Project Sunrise non-stop flights from Sydney to New York and London was announced in 2017, and though various delays have slowed its progress, the flights are scheduled to begin in 2026. Sydney to London non-stop will be 20 hours in the air, with extra time on the plane before and after. Thats a huge flight, and one I would be more than happy to tackle in business class, without my kids to entertain. Otherwise, Ill take a stopover, thanks. Put myself in life-threatening danger This used to be something I was relatively comfortable with, but you have to change as your lifes circumstances change. Since having kids Ive become far more risk-averse, and have to think pretty carefully about where Im going to go and what Im going to do when I get there, and whether its a responsible choice for someone with a family to support and grow old with. It has meant missing out on some things, but Im comfortable with that. Eat at Alchemist/Sublimotion/Mugaritz Eye for detail: Chef Gregor Power at work at Alchemist. Theres a certain brand of restaurant around now thats all about pushing the boundaries of the eating experience, creating multi-sensory meals that involve video-screen tables, flavoured smoke, edible clouds, dishes shaped like tongues and faces, dishes that need to be licked off fake belly buttons and casts of the chefs lips and all of this, obviously, costs an incredible amount of money to experience. Im not into it. Visit Venice in July or August Venice recently introduced a charge for tourists to combat over-tourism. Credit: AP No one should have this on their bucket list. Venice is amazing, and there are ways to see the floating city that are enjoyable, but visiting in the height of tourist-heavy summer isnt one of them. Go in the off-season, go to parts of the city no one else visits. Go to the surrounding areas. And this advice goes for any tourist hotspot in Europe, from Barcelona to Prague to Rome to Ibiza. I have no intention of going in July or August. Get to the South Pole The South Pole: Just leave it untouched. Credit: Getty Images Maybe there are some places that tourists just shouldnt go. There can be parts of the world that are off-limits, and thats OK. And to be fair, the South Pole currently is not a place regular tourists can visit. But how long before that changes? It feels inevitable to me. Still, I wont be joining any queues of people desperate to visit the southernmost point on Earth some places should just be left untouched. Loading Take supported journeys from questionable regimes I want to visit Saudi Arabia, to see the country with my own eyes. Just as I want to go back to Iran sometime, as I would like to see North Korea for myself, not to mention Afghanistan, Myanmar and more. But I wont visit those places in my role as a journalist as a guest of their governments, to participate in junkets, essentially taking money and favours to act as a shill for a highly questionable regime. There are other ways to visit. Say anywhere is done The Secret Service said it didnt have a presence on the roof where a 20-year-old gunman shot at Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday because of the slope of the roof. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle said in a television interview that part of the reason the agency did not place a police officer on the roof of the building where Thomas Matthew Crooks took aim at the former president because of the grade of the roof. Two FBI investigators scan the roof of the building from which shooter Matthew Thomas Crooks fired at Donald Trump. Credit: Getty Images Local police were instead stationed inside the building by the Secret Service to help spot threats, the Washington Post reported. That building, in particular, has a sloped roof at its highest point, and so theres a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldnt want to put somebody up on a sloped roof, Cheatle said. So, you know, the decision was made to secure the building from inside. Donald Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump, wife of his son Eric, told the Republican National Convention that she had prepared a very different speech before the attempt on Trumps life on Saturday. Nothing could have prepared the family for the moment someone tried to kill a person you love, the Republican National Committee co-chair said. Millimetres separated him from life and certain death. Republican National Committee Co-chair Lara Trump speaks during the Republican National Convention. Credit: AP Last Saturday was a jarring reminder there is more that unites us than divides us. We all want this country to be great. She said that with every bone in my body I can tell you that all Trump wants to do is make America great again for all of us. He is a lion, he is bold, he is strong, he is fearless, and he is exactly what this country needs right now, Lara Trump said. She said she had seen this man dragged through hell and back and yet, he has never backed down, prompting chants of We love Trump. Trump hoisted his fist in the air after the failed assassination attempt, in a signal to the world that no matter what America will always prevail, she said. Israel's Airstrikes in Gaza's 'Safe Zone' Leave Civilians in Desperation (Photo: RafahKid Kid/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA 2.0 ) Israeli forces have intensified their airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, leading to significant casualties and escalating the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Palestinian health officials reported that at least 60 people were killed in various strikes on southern and central Gaza on Tuesday. The most deadly strike occurred near a gas station outside Khan Younis, a region designated by Israel as a "safe zone" for displaced Palestinians. Officials at Khan Younis' Nasser Hospital confirmed that 17 people were killed in this strike. This area is densely populated with tent camps sheltering those fleeing the conflict. "There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strike," reported an official. The strike happened in the same area where, just days earlier, an Israeli airstrike killed over 90 Palestinians, including children. This attack was allegedly targeting Mohammed Deif, Hamas' top military commander, whose status remains unclear. The latest airstrikes came as Israel and Hamas continue to negotiate a potential ceasefire. Hamas has indicated that talks aimed at ending the nine-month-long conflict would proceed despite the intensified Israeli attacks. The Israeli military stated that it conducted "targeted raids on terror targets" in central Gaza but did not provide specific details. In Nuseirat and Zawaida refugee camps, airstrikes on four houses resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, including 10 women and four children. Another strike on a school-turned-shelter in Nuseirat killed nine people. The bodies, some wrapped in blankets, were taken to Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah. Further strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah overnight Monday and into Tuesday killed 12 more people. The military confirmed that over the past day, their air force planes struck approximately 40 targets in Gaza, including observation posts, Hamas military structures, and buildings rigged with explosives. The conflict in Gaza, sparked by Hamas' attack on October 7, has resulted in over 38,600 deaths, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. This ongoing war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents and causing widespread hunger. Hamas' initial attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants took around 250 hostages. According to Israeli authorities, about 120 hostages remain in captivity, with a third believed to be dead. Efforts to mediate a ceasefire, led by Egypt and Qatar, have faced significant challenges. Negotiations stalled on Saturday after three days of intense talks failed to yield a viable outcome. An Israeli strike targeting Hamas' military chief, Mohammed Deif, further complicated these efforts, killing more than 90 people and wounding hundreds in Khan Younis. A Palestinian official close to the negotiations noted that Hamas is eager to end the conflict but not at any price. "Hamas wants the war to end, but it says it has shown the necessary flexibility and is pushing the mediators to get Israel to reciprocate," the official stated. Hamas believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to avoid a deal by adding more conditions that restrict the return of displaced people to northern Gaza and maintain control over the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that two senior advisers to Netanyahu had reiterated Israel's commitment to reaching a ceasefire. The relentless airstrikes have taken a heavy toll on Gaza's civilian population. In Rafah, five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a house, while in Khan Younis, a man, his wife, and two children were killed. An Israeli airstrike on a car in Khan Younis killed at least 17 Palestinians and wounded 26 others. In the historic Nuseirat camp, separate shelling and aerial strikes killed at least four Palestinians. The Gaza health ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school in Nuseirat, which housed displaced families, killed 16 people and wounded many others. The violence has also extended to the West Bank, where a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli policeman before being killed by another officer. The assailant was identified as a 19-year-old from Gaza. Kim Jong Un makes North Korea's nuclear status "irreversible" (Photo: Edgar Su/Reuters) In a significant blow to North Korea, Ri Il-kyu, a senior diplomat based in Cuba, defected to South Korea in November. This marks the highest-ranking defection since 2016 and comes at a time of increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The defection of Ri, who was responsible for political affairs at Pyongyang's embassy in Cuba, was confirmed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). Ri's decision to flee was driven by disillusionment with the North Korean regime and dissatisfaction with his work evaluation, as reported by Chosun Ilbo. He stated, "Every North Korean thinks at least once about living in South Korea. Disillusionment with the North Korean regime and a bleak future led me to consider defection." Ri's responsibilities included preventing diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba, a mission he failed to accomplish as the two countries established ties in February. His role had previously earned him a commendation from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for negotiating the release of a North Korean ship detained in Panama in 2013. Ri's defection was a carefully orchestrated move. He bought flight tickets and informed his wife and child only six hours before their escape. "I didn't say South Korea, but said, let's live abroad," Ri recounted. He cited the denial of a request to travel to Mexico for medical treatment as a pivotal moment in his decision to defect. The process of defecting from North Korea is fraught with danger. Defectors face severe punishment, including death, if caught. This risk, along with stricter border controls and high broker fees, has led to a significant decrease in the number of defectors. In 2023, only 196 North Koreans successfully defected to South Korea, down from 2,700 a decade ago. Ri's defection follows a series of high-profile escapes by North Korean diplomats, including Tae Yong-ho, the former deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom in 2016, Jo Song-gil, the acting ambassador to Italy in 2019, and Ryu Hyun-woo, the acting ambassador to Kuwait in 2021. These defections highlight the growing discontent within North Korea's diplomatic ranks. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has promised better financial support for defectors and tax incentives for companies hiring them. At a recent ceremony for the inaugural North Korean Defectors' Day, Yoon emphasized the importance of supporting those who risk everything to escape the oppressive regime. North Korea has been struggling under the weight of international sanctions, leading to the closure of several embassies. Despite this, North Korea maintains an embassy in Cuba, although its ambassador returned home in March. The defection of Ri Il-kyu comes at a critical time. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been escalating, with North Korea launching missiles and conducting balloon campaigns as retaliatory actions against South Korean activists. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong-un, recently issued warnings to South Korea, promising "gruesome" consequences if the leaflet-sending activities continued. This high-level defection underscores the internal challenges facing the North Korean regime. While Kim Jong-un's grip on power remains firm, the increasing number of defections from among the elite signals growing discontent. "This high-level defection adds insult to injury for North Korea, as Ri was instrumental in representing Pyongyang's interests in Havana," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. He added, "The Kim regime is no doubt taking measures to make it more difficult for diplomats overseas to defect, but increased repression is likely to further isolate Pyongyang and may actually encourage more defections." Moon Seong Mook, an expert with the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, echoed these sentiments, noting that while the defection of diplomats like Ri may not lead to an immediate collapse of the regime, it deals a significant blow to Kim Jong-un's leadership. AP and Reuters contributed to this report. Forty-seven-year-old Naveen Tewari has been jet-setting between the swanky India headquarters of InMobi in Bengaluru and his office in San Francisco, where he has hired a team of 200 top-notch artificial intelligence (AI) engineers with the mandate to leverage the disruptive technology to transform his companys digital business. He is also scouting around to tie up with a global AI partner so that his company can integrate its technology with InMobis digital platforms. That is akin to what Apple Inc has done with Microsoft recently for its devices. The reason is simple. Tewari, co-founder and CEO Good news for entrepreneurs! The US is making it easier for business owners and entrepreneurs to extend their stay. You may be familiar with the Obama-era programme called the 'International Entrepreneur Rule' (IER). Under this programme, foreign entrepreneurs were initially allowed to stay in the US for two-and-a-half years. Now, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they can remain for up to five years if their ventures meet specific criteria such as funding milestones and job creation. What is the International Entrepreneur Rule? Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The IER, run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allows non-citizen entrepreneurs to apply for an authorised stay in the United States, known as "parole." This is based on the public benefit their business provides. Entrepreneurs can work exclusively for their startup, and their spouses are also eligible for parole and work authorisation, though their children are not. Entrepreneurs can apply whether they are abroad or already in the US. What are the key criteria for IER? Startup age: The startup must have been established in the US within the past five years. Growth potential: The startup must show potential for rapid growth and job creation, backed by investments of at least $264,147 (Rs 2.2 crore) from qualifying investors or $105,659 (Rs 88 lakh) in government awards, grants, or other evidence. Parole duration: Initially granted for up to 2.5 years, which can be extended up to a total of 5 years if additional criteria are met. Number of entrepreneurs: Up to three entrepreneurs per startup can be eligible for parole under this rule. Spouse employment: The spouse can seek employment authorisation after entering the US, but this does not apply to children. How do you qualify? Ownership and role requirements: Ownership: You must have at least 10% ownership in the startup. Role: You must be actively involved in the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the startup. Startup requirements: Business entity: The startup must be legally registered and operating in the US, formed within the last five years. Growth potential: Must demonstrate potential for rapid growth and job creation. Funding requirements: Investment: At least $264,147 from qualifying investors or $105,659 from US government awards or grants. Alternative evidence: Additional credible evidence can also be submitted to show the startups potential for growth. Family and employment Spouse: Can apply for parole and work authorisation. Children: Unmarried children under 21 can apply for parole but are not eligible for work authorisation. Eligibility for non-immigrants status If currently in nonimmigrant status (like B-1 or F-1), you can apply for IER parole. However, approval may require departure from the US for re-entry under parole conditions. Overstaying nonimmigrant status may lead to immigration consequences, including removal or inadmissibility. Overstaying non-immigrant status can lead to immigration issues. The IER was established in January 2017 to help foreign entrepreneurs grow their businesses in the US. The Trump administration tried to suspend it in 2018, but a court ruling required DHS to accept applications. The Biden administration has supported the IER, keeping it as a way for international entrepreneurs to contribute to the US economy. The programme hasn't been very successful yet. Since FY 2021, USCIS received 94 applications, with 26 approved, 28 rejected, and 40 pending or withdrawn. The recent changes aim to make the programme more attractive. In a move likely to boost employee morale ahead of its initial public offering (IPO), food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy announced its largest-ever Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) liquidity program on Monday. The program allows employees to sell a portion of their company stock options for a combined total of up to $65 million. This programme allows Swiggy employees to sell some of their company shares for a total of up to $65 million. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Who Can Participate: Employees across all levels and departments in Swiggy are eligible. Over 3,200 employees across all levels and departments will be eligible to participate, with the company facilitating over Rs 1,000 crore worth of liquidity for employees through these programs to date. This is the fifth time Swiggy has offered such a programme to employees. It's happening before the company goes public through an IPO. So far, the company has cumulatively enabled over Rs 1,000 crore of ESOP liquidity over the five events. Who is buying shares? Other investors interested in owning a piece of Swiggy will purchase the shares being sold by employees. Company Valuation: Industry sources say the company is valued at $9.3 billion in these secondary transactions (selling shares to employees before IPO). Who else is selling: Swiggy's co-founders and some other employees are also likely selling a portion of their shares through this programme. Rewarding employees by unlocking wealth-creation opportunities as Swiggy grows has always been a key priority for us, said Girish Menon, head of human resources at Swiggy. "Employees owning shares of their company creates alignment of incentives and a sharp focus on collaborative excellence, which is a virtuous cycle that we believe in and espouse. As we approach the milestone of a decade of consumer love for Swiggy, the latest ESOP event is an acknowledgment of our employees' contributions, and our commitment to sharing Swiggys success and growth with them." Business Standard decodes this ESOP programme for you: What is the ESOP liquidity programme? The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) liquidity program allows employees to convert their shares into cash, essentially monetizing their ownership stakes. This program is undertaken by the company to acknowledge and reward employees' contributions to the company's success, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term commitment. "By offering a financial incentive, companies aim to retain talent and motivate employees to work towards shared goals. These programs are typically implemented before a company goes public, as post-IPO regulations (Regulation 37 of the SEBI ICDR Regulations) impose a lock-in period of one year on pre-issue capital. While, an exemption exists for current employees who have been allotted shares under the ESOP, however, this does not extend to former employees. For instance, Swiggy recently announced a $65 million ESOP liquidity program ahead of its IPO. Similarly, in 2020, Ola, India's leading ride-hailing company, launched a $150 million ESOP liquidity program, allowing eligible employees to sell a portion of their vested stock options before its planned IPO," said Keshav Singhania, Private Client Leader, Singhania & Co. How will it benefit employees? An ESOP liquidity program benefits employees by providing a financial gain through monetizing their vested shares or stock options, offering liquidity to otherwise illiquid assets, recognizing and rewarding their contributions, motivating them to stay with the organization long-term, giving them a sense of ownership and participation, offering tax benefits, allowing diversification of investments, and promoting transparency. "By offering such a program, companies demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare and motivation, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging talent retention and enabling wealth-creation for employees," added Singhania. Taxation challenges for ESOPs: When are ESOPs Taxed? Employees get taxed on ESOPs twice under the current system. First Time: Exercising the Option (Perquisite) This happens when the employee decides to convert their ESOPs into actual company shares. The tax is based on the difference between the fair market value (actual market price) of the share and the exercise price (discounted price the employee pays). This difference is considered a taxable benefit (perquisite) the employee receives as part of their salary. Example: A company offers 100 shares with a market value of Rs 100 each to an employee at an exercise price of Rs 75 per share. When the employee exercises the option, they get taxed on the difference of Rs 25 per share (100 - 75) for all 100 shares. This translates to a tax on Rs 2,500 (100 shares * 25 difference). " Since the ESOPs are offered at a discounted rate from its fair market value, referred to as exercise price, they are taxable on the difference between the fair market value and the exercise price of these shares. As soon as the employee exercises the ESOPs through trigger option, the shares become taxable at the hands of the employee," said Singhania. Second Time: Selling the Shares (Capital Gains) This is similar to how any shareholder pays capital gains tax when they sell their shares. The tax depends on how long the employee holds the shares (holding period) and the difference between the selling price and the fair market value at the time of exercise (purchase). Long-term capital gains (held for over 1 year) are taxed at a lower rate compared to short-term capital gains (held for less than a year). Tax Benefits of the Programme: This program might offer some tax-saving opportunities for employees: Offset long-term capital gains from selling ESOP shares with long-term capital losses from other investments, potentially reducing the overall tax burden. Claim a tax deduction under a specific section of the Income Tax Act (Section 80C) for the amount invested in ESOP shares, subject to a yearly limit. How ESOPs Typically Work: ESOP grants are usually divided into vesting periods. For example, if an employee gets 100 ESOPs, they might only be able to access 25 shares each year for the next four years. Once a vesting period ends, the employee has the option to exercise their options, meaning they can convert those shares into actual company stock. The exercise price is typically set lower than the actual market price of the company's shares. This gives employees a potential benefit when they eventually sell the shares. While Swiggy's ESOP programme offers liquidity and potential benefits, employees still face tax challenges due to the way ESOPs are taxed in India. The program tries to mitigate this by potentially allowing some tax-saving strategies. " This program benefits employees from a tax perspective by allowing them to offset long-term capital gains from ESOP shares against long-term capital losses, taxed at a lower rate of 10% (plus surcharge and cess), and exempt from tax under Section 10(38) if held for over 12 months. Additionally, employees can claim a tax deduction under Section 80C for the amount invested in ESOP shares, subject to the overall limit of INR 1.5 lakh. This enables tax-efficient planning, minimizing tax implications, and reducing tax liability, making the program a valuable benefit for employees," said Singhania. Prime minister Narendra Modi remains the chairperson of the Aayog, Suman K Bery will continue to hold the Vice Chairman post, while VK Saraswat, Ramesh Chand, VK Paul and Arvind Virmani will remain full-time members. While the top postions in the apex public policy think tank remain unchanged, several new ministers in the newly formed government have been appointed as either ex-officio members or special invitees to the Aayog. Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months of Islam. The Islamic calendar contains 354 days and is divided into 12 months. After Ramadan, or Ramzan, Muharram is believed to be the most sacred month in Islam. The tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura, commemorated by all the Muslims recognising the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, the last Messenger. This year the Ashura will begin from the evening of July 16, 2024 and will be celebrated on July 17, 2024. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Muharram 2024: History Both Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate Muharram, which is remembered as a key event, especially martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad in the battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The battle has great religious and political importance in Islamic history. The battle took place during the rule of Yazid I, the second Umayyad caliph. The battle was between Imam Hussain's forces and the Umayyad army. Imam Hussain, his family, and a small group of loyal followers refused to pay allegiance to Yazid I believing that his rule was unjust and against Islamic principles. They travelled to Kufa (present-day Iraq) answering calls for support from its people. They met the huge Umayyad army after reaching Karbala, and Imam Hussains group was no match for them, in terms of strength. Despite all odds being against them, Imam Hussain stayed committed to justice and Islam's teachings. He and his supporters bravely fought against Umayyad forces on the 10th day of Muharram. Hussain's followers, which included men, women, and children, were deprived of food and water for several days, and were killed brutally at the end. Hussain was martyred in the battle. Significance of Ashura Ashura day holds special significance in Islam, especially for Shia Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the Karbala, which symbolises the battle against tyranny and injustice. Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, stood strong against the oppressive regime of Yazid, which is a powerful narrative resonating with the themes of sacrifice, faith and moral integrity. It also holds special significance for Sunni Muslims as well as on this day Moses and Israelites were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny, a narrative found in the Hebrew Bible and Quran. Muharram 2024: Rituals Muharram is celebrated widely among different cultures and communities. Here are some of the common practices include: On this day, many people engage in acts of mourning, which include black clothing, reciting elegies, and reflecting on the Karbala event. Mourning ceremonies known as Majlis also take place where people chant the remembrance of Imam Hussain. Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory, however, many people observe fast on this day reflecting the struggles of Imam Hussain and many prophets of Islam. Sunni Muslims observe fast on the 9th and 10th day, while Shia Muslims do on Ashura itself. In many parts of the world, especially in South Asia and the Middle East, processions are organised to remember the ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain. Muslims also distribute food and money to needs as an act of charity, during Muharram emphasising compassion and community. Muharram 2024: Top 10 best wishes SpiceJet shares Q4FY24 results: SpiceJet shares zoomed 7.3 per cent to Rs 60 per share on the BSE in Tuesday's (July 16's) intraday trade. This comes after SpiceJet shares zoomed 7.3 per cent to Rs 60 per share on the BSE in Tuesday's (July 16's) intraday trade. This comes after SpiceJet , a budget airline, posted a six-fold jump in its standalone profit for the January to March quarter of the previous financial year (Q4FY24). According to SpiceJet's exchange filing, the airline reported a standalone net profit of Rs 119 crore in Q4FY24 as against a net profit of Rs 16.9 crore for the January-March quarter of FY23 (Q4FY23). Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp ALSO READ: SpiceJet posts 6-fold jump in profit to Rs 119 cr for March quarter Operationally, however, SpiceJet Q4FY24 revenue was Rs 1,571.2 crore, down from Rs 2,145 crore reported in the year-ago quarter. "We announce a strong financial performance in Q4 FY2024, with net profit surging sixfold to Rs 119 crore compared to the same quarter last year. The results reflect our relentless efforts to enhance operational efficiency and our commitment to turning around the company's fortunes," SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, said in a statement. "As we move forward, we are exploring opportunities to raise fresh funds to further bolster our growth plans and take advantage of the burgeoning demand in the Indian aviation market," Singh added. The Ajay Singh-owned airline also disclosed financial results for the September quarter, and reported a net loss of Rs 300 crore for the quarter. In Q3FY23, the airline had reported a net profit of Rs 110 crore during the period. That said, SpiceJet airline reported a 72.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) reduction in its consolidated net loss to Rs 418.3 crore for FY24, amid ongoing cash crunch. This marks the sixth consecutive year the airline has posted a loss. The budget airline was last in the green in 2017-18, when it posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 557.4 crore. "Losses over the last few years have been primarily driven by adjustments on account of the implementation of Ind AS 116 (new accounting standard that came into force in 2019), adverse foreign exchange rates, operational disruption during Covid-19, followed by sub-optimal operations due to liquidity constraints faced by the Group," SpiceJet said in a statement. ALSO READ: SpiceJet posts net loss for sixth consecutive year amid ongoing cash crunch The budget airline was last in the green in 2017-18, when it posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 557.4 crore."Losses over the last few years have been primarily driven by adjustments on account of the implementation of Ind AS 116 (new accounting standard that came into force in 2019), adverse foreign exchange rates, operational disruption during Covid-19, followed by sub-optimal operations due to liquidity constraints faced by the Group," SpiceJet said in a statement. On the bourses, shares of SpiceJet surged 7.7 per cent on Monday, ahead of the results. With today's rally, the stock has rallied 15 per cent in two days. By comparison, the BSE Sensex is up 0.4 per cent during the period. SpiceJet shares had hit a record high of Rs 156.9 per share on June 3, 2019, and an all-time low of Rs 1 on September 3, 2001. The small-cap company's market-capitalisation (m-cap) stood at Rs 4,590.64 crore at 9:50 AM, and commands a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of (-)42,39x. SpiceJet Ltd. is a low cost carrier (LCC) engaged in providing air transport services for carriage of passengers and cargo. It is powered by a fully integrated transportation network including air cargo ground transportation and warehousing facilities. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court, on July 09, initiated contempt proceedings against SpiceJet for its failure to fulfil the order of the Court requiring the airlines to hand over two Boeing aircrafts and three engines to TWC Aviation. Gujarati family drives from Ahmedabad to London in their 73-year-old car, which they affectionately called "Lal Pari" The internet is in awe of the unique adventure embarked on by this Gujarati family. The family travelled all the way from India to London by road in a vintage car. Well, this was the reality of a Gujarati family, which set on a daunting and adventurous journey, covering 10,500 km from Ahmedabad to London in 73 days, and that too in a 73-year-old car. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The family completed their emotional expedition in 2023 but gained widespread attention on social media after featuring on an Instagram page. An Instagram account, namely "The Culture Gully", shared a video of the Gujarati family that covered a 10,500 km road trip from Ahmedabad to London. Daman Thakore and his family set on an adventure of a lifetime in 1950s MG YT Lal Pari from their home in Ahmedabad to London. The caption of the Instagram post also reads, "They covered a total of 16 countries over a span of 2.5 months with the cost of the trip equivalent to that of a Mercedes." The video also features the car, which they affectionately called "Lal Pari (Red Angel)." The family shared their achievement on a dedicated page expressing gratitude for the support they received. They described the journey as 73 days of madness, sweat, and blood. This achievement makes them the first Indians to achieve this feat in a vintage car covering the journey from India to the UK. How did Social Media users react? Social Media users are expressing admiration for the family's courage and determination to cover this long journey. One of the Instagram users said, 1976 I drove with my parents from London to Sri Lanka, more people must enjoy such once in a lifetime exciting over the land trips. Another user asked if they were able to do it because of a European passport. In response to that comment, a family member replied, No we all had Indian passports. We were able to do this because we dreamt it and dared to act on it, everything is possible if you start. I love this, a fourth posted, This is beautiful, a third user wrote. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents as he leaves the stage at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (Photo: PTI) A new video surfaced over the internet showing some attendees noticing the gunman on the nearby roof minutes before he fired multiple shots at the rally of former US President Donald Trump 's campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania. After the assassination attempt on July 13, some rallygoers informed reporters that they alerted authorities about that suspicious man on the roof of a nearby manufacturing plant. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The viral video shows people directing police to the roof. Later, authorities confirmed that the 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Trump before being shot by the Secret Service snipers. In one of the viral videos, people could be heard shouting, "Officer! Officer!" pointing towards the building. Followed by another voice, "Yeah, someone is on the roof". The new video supports the statement made by the attendees after the incident that they informed police about the suspicious men who climbed onto the roof of the business, Agr International, which is involved in the business of industrial equipment. The shooter is seen on the roof of a shed which is 150 metres or 400 feet away from the stage where Trump was addressing the people. He stayed down and crawled forward after getting on to the roof. Major Security Failure According to "The Washington Post", the law enforcement was made aware of Crooks before he fired the shots at the former President. Resultantly, it becomes tough for the Secret Service to answer this which analysts believe is a major security failure. Trump was wounded in the fire, two members were injured and one lost his life. The Secret Service did not respond immediately and the director Kimberly Cheatle sent a memo to her agents praising the safe movement of Trump post-firing. President Biden said an independent review would take place regarding to the security of the rally. Alejandro Mayorkas, Homeland Security Secretary, called for an independent investigation calling this assassination attempt a 'security failure'. A Secret Service spokesperson told CNN that the agency did not personally sweep the building but relied on local police to secure the location. The building was reportedly beyond the security perimeter. The Washington Post states that the Secret Service monitored the event inside the secure area, and police are responsible for the local township and county departments. Now, the FBI is investigating the incident and an independent review panel has been set up to investigate the reason behind the security breach. The property downturn and sluggish consumer demand pulled growth below forecasts in the second quarter. After Beijing ordered Chinese cities to buy newly-completed apartments and turn them into affordable housing, the first steps they took were to unveil plans to broaden eligibility for subsidies and fix other economic headaches in the process. Chinese leaders issued the directive in May, aiming to alleviate a protracted property crisis, which has led to bloated inventories of unsold apartments that have crippled developers' cash flows and weighed heavily on home prices, consumer confidence and economic activity. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The property downturn and sluggish consumer demand pulled growth below forecasts in the second quarter. Some analysts saw authorities' new approach on social housing as a rare consumer-oriented move in China that promises to transfer resources from local governments to households, which many have long called for as a means to boost domestic demand. But an analysis of public statements from 20 Chinese cities shows that local officials are thinking bigger than that. Most have distributed questionnaires to doctors, teachers and other groups beyond the usual low-income demographic targets to gauge demand for subsidised rents and apartment purchases. Some have called on migrant factory workers from rural areas or even scientific researchers to express interest. Economists say these announcements show that the cities are seizing on the new housing policy in ways that try to address brain drain and net population outflows to mega-cities such as Shanghai or Shenzhen. Easing labour shortages in factories and strengthening healthcare and education could help reduce some of economic and social pressures in smaller population centres by boosting activity and broadening the tax base. "Smaller cities are more motivated to develop affordable housing," Hwabao Trust economist Nie Wen said. "Through affordable rents they can attract more migrant workers and reduce the net outflow of people. Affordable housing can also be sold to police, doctors, teachers, and help retain talent." Cities across China have only just started to release statements on their efforts to implement the May directive, with details of the targeted population groups emerging for the first time. Ten of 20 statements reviewed by Reuters announced surveys of medical staff, teachers and other public sector employees. The eastern cities of Yantai and Longkou also said migrant workers are eligible to buy and rent affordable homes. Hangzhou and Jinhua in the wealthier Zhejiang province want scientists. Tangshan in the Hebei province, near Beijing, offers housing to new citizens and people younger than 35. Kunming in the southwest is targeting unspecified "talent groups that the city needs," it said in a statement. Duan, in the heavily indebted, poorer Guangxi region, offers discounted apartments to "families who don't own housing, or whose per-capita home area is below 15 square metres." Analysts expect these surveys to return strong interest. But many would-be renters or buyers might change their minds if the apartments that authorities purchase for the scheme are in poor condition or in inconvenient locations. "We don't know yet what the quality of these apartments is," said Ma Hong, senior analyst at GDDCE Research Institution. 'SO POOR' Beijing is facilitating 500 billion yuan ($69 billion) in funding for the scheme nationwide, and many analysts expect it to increase funding in the future. Few cities have indicated the size of the planned subsidies. Yantai and Longkou offer monthly rent discounts of 400 yuan for university graduates and 300 yuan for others. A further 50 yuan applies for each additional household member. That amounts to subsidies of at least 20 per cent in both cities, according to Yantai Daily and an online rental platform. Hangzhou, home to tech giant Alibaba Group, says renting a 50 square metre (538 square feet) apartment would only cost around 500 yuan per month. Residents in the southwestern city of Leshan and the southern city of Yongzhou who have returned the official forms indicated flats of up to 110 sqm could be bought for about two-thirds of the market price. In Leshan, this would reduce prices by around 100,000 yuan, allowing teacher Emma Xu, who earns 4,300 yuan monthly, to finally afford a home. Monthly mortgage payments would be just above 1,000 yuan, about the same as her current rent. She's looking forward to saving for rainy days, instead of for an apartment. "I'm so poor," said the 24-year-old. "I'm from the countryside, I live in a teachers' dormitory, I'm paying back a student loan and I'm supporting my parents. I haven't managed to save any money." CONSUMPTION GOALS To facilitate household consumption in the longer term, the scheme would need to be scaled up and complemented by other reforms, analysts say. Moody's Analytics economist Harry Murphy Cruise estimates existing affordable housing accounts for about 5 per cent of the total housing stock in China. "Boosting that to 20 per cent-30 per cent would be of "massive benefit" for many Chinese and for household consumption at a macro level, but it would require between 3 and 4 trillion yuan in financing," he said. "China desperately needs to re-balance its economy," he said, "It needs household spending to really drive growth sustainably in the future." "Affordable housing isn't a silver bullet to that, but it's certainly a key pillar of a strategy," he added. Welfare reforms, so that people like Xu worry less about their ageing parents, also would go a long way. "Households may save less if they deem that they do not have to set aside too much money for expensive housing," said Louise Loo, China economist at Oxford Economics. "That said, the savings function in China depends also on other structural elements in place such as solid wage growth, and adequate expected pension payouts", he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China's Wuhu appoints officer to offer personalized help for overseas firms People's Daily Online) 14:36, July 16, 2024 China's Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Area, located in Wuhu city, east China's Anhui Province, has appointed a dedicated "chief foreign company service officer" to provide personalized assistance to overseas enterprises, as part of its efforts to attract and retain foreign investment. In January 2023, the area established a service hall within its investment service center and appointed Yin Lu, a multilingual staff member fluent in Chinese, English, and German, to the role. As the chief foreign company service officer, Yin offers "one-stop, zero-distance" assistance to foreign companies, addressing concerns ranging from minor issues like local attractions to major business matters. Yin Lu (left), chief foreign company service officer at Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Area, engages with a customer. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun) The Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Area hosts 163 foreign-funded enterprises, including 31 invested by oversea Fortune Global 500 companies. To cater to their needs, the area has created a foreign-funded enterprise database and regularly communicates preferential policies and enterprise-related services through company visits and information releases on portal websites. "Foreign executives often face challenges due to unfamiliar surroundings and language barriers when they first arrive in the area," said Yin. Therefore, the chief foreign company service officer collects demands through barrier-free, one-on-one services and collaborates with relevant functional departments to provide solutions, with simple matters resolved on the same day and complex issues addressed within five days. In November 2023, a foreign executive from Continental Automobile Body Electronic System (Wuhu) Co. Ltd. raised concerns about heavy truck traffic near the factory gate and requested the installation of speed bumps. Following an investigation, speed bumps were promptly installed, earning praise from the company. "In the service center, everyone is a 'service officer.' You can contact us at any time!" Yin said. The establishment of the role is just one example of the Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Area's efforts to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. In 2023, the area signed 13 new foreign capital projects worth approximately 2.2 billion yuan ($303 million), with reinvestment from foreign enterprises accounting for 77 percent. The actual utilized foreign capital reached $207 million, representing 78 percent of Wuhu city's total and a 94 percent increase from the previous year. (Pan Yidan, an intern, also contributed to this article.) 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Mr Gallagher said the processing sector can and must do more on lamb price to reflect the actual costs of lamb production on farms and must be a lot stronger with retailers. In relation to retailers, he said they are very quick to talk about their green credentials when it comes to marketing themselves to their customers, but at the first opportunity will undermine local farmers by sourcing cheap imports from outside the EU to maintain their own margins. The Agri Food Regulator has a serious job of work to do to provide sheep farmers with full transparency in the supply chain. Sheep farmers have seen prices cut by over 20% in the past few weeks, but product on shelves hasnt changed to this extent, if at all, he said. Mr Gallagher said the severity and speed of the recent price cuts is also a timely reminder to the minister for agriculture Charlie McConalogue about the importance of direct supports for sheep farmers and their incomes. He said the sheep sector is a low-income vulnerable sector that does not have the capacity to absorb the type of price volatility we are experiencing at the hands of the factories and retailers. Strong, meaningful, targeted supports are vital for farmers who continue to lamb ewes in the sector. The minister must extend the Sheep Welfare Scheme into 2025 and commit to additional funding in the scheme to bring total payments per ewe to 30, when combined with SIS, he concluded. ADEQUATE transport services across Co Carlow was raised as a priority at the first meeting of Carlow County Council recently. Cllr Will Paton brought forward a notice of motion calling on Transport for Ireland to provide a bus stop at Ardattin village. Cllr Paton noted the proposed new bus route by Transport for Ireland from Gorey to Carlow A67 and stated that members of Carlow County Council should request TFI to provide a bus stop in Ardattin. The motion was seconded by cllr William Quinn and supported by all members. Cllr Michael Doran remarked that this motion pertained to a lot of areas in the county and it was important that the council's Transport SPC look at it and provide bus stops where required. Cllr Jim Deane agreed that this was a very important issue, adding that we were way behind other counties in terms of this provision. Its very important in this day and age look at all the other countries in Europe and we still have people standing by the side of the road, cllr Deane argued. Cllr Andrea Dalton remarked that it was particularly relevant in rural Co Carlow, with many travelling into Carlow as a university town. Cllr Paul Doogue referred to Carlow Town Bus Park and people with left with no shelter from the elements. It should be something that is looked at, he remarked. THE OWNERS of the site of the former meat factory in Bagenalstown have utterly refuted suggestions that there is asbestos on the site or that they have walked away from their responsibilities. At a recent meeting of Carlow County Council, cllr Andy Gladney claimed the former factory contains 30 tonnes of asbestos and is swarming with rats. The Sinn Fein councillor slammed Carlow County Council for turning a blind eye to the problem and accused the owners of the site of simply walking away and leaving the prominent site on the outskirts of the town in a deplorable state. There is 30 tonnes of asbestos in it it is in a deplorable condition. The owners are gone out of it a long time and absolutely nothing has been done about it, he argued. Cllr Gladney claimed the former meat factory was plagued by rats in the former slaughter areas within the factory, adding it was disgraceful that this was allowed to happen at a site so close to the town. He argued that such a site wouldnt be allowed to go unresolved for so long if it was in Carlow town. And the owners just get to walk away? Its an absolute disgrace, said cllr Gladney, who added that he had informed council officials of the situation some time ago. This week, The Nationalist was contacted by a spokesperson for Firtree Developments, owners of the 28-and-a-half acre site, who strongly disputed cllr Gladney's claims. We cannot develop that site until Irish Water complete their work on the new water treatment system for Bagenalstown. Cllr Gladney knows that, so I find it bizarre that he would shoot his mouth off in the way he has, said the spokesperson. We cannot develop that site until we have the connection. Irish Water are working in Bagenalstown at the moment but when we will have a connection, we do not know, he added. The spokesperson stated that they have been in discussions with Carlow County Council and it has been made clear to them that until planning permission is secured, no work can be carried out on the site. We did go about cleaning up the site but were told that until planning permission is given we cannot carry out work on the site, said the spokesperson. He added that the company is fully committed to developing the site as a residential area when the connection to water treatment systems by Irish Water is complete and planning permission secured. At the council meeting, chief executive Coilin OReilly assured cllr Gladney that no blind eye was being turned by the council. If action needs to be taken, we will take it, the chief executive insisted, as he rejected "out of hand" any suggestion otherwise. A woman who died in Co Carlow following a collision between a car and van along a notorious road blackspot on Monday night is a Tipperary native. The two men from Co Wexford who were travelling in the van along N80 in the towns land of Ballintrane, close to the village of Ballon, were airlifted to two hospitals in Dublin in a serious condition. The collision occurred at 6.51pm on Monday in Ballintrane close to the Fighting Cocks restaurant and pub. The woman aged 33, who was the driver of an Audi A4 car was treated by emergency services at the scene, but passed away from her injuries. The two men, one aged 34 is in the Mater Hospital is now in a stable condition following surgery and the other aged 45 was taken to Tallaght Hospital where he remains. The men were travelling in a Mercedes van. Newly elected cllr Ben Ward who is from the area has expressed a sense of shock, upset and also annoyance at yet another accident on the N80. The road has now reopened following an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators. The N80 is the main vehicular artery between the M9 Motorway and Rosslare Euro Port. Garda Superintendent Anthony Farrell from Carlow Garda Station is appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Supt Farrell explained that he and his team of gardai are focusing on members of the public who may have been using this part of the roadway around the time of collision between 6.15pm and 7pm. He continued: Motorists may have been travelling towards Carlow or Ballon at the time and might have noticed either vehicle, a White Audi A4 171D or indeed the White Mercedes Vito Van, 172WX. They might have dashcam footage, or could have seen either vehicle pass while travelling. If anyone has information to support our garda investigation, please contact Tullow Garda Station on 059-9151222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Just over two weeks ago a motorcyclist was seriously injured following a collision involving a bus along the same stretch of road close to Ballon. The injured man aged in his 40s has been airlifted to hospital with what are believed to be serious but non life threatening injuries. The notoriously dangerous stretch of road which has claimed the lives of several people in the past several years. Earlier this year three young people lost their lives and another man was seriously injured along the N80. Daryl Culbert, 21, from Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, Katie Graham, 19, from Arles, Co Laois and Michael Kelly, 25, from Nurney, Co Carlow were killed when the red Lexus car they were travelling in left the N80 in the townland of Leagh, less than 10km from Carlow town, and crashed into a tree at around 11.30pm on January 31. A fourth occupant of the car, a man in his 20s from Ballinabrannagh, Co Carlow, was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries in Beaumont Hospital. Carlow County Council in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are to start construction to remove a series of dangerous bends along the N80 at the end of this month. THANK God, the general election is the UK is over. I dont know about you, but I was sick to the teeth of listening to our commentators rabbiting on and on about how the Conservatives were going to be annihilated, how Nigel Farage was the new face of politics in the UK and it was a new dawn for the Labour Party over there. Who cares? I could not believe that RTE ran an almost minute-by-minute commentary on the election count through the night and into the early morning, with presenters in Belfast and London. I, for one, would have much preferred if RTE Radio 1 had stuck to Shay Byrne and his excellent Rising Time programme instead of giving us the shock news that Liz Truss, one-time British prime minister, had lost her seat by a couple of hundred votes, or that Ian Paisley Junior had also been given the boot. Again, I say: who cares? Dont get me wrong like practically everyone else in this country, I have English cousins. My late uncle emigrated to England in the 1950s where he met and married an Irish woman from Gorey. The couple had four children and, as youngsters, like thousands of other first generation Irish/English, they came home to spend their summers with the rest of the gang, such as it was. Over the years, some of those cousins, like thousands of others, maintained a connection with the old country and to this day still visit. In fact, one of my cousins was home only a couple of months ago with his family and grandchildren and will be back here next month for the wedding of my nephew. So all is good on that front. However, apart from exploring the family connection and visiting tourist spots around the country, when it comes to knowing about our history, or even the make-up of our government, I bet your English cousins like mine would be hard pressed to even pronounce the word taoiseach, let alone know who that person was. We, on the other hand, have had to listen to months and months of commentary by the media about how Keir Starmer, the new UK prime minister, will change all that is rotten in the UK. For those of you who have lived under a rock for the past six months or more, he is the leader of the Labour Party, who, along with an Irishman, developed a strategy to oust the Conservatives from power after more than a decade. I know it is all-important for Ireland to have a good working relationship with our nearest trading partner and, God knows, in recent times they havent shown the slightest interest in helping us curb the number of asylum seekers crossing the Irish Sea and then getting on a train in Belfast to head south. We all know what Jacob Rees-Moggs thoughts were on that subject, so yes, there were no tears spilt when he lost his seat, but time will tell if we will see any change in attitude from the UK now that there has been a changing of the guard. Remember, when he was looking to become leader of the Labour Party, Mr Starmer gave a number of commitments to his party. Some who reluctantly came on board at that time will say he has reneged on some, if not all, of those. Again, only time will tell if well see any real change when it comes to handling that near-impossible problem of asylum seekers coming from the UK to Ireland, or, if they are returned to the UK, if the authorities there will be interested in dealing with the problem at all. We also spent an inordinate amount of time commenting on the results of the election in Northern Ireland. Yes, that part of the country is a minefield and I always maintain it is impossible for anyone down South to fully understand what went on during the Troubles when we could sleep easy at night and not worry about being shot or bombed out of our homes, irrespective of what side we allegedly represented. But the party that won the largest number of seats to the House of Commons doesnt even go there, for reasons I understand so why all the time and energy spent covering what is basically a non-event? Our own TDs started their summer holidays on 11 July and will not return for another nine weeks unless something extraordinary happens, which is highly unlikely. Im sure they deserve a break, even if many will tell you that they will be concentrating on constituency clinics and getting ready for a general election in this country. I, for one, couldnt give a damn about that. Im just looking forward to a break from all politics for a few weeks. A CARLOW stylist and businesswoman has been recognised for her outstanding standards of excellence, innovation and dedication. Maria Haberlin, owner of Berlin Hair Lounge, Shamrock Plaza, Carlow, took home the top award of Best Stylist at the prestigious Hi Style Passoa Hair and Beauty Awards 2024. The event, which took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork, recognised and celebrated the outstanding talents within the hair and beauty community. Maria says she is absolutely delighted with the award adding that none of this would be possible without our incredible team. Its a testament to the salons dedication to excellence in service, skill, and customer satisfaction, Maria praised. Speaking about the event, Maria described that incredible atmosphere evident in the room, emphasising the exceptional talent present in Ireland and the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of peers within the industry. The team at Berlin Hair Lounge, Derbhla Byrne, Kerrie-Ann Ayres, Maria Haberlin, Jessy Howe and Olivia Tracey The nominees is the Style Passoa Hair and Beauty Awards 2024, showcased the very best in the industry. It was an evening of glamour and celebration as the awards honoured the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals and establishments who have set new standards of excellence in the world of hair and beauty. Maria and the team at Berlin Hair Lounge would like to thank everyone who has been a part of their journey and has contributed to this incredible honour. Maria commented; Were excited about the road ahead as we will be moving to our new home later in the year, which will be a one stop shop for hair and beauty and still have the fun and laughter! The new premises will boast 3,700sq ft that will hold over 30 stations, six beauty rooms and a scalp clinic. With good coffee and a fabulous view of the Barrow, the Berlin Hair Lounge team will look forward to continuing to serve our clients with passion, skill, and dedication, she said. A CARLOW film maker who has released a movie based on the folklore around the Blackstairs mountains has just had her film screened at a prestigious film festival in New Mexico. Legends of the Mountain is a short film on County Carlow history and folklore by Nuala Dalton which was screened at The Roswell Daily Record Film Festival in New Mexico, USA, this week. The Roswell Daily Record is known for being the newspaper that told the news of an alleged UFO crash outside the city in 1947. This year, the festival screened twenty seven films, on themes of the paranormal, including Nualas. Written, directed and produced by Nuala, this is her third short film on the region. In Legends of the Mountain I explore folk tales from the Blackstairs Mountains. Tales of outlaws and supernatural beings were kept alive for centuries through our local folklore and I wanted to bring them back to life, explained Nuala. These type of folktales can seem simple on the surface, but the tales have many layers. They connected people to ancestral experience and often, to what was for them a sacred other world. In my film excerpts of these old tales are reenacted, and the historical context through which the tales emerged is revealed in interviews with three historians. The 15 minute short film features the historians Kevin Whelan of Dublin Global Gateway, University of Notre Dame; Dr Coleman A Dennehy and John Stocks Powell. The stories were acted by Tina Kavanagh, Michael Nolan, Brid Waters, Jim Quirke and Sean Ryan. It had its premier last year at Carlow Arts Festival. The film went on to win Best Short Documentary at West Side Documentary Festival in Epirus Greece, and has screened at a variety of other festivals including San Francisco Irish Film Festival, Manchester International Film Festival, Cut International Film Festival New Jersey, and the Goa Short Film Festival at Sanskruti Bhavan, Goa. The film was supported by Creative Ireland Carlow. Nualas previous film Higher Ground featured hill farmers, the late Tommy Ryan,Tomduff, Borris, and Martin Shannon, Knockroe. Nuala is originally from south Co Carlow and she has dedicated Legends of the mountain to her grandmother Rosanna Coleman from Coonogue, the Blackstairs. To see Naulas film, go to to: www.roswellufomuseum.com/upcoming-events SOME of Carlows finest artists had their work exhibited in San Francisco, thanks to the ingenuity of Maurice OReilly who runs the Made in Carlow art gallery. Though Maurice has been based in Ireland in recent years, he spent most of his life in San Francisco. Last year, when he was back visiting his family and friends state-side, it was suggested that Maurice should bring art work by some of the artists that exhibit in his Carlow gallery. The pop-up art exhibiton is full of work by Carlow artists The exhibition happened last month through the sheer determination of Maurice and the two others who are involved in Made in Carlow musician Zoe Hayter and artist, Deimante Stankeviciute. The exhibition took place in the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco which was also hosting their annual summer camp for children. The three Irish visitors volunteered with the camp activities with Zoe giving music lessons and Maurice and Deimante gave art classes. Liam Reidy, president of the United Irish Cultural Center, with Maurice O'Reilly from the Made In Carlow gallery Helping out at the summer camp was a lot of fun. These kids were really into their Irish culture. They knew how to write their names in Irish. Their parents are interested in keeping their culture alive. For the art exhibition, they brought paintings by such artists as Mary Clare Nolan, Trudi Doyle and Gala Hutton, which were well received. Maurice, Zoe and Deimante are now getting ready for the upcoming fringe arts festival and are looking for musicians of all ages and abilities to take place in a busking competition. Weve had the busking competition for the past two years and its gone down very well. People love music on the street, it creates a great vibe, smiled Maurice. To enter the competition, call into Made in Carlow on Tullow Street, or email whyweneedart@gmail.com Eoin Reynolds Garda killer Aaron Brady accepts that his attempt to pervert the course of justice during his trial was wrong, but he maintains that witnesses gave untrue evidence against him, his barrister has told the Special Criminal Court. Michael O'Higgins SC, for Brady, on Tuesday said his client had made an error in judgment against a "fraught background" involving covid lockdowns and a belief that people who said they heard Brady admit to killing a garda were under pressure and saying things that were untrue. Mr O'Higgins said the fraught background was not a justification for what Brady did, but provides a "context and a rational narrative as to why and how it occurred". In August 2020, Brady (33) formerly of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh was convicted by a jury of the murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe during a credit union robbery at Lordship, Bellurgan, Co Louth on January 25th 2013. The jury found that Brady was the man who shot Det Gda Donohoe in the head from close range. Earlier this year, Brady pleaded guilty to a charge that on a date between February 20th and May 7th 2020, within the State, he video recorded the playing of an interview between Ronan Flynn, a witness at his trial, and An Garda Siochana, thus embarking on a course of conduct intended to pervert the course of justice. Mr Flynn, who did not give evidence at Brady's trial, spoke to gardai in October 2017 while he was living in New York. He had shared an apartment with Brady and said that he often heard the defendant admit to shooting Det Gda Donohoe. Mr Flynn said that when Brady was drunk he would listen to the Wolfe Tones and get "angry and frustrated with himself" and say things like: "Sure f**k it, I shot a guard". The video of Mr Flynn's garda interview was uploaded to WhatsApp, Youtube and Facebook with text accusing Mr Flynn of "touting" and claiming he had charges against him in the US dropped in return for his statement. Brady also sent photographs of part of the statement of Daniel Cahill to Dean Byrne, a violent criminal who was housed on the same wing of Mountjoy Prison as Brady. Byrne sent the statements to at least two people in an attempt to get Mr Cahill's family members to persuade him not to give evidence. Mr Cahill did give evidence at Brady's trial, telling the jury that Brady admitted to shooting a garda on three occasions while Brady was living in New York, having fled from Ireland in the aftermath of the murder. At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Michael O'Higgins SC, for Brady, told the three-judge court that his client accepts that he did things that were wrong and apologises for his actions. Mr O'Higgins said Brady accepts that the book of evidence was given to him on a trust basis and that trust was breached. "The decision to do it was based on a very serious error of judgment on Aaron Brady's part," Mr O'Higgins said. Homeland Security Counsel said his client's position at the time and to this day is that he did not make any admissions to Mr Flynn or Mr Cahill. Mr O'Higgins said there were issues during the trial as all but one of the people who made statements alleging Brady had made admissions were illegally in the USA and had been arrested by Homeland Security. Mr O'Higgins said a senior person in Homeland Security had issued a direction that anyone who cooperated with the garda investigation into Det Gda Donohoe's murder would get "entry status" while anyone else would be sent home. There were also, Mr O'Higgins said, complaints about garda interviewing methods. Mr O'Higgins said it was a "fraught time" with the covid lockdowns in Mountjoy compounding the issues for his client. "I don't advance that as a justification for anything that was done, but I advance it by way of context and a rational narrative as to why and how it occurred... I would like the court to be aware that Mr Brady was of the view that these witnesses were under pressure and saying things that were untrue." Mr O'Higgins asked the court to be as lenient as possible in the circumstances and to give Brady the maximum benefit for his guilty plea. Brady is already serving a life sentence with a minimum time served of 40 years for murdering Det Gda Donohoe. While the sentence for perverting the course of justice cannot be consecutive to that life sentence, Diarmuid Collins BL for the DPP said it should run consecutively to Brady's 14-year sentence for the robbery during which Brady shot and killed Det Gda Donohoe. Dean Byrne (31) from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin has 127 previous convictions. He was due to be released later this year from a 14-year sentence for aggravated burglary and a further sentence for aiding and abetting a violent disorder while in prison. He was found guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court earlier this year of conspiring with Aaron Brady in Mountjoy Prison between April 8th 2020 and June 22nd 2020 to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's murder trial, a course of conduct which had a tendency to and which was intended to pervert the course of justice. His lawyer Padraig Dwyer SC asked the court not to impose a consecutive sentence for the conspiracy conviction. Mr Dwyer said his client's involvement went no further than a conspiracy to persuade a witness not to give evidence with no suggestion of violence. Mr Justice Paul Burns said the court will deliver sentences for Brady and Byrne on July 29th. Fiona Magennis The former chief executive of Custom House Capital (CHC), jailed for his role in a sophisticated 61 million conspiracy to defraud investors in the firm over a decade ago, has appealed his prison term, arguing it was wrong for a judge to pluck a headline sentence of 14 years out of the air. Harry Cassidy (68), of Clon Brugh, Aitkens Village, Stepaside, Dublin pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to defraud investors in, and clients and customers of, CHC by intentionally misleading them as to where and/or how their assets had been placed contrary to common law. All of the offences occurred within the State on dates between October 1st, 2008 and July 15th, 2011. Victim Impact Statements A total of 197 victim impact statements were submitted at the sentence hearing, where CHC clients spoke of the financial losses they had suffered and of the emotional and psychological effects they and their loved ones had faced over the last 10 years. Some statements also outlined the devastating impact of the loss of savings and investments intended to provide a pension. The nephew of one German victim told the court that his aunt's life work was effectively stolen by Cassidy, who he said did more damage to her life than the Second World War. Judge Orla Crowe began with a headline term of 14 years when Cassidy was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Court last May but reduced this to seven years, after taking mitigation into consideration. Cassidy was also given credit for the two months he spent in custody in Germany, giving him an effective sentence of six years and 10 months. Judge Crowe said victims were systematically deceived in a sophisticated operation which was carried out for over two years by people who owed them fiduciary duties. She said the offending was most egregious and involved a gross abuse of trust and duty. She said the fact that the fraud involved pension money was a particularly aggravating factor. Financial crash The court previously heard that CHC had entered agreements to buy properties in mainland Europe at the time of the financial crash. In 2008, CHC began to use client funds to meet these obligations, often without the knowledge or authorisation of clients. CHC's liquidator Kieran Wallace said 61 million in client funds were found to have been misappropriated. 41 million (64 per cent) of this amount has been recovered, with clients receiving 39 million so far as of March 2023. A total of 253.4 million across over 3,000 accounts was held by the company on the date of liquidation. At the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Hugh Hartnett SC, for Cassidy, said a decision had been made at the time to borrow from Peter to pay Paul in the hope that things would come right eventually. He said this should be distinguished from other cases where money was embezzled solely for personal gain or to fund a certain lifestyle. There is a moral difference, he said. The court failed to take that into consideration significantly when passing sentence. He suggested the headline sentence was wrong and should not have been set at 14 years, arguing that anything more than 10 years was incorrect. Counsel for the State asserted there was no error in sentencing and said the discount of almost 50% to the original headline sentence given by the judge was extraordinarily generous in the circumstances. The damage that was wrought by the scheme put in place by Harry Cassidy is something that has not been seen by this country before, said counsel for the DPP Lorcan Staines SC, noting that a total of 202 victims came forward to give statements in the case, a number of whom were present in court for the appeal hearing today. Mr Hartnett told the three-judge appeal panel it was wrong for a court to merely pluck a figure of 14 years as a headline sentence out of the air. One cannot have an arbitrary decision without any principle behind it, he said. There must be a reference to clear principles, for instance a reference to comparator cases or to legislation. There must be some form of grounding, some sort of plinth for this and there wasnt. He suggested the judge erred in imposing a sentence which was disproportionate having regard to similar sentences imposed including those imposed on the appellants co-accused. Mr Hartnett submitted that the sentence was excessive, disproportionate, overly punitive and oppressive in all the circumstances. Mr Staines said the maximum sentence for these offences was one of life in prison. He said the trial judge had to select a point on the scale from zero to life in prison and from that point she then took mitigating factors into consideration when deciding what discount to give. He said the judge couldnt have placed this case in any category other than the highest end of the ranges available. Mr Hartnett also argued that the sentencing judge failed to take account of a number of mitigating factors in the case, including the appellants advancing age and health issues. He said Mr Cassidy was undergoing tests for cancer at the time of sentencing and has subsequently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he is receiving treatment in prison. Bankruptcy Cassidy had also lost his family home, had been obliged to enter into bankruptcy and had lost his career in financial management. When he walks out of prison he can never work in his chosen field of financial management again and surely that is a significant factor, said Mr Hartnett. He said prior to his incarceration, the appellant had been working as a foreign language teacher online earning about 24,000 a year. Counsel further submitted that the judge erred in failing to afford the adequate weight to the evidence that Cassidy was motivated by an intention to preserve and protect monies invested in Custom House Capital. He said a decision was made to move money around from accounts borrowing from Peter to pay Paul in the hope that things would come right eventually, as they did. Counsel noted that the prosecuting guard had agreed that this was done for the purpose of keeping the company afloat. One has to give the benefit of the doubt when someone is trying to save a company, said Mr Hartnett. Mr Hartnett highlighted the Anglo Irish Bank case which, he said, involved deception that had helped to bring the country to its financial knees. He referenced a number of Anglo related cases for comparison, including that of former Anglo Irish Bank CEO David Drumm who was jailed for his role in a 7.2 billion banking fraud. The lawyer said in that instance a headline sentence of eight years had been set and this had been reduced to six years after mitigation. He said all the mitigating factors in that case were also present in this case along with others, including Cassidys advanced age, ill health and his plea of guilty. Is there value in this comparison? I submit there is, said Mr Hartnett. Mr Staines said there were differences in the Anglo cases cited by Mr Hartnett and Cassidys case. He said in the Anglo case, balance sheets had been inflated artificially, the consequence of which was that an investor would be misled as to the health of the bank. The Anglo case wasnt actual money, he said. In this case youre dealing with real money from real people both big and small. Mr Staines said this has resulted in really significant hardship for people. He said the suggestion that because Cassidy was trying to keep the business afloat, he didnt have a personal motive, was wrong - adding that the appellant was CEO of the company at the time and was drawing a salary from it. In relation to the argument that the maximum headline sentence in the case should have been ten years, Mr Staines submitted that the charge in this case was a common law offence and there was no maximum sentence. He said the appellant could have been charged with hundreds of counts of theft, forgery and deception but this would not have been practical. He said if Mr Hartnett was right and the maximum sentence available to the court was 10 years it would be totally unjust in a case where there were hundreds of victims. In the circumstances it simply cannot be that the court is restricted in such a way, he said. The breath and complexity of the fraud, coupled with the vast numbers of transactions involved and exceptional number of victims meant that a single conspiracy to defraud charge was appropriate to ensure that all the offending behaviour was captured, he said. Mr Justice John Edwards, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, said the court would reserve judgement in the matter. By Cate McCurry, PA An all-party committee has called for preparations for a united Ireland to begin immediately, saying that every Government department should examine the implications of constitutional change. In a report produced by the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, politicians have also called on the Government to prepare and publish a Green Paper setting out a vision for a united Ireland. The report, the first to be published by the committee, examines the current economic relationship between both sides of the border, and the potential of an all-island economy. The report shows a major increase in cross-border trade, which has increased from around 2 billion euro in 1998 to some 20 billion in 2022. The report also examines the cost of a potential united Ireland and makes the case for planning for a united Ireland to begin. Watch LIVE as the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement meets for Report Launch: Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics #SeeForYourselfhttps://t.co/Lwis56azR9 https://t.co/WgQgUqFdTc Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) July 16, 2024 The group, which met 11 times since April of last year, recommended that an Oireachtas committee be set up and resourced and dedicated to the preparations for a united Ireland. It further recommended that preparations for a united Ireland should begin immediately. Chair of the group, Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd, called for others to seriously discuss the issues around the possibility of constitutional change. He also said that he hopes the change in the UK Government will be a reset of relationships with Great Britain. When we started all this there was a government in the United Kingdom which has now changed, Mr ODowd said. As that change occurs, I think we are on a reset of the relationship between Britain and Ireland, which hopefully will have influence and will be important for us into the future. Relationships has huge implications for the issues that were discussing, for the progress we may be able to make as a result of political change, about the willingness of our administration here, and indeed our parliament, to engage appropriately and properly with our colleagues in other parliaments, particularly in the United Kingdom and in the north. (The report) is very hopeful of the future and its an opportunity that we can grasp for change, but change with consent. A united Ireland? Definitely, yes. But an agreed united Ireland? Definitely, yes. Fianna Fail TD for Cavan and Monaghan Brendan Smith said: We can remove barriers to ensure greater participation as well. So incrementally, I believe we can build quite speedily at the same time, towards the achievement of a united Ireland that my people want to see achieved. Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh said the onus is on the Irish Government to implement the recommendations contained in the report. She said: The economic success of the future of a united Ireland is in our own hands and theres no insurmountable barriers there to Irish unification. There will be variances in terms of the time that it might take, in terms of the duration, in terms of the transition period but also that none of those things are insurmountable. This report presents positive inclusive conversation thats taking place across the island in planning for constitutional change. I think the onus is on the Irish government to implement the reports recommendations and that also includes a Green Paper on Irish unity and what needs to be done. She also said that mistakes of Brexit need to be learned and that the Government has a responsibility in providing the framework. Fine Gaels Frank Feighan said that the people of middle Ireland are not ready for a unity Ireland. I think the people we need to be talking to as well is the people in middle Ireland and I dont think middle Ireland is ready for a united Ireland. He said that further conversations needed to be had with people from particular areas about what a united Ireland will look like. Chair of the Oireachtas committee, Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd, called for others to seriously discuss the issues around the possibility of constitutional change. Independent Senator Frances Black said there is a compelling case for planning for constitutional change. Senator Emer Currie said there is stark differences in wages, life expectancy, disposable incomes and at-risk poverty between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It is clear from the report just how stark the differences are north and south, she added. Weve spoken before about the difference in productivity levels, the difference in our wages, the differences in the life expectancy, disposable incomes average, on poverty. Whats clear to me is, yes, we have a legacy of the troubles that contributes to that but also some of these issues are politically made. And its very important that we shine a light on that and encourage change in those areas, including education. A LIFETIME of devotion and commitment to his parish and community saw local man Jim Carthy awarded the Benemerenti Medal recently. Jim from Crossneen was presented with the medal by Bishop Denis Nulty at a Saturday evening Mass in St Clares Church, Graiguecullen recently, which was also attended by Fr John Dunphy, PP, Graiguecullen/Killeshin, members of the parish team, Jim's family and his many friends in the local community. Jim Carthy with Bishop Denis Nulty, Fr John Dunphy and his family as he receives the Benemerenti Medal in St Clare's Church, Graiguecullen The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to clergy and laity for their service to the Catholic Church and 89-year-old Jim has certainly earned the honour, given his huge voluntary efforts over the years. While living in Headington, Oxford, Jim was very involved in his parish there, including driving the priests around to visit the sick, which he did for up to eight years. In 1978, he returned to Ireland and has been involved in parish life ever since. Jim Carthy is joined by his family John volunteers with the Meals on Wheels service in St Fiaccs House, delivering meals two days a week a rewarding task hes undertaken for 20 years. He also supports St Fiaccs House by selling tickets for its annual draw every Christmas and is always ready to help when needed. Jim also volunteers with the Meals on Wheels service in St Catherines Community Services Centre and has delivered meals five days a week for 23 years. Jim is a Minister of the Word at St Clares Church in Graiguecullen and reads at both the parishs daily and weekend Masses. Jim lost his beloved wife Ruth in July 2021. He has three children David, Patrick and Marie and is also a much-loved grandfather and great-grandfather. Many of Jims family attended the Mass and were so proud to see him presented with the Benemerenti Medal. Janus Films has restored French animation director Rene Lalouxs striking animated feature The Time Masters (Les maitres du temps) and will give a theatrical run to the new 4K restoration. The film, in original French with subtitles, will open in New York on Friday, July 26, followed by a national rollout. Watch the trailer, debuting exclusively on Cartoon Brew, for the newly-restored 79-minute film: Laloux, who is best known for his Seventies sci-fi classic Fantastic Planet, completed The Time Masters in 1982. The film boasts a stunning universe designed by the revered illustrator Jean Mbius Giraud, who also co-founded Metal hurlant magazine (republished as Heavy Metal in the U.S.). Mbius storyboarded the entire film, as well as designed the characters, costumes, and backgrounds. The film was animated by Pannonia Studio in Budapest, Hungary. Unlike Fantastic Planet, which was produced at a leisurely pace, Time Masters had a lean budget and tight production schedule, which worked against Mbiuss elaborate design style. The production was also hampered by language barriers between Laloux and Mbius and the Hungarian animators. And yet, the films original conception is so strong and distinctive, that the limitations dont compromise the production so much as add to its charm. The Time Masters continues to be a must-see classic in the sci-fi animation canon. The film was adapted Stefan Wuls novel The Orphan of Perdide (Lorphelin de Perdide). Here is the films official synopsis: After his parents are killed on the dangerous planet Perdide, young Piel (voiced by Frederic Legros) survives by maintaining radio contact with Jaffar (Jean Valmost), a pilot transporting the exiled Prince Matton (Yves-Marie) and Princess Belle (Monique Thierry) from their former kingdom. Jaffar seeks the help of Silbad (Michel Elias), a cheerful old-timer who knows how to circumvent Perdides hazards, including brain-devouring insects and watery graves. Along the way, Jaffar and company encounter a pair of impish homunculi stowaways, identity-less angels controlled by an amorphous hive mind, and the Masters of Time, mysterious beings who can bend reality and perhaps reveal to the heroes their secret origins and destinies. Beyond its release of The Time Masters, art house distribution company Janus Films has been pushing more heavily into animation recently. The company, along with Sideshow, recently acquired North America distribution rights to Gints Zilbalodis Flow, which premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival and won four awards last month at the Annecy animation festival. Cemex supplies NASA bridge project Suzanne Starbuck By 16 July 2024 Cemex is supplying concrete for the rebuilding of the NASA Causeway Bridge, which will enhance accessibility along this corridor for transporting rockets to the Kennedy Space Center. The NASA Causeway, originally consisting of twin bascule bridges built in 1964, is being replaced with new twin high-level bridges that will facilitate improved movement for oversized vehicles to launch sites. Cemex is providing over 60,000 cubic yards of high-strength concrete for this project. We are proud to contribute to this iconic infrastructure project, which enhances transportation and connectivity, facilitates business operations, and supports technological advancement, said Jaime Muguiro, president of Cemex US. Cemex brings its extensive experience, high-quality products, and reliable service to help make this project a reality. The NASA Causeway Bridge is being reconstructed under a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), NASA, and Space Florida. Supplying concrete for this project presented supply chain challenges that Cemex and contractor Orion Construction worked closely together to resolve, leveraging a collaborative relationship, established schedule, and vertically integrated supply chain capabilities. The new bridge, spanning 4025ft over the Indian River Lagoon and rising 65ft with a taller and wider fixed design, will improve connectivity from the Florida mainland to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The eastbound bridge was opened to the public last year, a milestone completion for this project, while the westbound bridge is currently scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. Published under Pan-United Corp appoints executive chairman, CEO and director positions Peter Bell By 16 July 2024 Singapore-listed concrete producer, Pan-United Corp Ltd has appointed May Ng as executive chairman of the Board of Pan-United, and the appointment of Ken Loh as CEO of Pan-United. Both will relinquish their positions as Pan-United's CEO and COO, respectively, and assume their new appointments with immediate effect. Ms Ng succeeds Tay Siew Choon, who retired as a director of Pan-United in April 2024. The Board of Directors thanked and recorded their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Mr Tay for his invaluable contributions to Pan-United during his close to 20-year tenure as a director of Pan-United, four years of which he served as chairman. Ms Ng was CEO of Pan-United since March 2011 and has led Pan-Uniteds transformation into a global leader in low-carbon concrete technologies. She said: "We are very pleased to announce Kens appointment as CEO of the company. Ken has been instrumental in our transformation from a brick-and-mortar concrete company to a global leader in low-carbon concrete technologies. We have worked very closely over the years and I look forward to continue working with him to innovate and decarbonise our world with concrete, to ensure a safer world for future generations." Mr Loh first joined Pan-United as general manager in 1999, with the mandate to spearhead the growth of the company's then-new ready-mix concrete business. Under his steady and strong leadership, today, Pan-United is the largest concrete producer in Singapore, with an established regional presence in Malaysia and Vietnam. Independent directors Chan Wan Hong has joined the Board as an independent director, bringing more than 25 years of legal expertise with him. Concurrently, Fong Yue Kwong has been redesignated from independent director to lead independent director. Both positions are also effective immediately. Mr Chan is a senior director at FC Legal Asia LLC. He is also an independent non-executive director of Centurion Corp Ltd, and an Iindependent non-executive director of Multi-Chem Ltd. A practicing lawyer, Mr Chan has extensive experience in capital market transactions, and advises SGX-listed companies on their corporate actions and ongoing compliance requirements. Mr Fong, who will be assuming his new role as lead independent director, has been on the board of Pan-United since March 2020. Mr Fong has more than 40 years of experience in the port, marine supply base and logistics industries in Singapore and Asia. Published under Southeast Tennessee Project Access commemorated its 20th anniversary by honoring three remarkable individuals who have significantly contributed to the organization's success and the health of the community. Dr. Robert Bowers and Dr. Joe Cofer each received the prestigious Founder's Award, and Rae Young Bond was honored with the inaugural Rae Young Bond Health Leadership Award.The 20th anniversary celebration took place recently featuring a special ceremony to honor these outstanding individuals.The event included speeches from key stakeholders, a retrospective on the organization's achievements over the past two decades and a look ahead to future initiatives.Dr. Robert Bowers has been a visionary leader in the healthcare community. In 1986, as Medical Society president, Dr. Bowers led the creation of the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, a nonprofit sister organization of the Medical Society that provided a mechanism for the Societys charitable initiatives. Dr. Bowers served as president of the Medical Foundation until 2007 and played a critical role in developing Project Access under its auspices.Upon retiring from full-time medical practice, Dr. Bowers agreed to serve as the medical director of Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, a lead primary care partner. His dedication to patient care and community service has been the cornerstone of his long and distinguished career. Southeast Tennessee Project Access was honored to present the Project Access Founders Award to Dr. Bowers.Dr. Joseph Cofer has been a driving force behind the success of Project Access. As Medical Society president in 2002, Dr. Cofer sought out a model to provide more timely care for uninsured patients, discovering the Project Access model from Buncombe County, NC. His passion and drive led to the creation of a physician-led partnership with hospitals to improve care for uninsured patients, recruit volunteer physicians, and oversee a strategic organizational plan. Dr. Cofer served as Project Access volunteer medical director from 2002 to 2012 and continues to serve on the Project Access Operations Council. His work in Tennessee has inspired the creation of similar initiatives across the state. Southeast Tennessee Project Access was proud to honor Dr. Cofer with the Project Access Founders Award.Rae Young Bond has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Project Access. From its inception, Rae played a critical role in laying the groundwork, making essential connections, soliciting funds, bringing hospitals to the table and writing the strategic plan that ensured the program's growth and longevity. Rae's impact extends beyond Project Access, as she has been a key player in many significant healthcare initiatives in the community, including serving as the longest-serving member of the Regional Health Council, leading the infant mortality task force, heading the COVID task force for Hamilton County and helping create the physician wellness program Lifebridge. To honor her legacy, Southeast Tennessee Project Access introduced the Rae Young Bond Health Leadership Award, which will be given annually to an individual who displays exceptional qualities and compassion in advancing community health.Reflecting on the organization's history, it was noted that Project Access began with early discussions about improving healthcare for low-income, uninsured neighbors. While charity care has always been a part of healthcare, Project Access organized the process, engaged more partners and helped patients navigate their way back to health. Since the initial meeting of physician leaders and hospital CEOs in October 2002, CHI Memorial, Erlanger and Parkridge health systems have been integral partners, with Tennova Cleveland joining in 2022 to extend the geographic reach.Project Access has coordinated healthcare services valued at more than $233 million and provided meaningful assistance to 25,609 people in the community. The model, described as a clinic without walls, has transformed thousands of lives."We were thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary by honoring Dr. Bowers, Dr. Cofer and Rae," said Dr. Harish Manyam, 2024 president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society. "Their contributions have been invaluable, and their legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward. The Project Access story is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together for the good of our community."For more information about Southeast Tennessee Project Access, visit setnprojectaccess.org or call 423-826-0269. Chattanooga Housing Authoritys One Westside, formerly known as Westside Evolves, confirmed today they are one of six programs across the nation selected for the highly competitive Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The $50M grant will support Westsides Transformation Plan which will redevelop Chattanoogas oldest public housing community.Officials said, "The Chattanooga Housing Authority was joined in the planning effort by the City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Design Studio.Planning efforts began four years ago in the midst of the pandemic leading the planning team to deploy unusual tactics to engage residents in planning the future for their community. More than 82 percent of the residents in the Westside participated in the initial planning process with a second round of survey work occurring last fall. Throughout the planning process, more than 60 resident meetings occurred to provide updates and gather information."One of the first priorities for the community was the James A. Henry School, which will soon become a community hub. The school was built in 1937 and named after Chattanoogas first African American principal. While the building is no longer a school, it is central to the future of the neighborhood. CHAs Board of Commissioners recently passed a resolution that will provide $14.5 million in Phase I funding for the James A. Henry Community Hub. The funds were used to leverage commitments of over $23 million from community and philanthropic organizations, with construction beginning immediately. Come Fall 2025, the community hub will welcome 117 Head Start students, which is an increase of more that 40 seats that were at the Citys Youth and Family Development (YFD) Center."One Westsides Transformation Plan also called for the demolition of the YFD Center to allow for construction of the first housing units in a 'build first' model that will provide one-for-one replacement for housing. The plan incorporated a variety of housing options and styles rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The plan met the residents desires to have options allowing them to live in senior-only buildings, family-friendly units, and ADA compliant units, allowing them to remain in a community many have called home for multiple generations. The transformation plan went through multiple votes by the Chattanooga City Council, Hamilton County Commission, Industrial Development Board, and the Regional Planning Agency."The Westside team praised U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann who has been a long-time supporter of the project. They said, Were grateful for Congressman Fleischmann and his staff. Theyve worked tirelessly on this project for many years. Theyve been responsive to our needs and provided guidance along the way.They added, The CNI grant award is a major investment in Chattanoogas oldest public housing community. The doors that will open from this investment will in many instances, lead to the end of generational poverty.This is a historic day for a special part of our community. I ran a business in this area, which used to be an economic hub for thousands of Chattanoogans employed at the plants and mills along the river, said Mayor Tim Kelly. What should be an engine of our citys prosperity instead became a rusted out shell. Thats why revitalizing this area and lifting up the folks who call the Westside home has been a huge priority of my administration. With the help of this grant and the revenue generated by The Bend, were going to fundamentally transform this neighborhood for the better, continuing to provide affordable housing for its current residents and creating additional housing to help fight the national affordable housing crisis.CHA Board of Commission Chair Jim Levine noted, The $50 Million CNI grant provides a critical investment that, along with TIF funds and matching dollars from businesses and philanthropic partners, will lead to additional investments totaling $1 Billion for Chattanooga's Westside community. This is an exciting day not only for residents of the Westside community, but for all of Chattanooga. I cannot wait to watch the Westside's evolution into a more wonderful place for its residents and the residents of the entire city to work, play and live. I am thankful to HUD and especially to the staff of the Chattanooga Housing Authority for all the blood, sweat and tears they invested to make this happen.CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright shared that work in the Westside will begin immediately. Our board of commissioners passed a resolution authorizing work to begin on the James A. Henry Hub before we knew that the HUD dollars were going to be awarded. The commission knew that we had to begin construction immediately to meet deadlines to provide space for 117 Head Start students in 2025. The HUD award will continue the momentum weve been experiencing and will transform the community for future generations. Were extremely grateful and energized as One Westside becomes a reality. Splash Youth Arts Workshop, a nonprofit that has provided free art classes to Chattanoogas youth since 2012, is hosting a Summer Arts Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Miller Park.This family-friendly festival is free and will feature live music performances, food, arts and crafts, and will showcase the works of regional artists that celebrate Chattanoogas rich and diverse arts community for a fun cultural experience in Miller Park.For information about Splash Summer Arts Festival and to learn about vendor and sponsorship opportunities, call 423-320-6738 or visit www.splashyouthartsworkshop.org. On the evening of July 15, 2024, Dale Coe Fitzgerald passed away peacefully at his home in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Dale was born in Lebanon, Tn., on Oct. 29, 1955, the son of Frank Walker Fitzgerald and Ruby Coe Fitzgerald. He was raised in Lafayette, Tn., with his brother, Frank. Dale spent his youth farming and helping his beloved aunt, Annie Fitzgerald Butler and uncle, Hugh Butler, at their drug store. Dale graduated from Macon County High School in 1973 before attending Tennessee Technological Institute where he earned dual bachelors degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He was a member of the Eta Delta chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity while in school, an organization he held close to his heart throughout his life. Dale finished his education with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Mercer Universitys College of Pharmacy in 1982. Dales passion for medicine became a distinguished 35-year career, caring for thousands of patients and customers. Beginning in Tullahoma, Tn., Dale soon moved to Hendersonville, Tn., where he was pharmacist to many country music stars such as Johnny Cash and Joan Carter Cash, Waylan Jennings, Conway Twitty, and dear friend, Wynona Judd. After marriage in 1990, Dale moved to Ooltewah, where he eventually worked for Bi-Lo/Food City at the East Brainerd Road store over the final 20 years of his career. Outside of work, Dales jovial spirit shined through in the myriad jokes and stories he was always ready to share. Dale loved the game of golf, watching Jeopardy in the evening, and enjoying good Southern comfort food. Dale was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, the Chattanooga Rifle Club, and was a Tennessee Squire. Dale was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Catherine Tallant Dale is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Tallant Fitzgerald; son, Edward Walker Fitzgerald; brother, Frank Walker Fitzgerald and sister-in-law, Susan Fitzgerald; nieces and nephews, Katy, Rob, Laura and Sarah; 16 grand-nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Carl Edward Tallant; sister-in-law, Carla Tallant McCrary and brother-in-law, Kent McCrary; niece and nephew, Cole and Kailey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Annie Fitzgerald Butler/ Knollwood Scholarship Fund, 405 Times Avenue, Lafayette, Tn. 37083, an organization that grants scholarships to perspective medical students in need. The family is grateful to the many who loved and cared for Dale throughout his life and career. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at the funeral home. A Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. EST (Noon CST) on Friday, July 19, at the Old Fitzgerald Cemetery in Celina, Tn., with Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating. Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of Dale. Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. Evonik has announced the expansion of its sodium methylate production capacity at its Rosario plant, located in the Sante Fe Province in Argentina. With this expansion, the company strengthens its position as a leader in the biofuels industry, driving innovation and sustainability across South America. The move is in response to growing demand for biofuels in the region and will see the annual capacity increase by 50%, from 60,000 tons to 90,000 tons. Expanded production of high-performance sodium methylate catalysts aims to significantly increase biodiesel productivity and reduce production costs across South America. The sodium methylate plant is of great importance to Argentina and other countries in the region, with Brazil acting as a major export destination, said Dr. Hendrik Schonfelder, the Regional President for Central and South America at Evonik, adding that the investment also creates local value and economic resilience. The announcement is of particular importance to the region, due to the Brazilian governments recent increase of mandatory quotas for blending fossil diesel with 15% biodiesel (B15) in 2025. It also aligns with the objectives of New Industry Brazil (NIB), which aims to boost the national industry and expand the share of biofuels in the transportation energy mix. Upon completion of the sodium methylate production expansion in Argentina and progress on the new alkoxide plant in Singapore, we reinforce our position as one of the largest global catalyst manufacturers and our continued commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and leadership within the industry, said Caue de Arruda, Head of Evonik Catalysts Central and South America. Expanding the plants production is part of Evoniks global strategy and long-term vision to actively drive advancement within the biodiesel sector. "South America is a significant strategic growth region for us and we are pursuing our goal of being close to our customers, both in South and North America and in the Asian market," said Dr. Harald Schwager, member of Evonik's Executive Board. The plant provides an efficient and cost-effective way for businesses to decarbonize the mobility sector, achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. John Frankford, also known as One-Eyed Joe, was a rough-and-tumble figure and a famous horse thief who traveled from Ohio to Maryland throughout the mid to late 1800s, navigating saloons, shootouts with sheriffs, and shady deals. Frankford grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was notorious for stealing horses and selling them. But he was best known for his skill of breaking out of jail. Between 1860 and 1885, he was charged with a crime at least two dozen times. When he got caught, he always escaped and continued with his horse-stealing ways. After some time, the Lancaster County jail built a special cell for Frankford to prevent him from escaping. However, in 1881, he managed to dig under it and crawl out through a stone chimney. A guard spotted him and shot him in the face. He ended up losing an eye, which earned him the nickname of One-Eyed Joe. In 1885, Frankford was busted at a horse sale in Philadelphia. He was sent to the Eastern State Penitentiary. At the time, it was the most strict and famous prison in the world. It is considered to be the place where the practice of solitary confinement originated in the United States. Frankford was sentenced to 19 years in prison for horse theft. But he never made it out of the penitentiary alive. Eastern State was operational from 1829 to 1971. During that time, 80,000 prisoners were held there. Only a few dozen of them ever broke out of the facility. In the late 1800s, prisoners spent most of their days in their cells. When they were taken out for work or exercise, guards would put hoods over their heads so they couldnt recognize where they were. By the 1890s, Frankford was no longer closely confined. His duties consisted of plumbing, plastering, and caring for the prisons dogs. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Near the French town of Troyes, the remains of a group of individuals were unburied from a 4,500-year-old tomb at Breviandes-les-Pointes. After a DNA analysis was conducted on the bones, researchers learned more about ancient human interbreeding. They discovered that the formation of the European genome is still found in Europeans today. The genome of todays Europeans was formed over the course of about 40,000 years due to periods of migrations and the mixing of various populations. It is made up of the hunter-gatherers who lived in Europe until people from the Anatolia and the Aegean regions arrived around 8,000 years ago. These people descended from the inventors of agriculture and animal domestication in the Fertile Crescent. They interbred with the hunter-gatherers, creating a significant part of Europeans genome. At the end of the Neolithic period, nomadic populations from the Pontic steppes north of the Black Sea traveled to Europe and contributed to a third of the genomic components that are part of present-day Europeans. The remains of ancient skeletons are tough to analyze since there are only a few fragmented bones left. But, a team of researchers from the Institute Jacques Monod in Paris decided to tackle the challenge. They studied the genomes of seven individuals from the Breviandes tomb. The individuals were a woman who was older than age 60 at the time of her death; her son, who was between the ages of 20 and 39; her grandson, aged around four to eight; and the grandsons mother, aged 20 to 39. There was also a young woman aged 20 to 39, her newborn baby, and a child who was six to 10 years old. These last three individuals were not related to the others buried in the grave. The last child did not share any relation to the others at all. The female individuals carried traits that were characteristic of populations from southern France and southwestern Europe, which could explain why they were buried together. In addition, the adult mans genome was a mixture of the genome of nomadic steppe peoples from his father and French Neolithic origins from his mother. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Illustration by Mallory Rentsch Tlapek / Source Images: Getty / WikiMedia Commons I grew up fearing the power of the eyes. I was supposed to avert my eyes from certain television shows, movies, books, and images. When it came to men, I was afraid of my gazeand doubly afraid of theirs. Just looking at the sale rack was risky if I wanted to avoid envy and irresponsible spending. Even at 40, I still hide my eyes when I feel afraid. But Ive come to realize that for all the time I spent worrying about where not to look, I should have spent a lot more time thinking about what my eyes should be fixed upon. I feared what I saw would corrupt me. It never occurred to me that what I saw could also save me. Scripture tells us faith begins with a vision. Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John the Baptist declares in John 1:29 (NKJV throughout). See your salvation, he entreats us. Look and be saved. Johns words refer to another story of salvation through sight: the bronze serpent. When the Israelites wander in the wilderness, several of them die from poisonous serpents. Yahweh intervenes and instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent, so that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live (Num. 21:8). Jesus compares himself to the serpent, saying, As Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up (John 3:14). The serpent of sin has bitten us, and its poison courses through our blood. But if we look at Christ, we will live. Scripture includes a few suggestions on when to avert our eyes (1 John 2:16; Matt. 18:9), but far more frequently, it invites us to behold, to look, to pay attention. Behold often introduces the unexpected and captivating. It asks us (quite literally) to hold on to what we see, to contemplate and be transformed by it. When John tells us to behold the Lamb of God, hes not just telling us, Look over here for a second. Hes telling us to look so carefully, with such utterly captivated attention, that we are changed by what we see. The apostle Paul likewise directs us to gaze upon Christ so that we may be changed, speaking of Christians who, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18). Both John the Baptist and Paul are clear: We behold Christ so that we might become like Christ. This idea may seem simple enough. Then again, Jesus walked on earth in flesh for only a short time, so how exactly are we supposed to behold him now? Thankfully, we have an extra eye for just this occasion. Its invisible, but it shapes how we see the visible world. Its connected to the physical eyes, but separate too. Sometimes called the eye of the soul, its better known as the imagination. And it needs our attention. We perhaps think about imagining as something active, a deliberate line of thought or game of make-believe. But ancient and medieval thinkers primarily thought of the imagination as something received. They used wax and seals to explain how the imagination shapes our spiritual and character formation. Our souls are like wax, they thought, pliable and moldable. Wax takes on the shape of whatever seal, or stamp, is impressed upon it. Imaginative forms, such as images and stories, are like seals that imprint themselves on us. We are transformed byand intowhat captures our attention. Even the word imagination is related to imitation. Children imitate pirates, princesses, and superheroes, but they also imitate what they see their parents doing. And when we grow up, we dont lose this imitative instinct. Our conversations may include a tangle of quotes from movies we love. We may echo the opinions of our favorite news channel. We may try to dress like our favorite musician or influencer. If something captivates our imagination, we cannot be objective observers. If we behold something, it becomes part of who we are and how we see the world. But not all imaginative stamps are equal. Some are beautiful and good, and some quite ugly. Paul warns us in Romans 12:2 (CEB) not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. These patterns may appear true, but they offer a false vision of what is important. They distort and malform us, impairing our ability to accurately see God, ourselves, and the world around us. Take the famous example of Don Quixote. He feasts so heavily on chivalric tales of knights, adventures, and courtly love that he puts on a coat of armor, hops on his old horse, and goes off in search of knightly adventures. No matter whom he meets or where he goes, he sees everything as if it were one of his adventure books: A rundown inn becomes a castle, and an unattractive, scheming woman a beautiful maiden in need of rescue. Most famously, Don Quixote chases windmills in the mistaken belief that he is ferociously fighting giants. He has been so shaped by the knightly imagination that no logic can ever convince him he is anything but a shining, heroic knight. Today, we may not be putting on a coat of arms and brandishing a sword, but the patterns of our ageconsumerism, nationalism, individualism, or moral relativism, to name just a fewcan likewise distort our vision and influence our beliefs, practices, and character in ways that are not so different from Don Quixote chasing windmills. We too may be guilty of seeing a reality completely divorced from the reality we inhabit. Indeed, some of the most pressing problems facing the church today are rooted in a failure of the imagination. We often approach them as if they were political or intellectual problems that could be solved with reason, but logic does not work on a diseased imagination. The only way to correct a malformed imagination is re-forming the imagination. If we become what we behold, we must ensure that what we behold is what we want to become. Becoming a people transformed into the image of Christ rather than the patterns of our age requires reorienting our gaze and reshaping the wax of our imaginations. If we want our lives to reflect Christ, we must imprint his image onto our souls. If we want to align our lives with the gospel, we must let its story become our story. Ancient and medieval Christians understood that something as powerful as the imagination must be shaped and disciplined. The first generations of Christians expressed their beliefs in both words and images. The fish symbol, for example, is one of the earliest, most basic professions of our faith: A fish, ichthys in Greek, acts as a symbolic anagram for Jesus (i) Christ (ch), Gods (th) Son (y), Savior (s). They also used anchors, phoenixes, palm branches, and many other symbols to profess their beliefs. These simple symbols are an early example of a practice that forms the soul by forming the imagination. To ensure that their beliefs, practices, and character aligned with the gospel, ancient and medieval Christians practiced the art of fashioning the soul, a devotional exercise that intentionally selected and imprinted images onto the soul. For centuries, Christians trained their spiritual eyes with sculptures, symbols, and stories, frescoes and friezes, morality plays and mosaics. They etched glass and illuminated manuscripts, designed churches shaped like boats and crosses, and decorated the places of the dead with the art of resurrection. No matter which of the many forms it took, this art for fashioning the soul always sought to imitate Christ. Since beholding Christ captivates, surprises, and transforms, so too do these works of the Christian imagination. Filled with distorted faces and penetrating eyes, surreal shades of gold and blue, roses made from blood, and rainbow-colored panthers, the historic Christian imagination invites us to stop, blink, and behold the utter strangeness we see. Many evangelical Christians have, unfortunately, forgotten or otherwise neglected our inheritance of the Christian imagination. But these works can still help form our souls by training us to see the beautiful, upside-down truths of the gospel. Their strangeness disorients us, inviting us to look away from the unhealthy patterns of the world and to be stamped anew with love, gratitude, and a sense of wonder rooted in the good news of the gospel. Behold, the historic works of the Christian imagination still implore us, and become like Christ. Lookand live. Lanta Davis teaches classes on the sacramental imagination, beauty, and great texts for the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University. She is the author of Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation. Illustration by Christianity Today / Source Images: Unsplash / Getty If a good deed done is not posted on social media, did it really happen? If an act of generosity is not caught on camera and never goes viral, was it a worthwhile gesture? These questions, facetious as they seem, point out something Ive observed in my own life: a deep desire to display my goodness to others. Theres even a modern term for it: virtue signaling. According to Jesus, this is an ancient struggle, a primal temptation. We long to be known and seen, but if we arent careful, this longing can lead to a kind of performativity that corrodes the soul. In Matthew 6the center of the Sermon on the MountJesus flips showy spirituality on its head: Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (vv. 1, 3). Jesus reveals a key characteristic of his narrow path: hiddenness. Sign up for Moore to the Point Join Russell Moore in thinking through the important questions of the day, along with book and music recommendations he has found formative. 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. That is an important word for those who, like me, intuitively strive to be noticed. Can you relate? Social media has created (or perhaps revealed) the hunger within us to be seen. As some have aptly said, the current generation of young adultsand emerging onescan be described as Generation Notification. Each time we get notificationsthose coveted red or blue circles with a number in themdopamine releases in our brains. The cycle is hard to break. Even if a comment is negative, receiving one is still addicting because being seen is better than remaining invisible. To be known and seen is one of our deepest longings. But left to our own devices (pun intended), we get stuck in a never-ending cycle of performative spirituality, where we seek to get from others what can be given only by God. Jesus warning to us, then, is not just good spirituality; its good psychology. To be his disciple requires being a whole person, not merely doing religious things. What often stands in the way is a lack of self-awarenessnot knowing our inner selves. How do we overcome this? To combat the unrelenting desire to be seen by others, we are called by Jesus to hiddenness. Once again, the paradox of the kingdom of God is evident. The narrow path of Jesus says that if we want to be strong, we must be weak; if we want to be first, we must be last; if we want to be great, we must be least. Its the same pattern here: To be truly seen, we must be hidden. This hiddenness is challenging because Jesus doesnt primarily mean hiddenness from the world; he means hiddenness from ourselves. To better understand this, it might be helpful to contrast good self-awareness with bad self-awareness. Good self-awareness sees areas of our lives that are constraining us. It helps us name the forces that keep us from living free, full, and loving lives. Good self-awareness focuses on our reactions and triggers. It reflects on the things weve done, and the things left undone. Good self-awareness leads to humility and invites us into a process of growth. When Jesus says, Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matt. 6:3), he invites you into a holy unawareness. Which leads me to the temptation of bad self-awareness. Self-awareness becomes damaging when the focus is on our righteousness, when were caught up in our own goodness, living a self-congratulatory existence. Bad self-awareness fixates on our deeds and exaggerates our spiritual growth. There have been many times when Ive obsessed over my progress. When I exercise, I tend to look in the mirror way more than I need to. After 25 pushups, my chest feels like that of a professional bodybuilder, so I go to the mirror to confirm my suspicions (and am sorely disappointed each time). My tendency to document my growth roots me in despair or pride, depending on the day. In all this, Ive discovered that the most mature people are not consumed with their fruitfulness, nor do they wallow in their failures. Its exhausting to live a life of performance. Jesus offers a better way. Arent you tired of always having to be on? Isnt it draining to work for constant approval? Do you ever feel as though God will be disappointed if you dont have everything in order? Jesus doesnt lead us into a scrupulous spirituality in which we agonize over every decision. Rather, he calls us to examine the ground from which our good deeds grow. Why? So we dont entrap ourselves in self-righteousness or idolatry: self-righteousness because our goodness can cloud the grace of God; idolatrous because, without knowing it, we worship acclaim from others instead of from God. When our deeds are practiced in front of others, we forfeit the rewards we will receive from the Father. Instead of receiving commendation from God, we settle for admiration from people. Of course, Jesus is not saying that all recognition and reward is incongruent with life in the kingdom. Hes clarifying that to live for it is folly. Applause from others, social media likesit all fades quickly. Only the affirming word of the Father can fill our hearts. What does this hiddenness look like in real life? Because Jesus embodied it perfectly, lets consider his life for guidance. Let this blow your mind: Jesus spent 30 of his 33 years on earth (about 90 percent of his life) in relative obscurity. As someone who regularly leads and speaks in front of lots of people, I find this so challenging. Ron Rolheiser explained how we can follow Jesus example: Ordinary life can be enough for us, but only if we first undergo the martyrdom of obscurity and enter Christs hidden life. To value hiddenness doesnt mean we must become members of a monastery, tucked away from the world. Rather, hiddenness is freedom from the shallow praise of the world. In the Gospels, Jesus is constantly swarmed by admirers of his teaching and miracles, yet he refuses to capitalize on it. In modern terms, he doesnt post selfies (#LeperBeClean). On one occasion, when people are amazed at his miracles, heres how Jesus responds: While he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them (John 2:2324). Even when people want to make him a celebrity, Jesus holds back. Hes not wooed by platform. Even in his resurrection, Jesus prizes hiddenness. If it were me, I would show up at the home of those who crucified me to scare them to death and demonstrate my power over all things. Jesus, however, simply finds his friends and, rather than storming the world, tells them to share the good news. To live this way is difficult, especially for those of us who use social media. It lures us into believing the primordial lie of the serpent: You can be like God (Gen. 3:5). Social media creates the illusion that we can know all things, be everywhere, and use our words for the sake of power. Its the seductive lie that we can be omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Whats stunning about Gods kingdom is that even though he is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere-present, his presence and activity are often centered in places far from the masses: In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesarwhen Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abileneduring the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. (Luke 3:12) Luke lists all the political and religious leaders in power, then surprisingly highlights how the word of God bypassed them and came to John in the wilderness. The locus of Gods presence and activity is not found in the corridors of great power. The Gospels tell of a God who shows up in surprising places. His greatest place of action is hidden from the eyes of the socially powerful. His reach touches everything, but the center of it is hidden. One of Jesus best lessons on the importance of hiddenness is something he says about the Holy Spirit. Its easy to miss if youre not looking for it, so lets slow down and take a look. While wrapping up his time with his disciples before going to the cross, he utters this poignant line about the Holy Spirit: When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come (John 16:13). Eugene Peterson paraphrased Jesus words, saying the Spirit wont draw attention to himself (MSG). That is why some people refer to him as the Hidden Spirit. The Holy Spirit shows deference to Jesus. His inclination is to spotlight another rather than hog the limelight, delighting in making the Son central. Jesus says, He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you (v. 14). Within the Trinity, there is no jockeying for position. The three persons are radically other-focused. Just look at how their interaction is recorded in Scripture. The Father affirms the Son. This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! (Matt. 17:5). The Son is always pointing to the Father. Jesus says things like, The Father is greater than all. I do only what I see my Father doing (John 5:19, 14:28). And the Spirit always points to the Son. Heres the main idea: If the Spirit is secure in the love of the Trinity and if the Spirit lives inside you, he wants to make you secure too. He wants to remind you that you are loved by God. You are accepted by God. But ordering life around that theological truth requires concrete, counter-instinctual practices. We must remind ourselves what it looks like to live an anti-performance life like Christand to get off the treadmill of endless posturing. Excerpted from The Narrow Path by Rich Villodas. Copyright 2024 by Richard A. Villodas. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Rich Villodas is the best-selling author of The Deeply Formed Life (winner of the Christianity Today Book Award) and Good and Beautiful and Kind. He is the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church with more than 75 countries represented, in Elmhurst, Queens, and Long Island, New York. Christian organizations are struggling to reach prisoners in a country where 1 in 56 people is in jail. Handout / Getty In just over two years, El Salvadors government has sent 80,000 people to prison. With over 111,000 people incarcerated, the country has the worlds highest proportion of people behind barsone inmate for every 56 people. The current situation stems from a zero-tolerance policy toward the gangs that once proliferated in the country. Salvadoran gangs are considered transnational crime organizations responsible for taking murder rates to levels only seen during the 19791992 civil war. In March 2022, President Nayib Bukele decreed a regimen de excepcion (state of exception), which suspends a significant number of civil rights and makes it easier to arrest and prosecute suspected gang members. Though the administration initially promised the decree would last for a month, it has since been renewed 27 times by the Salvadoran congress, lasting nearly two and a half years. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. 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. El Salvador has never had a significant prison ministry presence. But for those few that have worked in prisons, the regimen de excepcion has both presented an opportunity and revealed a set of problems. On one hand, leaders say, theres a real chance for a substantial number of inmates to turn their lives around through the gospel. Most of them know they need a physical transformation. Evangelism may show them they need a spiritual transformation too, said Raul Orellana, a regional ministry leader who has served in El Salvadors prisons since 2008. On the other hand, for a variety of reasons, few Christians have shown interest in prison ministry, work that has only become more difficult as the government has increased restrictions on civilian visits in prison. All of El Salvadors detention centers in the country, except the maximum security penitentiary, have historically been open to ministers. The government is very open to evangelical Christian churches that want to preach in prisons, said Orellanabut the recent strong-arm policy against the gangs has also toughened access for churches and pastors. A dozen or so years ago, pastors could spend evenings sitting side by side with inmates, counseling them and sharing the gospel. When he visited the prison then, Orellena recalled, he knew about the availability of drugs and electronic devices for inmates, and sometimes saw questionable visitors. Now, greater government oversight of prisons has increased restrictions on evangelizing to the incarcerated. Many prisons have banned face-to-face interactions between pastors and inmates. Instead, pastors can only speak to groups for a maximum of one hour. I understand the authorities perspective, said Orellena. The inmates had total control and it shouldnt have been like that. Today, the authorities are in control. Prior to 2022, in some prisons, several ministries came to preach every week. Today, prison authorities allow Christian groups to enter once a week on a set schedule, with some exceptions for evangelistic events. For example, for Mothers Day this year, Kenton Moody, an American missionary who leads Vida Libre, a rehabilitation center for juvenile offenders, threw a big party in the Santa Ana womens prison. The ministry provided sodas, pan dulce, and Bibles for 10,000 people. Though authorities only allowed 2,800 women to attend, by the end of the service, 295 raised their hands in answer to a conversion call. Troubles with gangs and government Although leaders like Orellena and Moody say they have seen God at work in Salvadoran prisons, many Christians they meet are reluctant to participate in prison ministry, afraid of encountering dangerous criminals. For years, large parts of the country lived under violence and bloodshed caused by gangs like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 (known also as 18). Historically, the country has had one of the highest homicide rates in the world; at its peak in 1995, there were 139 murders for every 100,000 inhabitants. Since the beginning of the 2000s, MS-13 and 18 have fought a long-lasting territorial battle with a massive death toll. In 2015, the gangs decreed a ban on all bus routes in the capital, San Salvador, and on the first day of the ban, five bus drivers were killed. In 2016, some estimated that the groups had extorted about 70 percent of all businesses in the country, and the extortion rates were so high that they ultimately led to an increase in consumer prices. Official numbers show a 70 percent decrease in the murder rate in 2023 in comparison to 2022, as a result of changes in the law and the application of the regimen de excepcion. The government has edited the legal code to formally equate terrorism with local criminal associations, and a new law has criminalized tattoos, street graffiti, and any other mark that resembles gang symbols. But the decrease in homicide rates has also come with a cost. Human Rights Watch has described the changes as a we can arrest anyone we want policy that allows detentions based on the appearance and social background of detainees, anonymous calls, or even social media posts. In this environment, nearly anyone with any relationship to a gang member is at risk of being arrested and sent to prison. That includes former gang members that have served time and returned to civilian life, some of whom have converted to Christianity. Even pastors who minister to current gang members may be seen as collaborators or gang sympathizers and are at risk of incarceration. My work with the inmates and former prisoners used to be dangerous because of the gangs. Now its dangerous because of the government, said Moody. They can throw us in prison at any moment for allegedly helping the gangs. Local churches are afraid to risk getting into trouble with both the gangs and the government if they do ministry in prison, he said. The pastors tell us, How wonderful it is what you are doing, and God bless youbut they dont participate. The continuing work of witness Throughout Central America, evangelicals have nearly outpaced Catholics in numerical growth. In El Salvador, almost a third (30.9%) of the population now identifies as evangelical. The percentage of evangelicals is highest in the poorer strata of societythe very segments from which people join gangs and end up in the prison system, says Stephen Offutt, the author of Blood Entanglements: Evangelicals and Gangs in El Salvador. Between 50 and 70 percent of the people in El Salvadors prisons come from evangelical families. I would dare to say that everyone who is in prison has heard of Jesus Christ, says Orellana, but he adds that the number of true converts is probably small. For gang members tired of violence, Christianity offers one pathway out. Gangs allow people to get out if they show a real conversion, said Offutt. Its not as simple as declaring oneself a Christian and being free. Those gang members that allegedly convert to Christianity are kept under surveillance because there are also fake conversions and fake pastors who try to manipulate the gangs. Under the regimen de excepcion, some genuinely converted gang members are being dragged back to prison, opening a door for evangelism to take place where the institutional church cannot go. A disciple in prison can bring the gospel to many others, says Lucas Suriano, Latin America coordinator at Prison Alliance, a North Carolinabased ministry that creates discipleship programs and distributes Bibles and Christian literature to inmates around the world. Although no one sees what happens inside prisons like the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, the maximum security detention center for 40,000 people that President Bukele opened last year, Offutt is certain that God continues to work there. Some years ago, he recounts, I had a pastor friend whose house was in the shadow of a prison in El Salvador. On Sunday evenings, we could hear Christian songs coming from the prison. People are trying to witness to the gospel in the best ways available. They are finding ways to worship thereits inconceivable to me that its not happening. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Donald Trumps first running mate, Mike Pence, appealed to conservative evangelical voters by offering what Trump lacked: political experience, a pro-life record, a steady demeanor, and outspoken Christian faith. Two presidential elections later, Trumps 2024 pick for vice president, J. D. Vance, appeals to conservatives by being like the former president: a fellow political newcomer, a populist, and a fighter unafraid of shaking up the system. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. 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. Hes somebody who can carry on the core of what President Trump did in his first administration for a while to come, said Aaron Baer, president of Center for Christian Virtue, based in Vances home state of Ohio. Vance rose to national prominence through his 2016 bestseller Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, which drew attention to the lives and faith of working-class rural Americans. Since then, hes converted from evangelicalism to Roman Catholicism and from a Never Trump conservative to a faithful Make America Great Again Republican, successfully running for US Senate with Trumps endorsement in 2022. Political commentators are already talking about how a victory for the Republican ticket in November would put Vance in a strong position to contend for the nomination come 2028under a national conservative or America First style of politics that comes as a departure from the old guard conservatism that someone like Pence represented. He appeals to the kind of younger, religious, political evangelical, said author Hannah Anderson, who has written about rural life and ministry and reviewed Vances book for CT. Theres a lot of questions of whether [the movement] will survive Trump, and if its going to survive, its going to be through someone like Vance. On the campaign trail, Vance regularly described himself as someone who will fight for Christian values. I just feel like people dont actually have somebody that stands up and fights for them, thats willing to speak loudly and powerfully on the issues that they care about, he told the Christian Broadcasting Network. Theyre really worried, whether at their workplaces or on social media, can they actually speak their mind, can they actually speak about Christian values without being shut down? Vances selection as the Republican VP candidate has excited some evangelical voters, even if they have reservations about his recent moves away from a strict pro-life stance and about his opposition to providing aid to Ukraine in its fight with Russia. Like Pence, he is at home speaking to culture-war issues or family values that resonate with social conservatives. Baer had been skeptical of a big persona coming in and running for office in Ohio, but he felt more assured after talking with Vance during the campaign. He understands whats happening to families and happening to kids, as well as or better than political leaders, better than a lot of folks who lead pro-family organizations, Baer said. As the Republican Party shifts on abortion, Vance, like Trump, has deferred to the states role in determining abortion policy, acknowledged exceptional cases where abortion should be permitted, and supported access to the abortion medication mifepristone, The Hill reported. I will not be celebrating the pick of a newly self-professed pro abortifacient VP, Jordan B. Cooper, a Lutheran pastor and podcast host, responded on Monday, calling Vance a coward who gave up his pro-life principles when it benefited him. Baer said the move on abortion was concerning from an electoral enthusiasm point of view as well. Trump has been very strong for us on the life issue, he said. But thats the kind of thing that could lose pro-lifers and lose Christians that need to turn out to vote. Vance also lines up with the former president when it comes to one of the defining moments of Trumps political careerthe fight to overturn the 2020 election results. He still retains that kind of religiosity, but hes the fighting religious person whereas Pence was not going to fight in that way, said Anderson. Pence wasnt going to take part in January 6. Vance would have. Vance has said as much himself: Hes stated that he would not have certified the 2020 election results, had he been in Pences place, on January 6, 2021, and instead said he would have pushed for the states to send multiple slates of electors. After the attempted assassination of Trump on Saturday, Vance was also quick to blame Democrats for the shooting. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs, he wrote on X. That rhetoric led directly to President Trumps attempted assassination. So far, as a politician, the 39-year-old has carved out a reputation as being a young face of a conservative movement that embraces isolationism on the global stage, a protective trade policy over a free trade approach, and strict immigration and border policies. In the Senate, hes been one of the most outspoken opponents to further financial aid to Ukraine, though that did not stop additional aid from clearing the chamber. For a Republican politician, his targets are not always orthodox: On the Senate Banking Committee, he teamed up with Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts to go after big bank executives, though the effort also never passed. At the time of his conversion in 2019, Vance had endorsed Catholic social teaching as his ideal for forming public policy, challenging the party to make social conservatism not just about issues like abortion, but it has to have a broader vision of political economy, and the common good. His memoir detailed a fraught relationship with the church: Vance described his grandmother (and primary caregiver) as suspicious of organized religion, but she still taught him about Jesus and the Christian message. Vance had an angry atheist phase, but by the time he was leaving law school, he became reinterested in Christianity. As an adult, he never committed to a particular Protestant denomination, as he explained in an interview for The American Conservative, but converted to Catholicism at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati. If elected, he would be the second Catholic vice presidentfollowing the current Democratic president, Joe Biden. I became persuaded over time that Catholicism was true, Vance said. When I became more interested in faith, I started out with a clean slate, and looked at the church that appealed most to me intellectually. But its too easy to intellectualize this. When I looked at the people who meant the most to me, they were Catholic. Vance said in other interviews that his wife, Usha, who was raised Hindu, encouraged him to explore his Christian faith. Usha Vance is a corporate lawyer (who recently left her law firm) and is the daughter of Indian immigrants. The couple met at Yale Law School and married in 2014. They have three children. Vance is a former Marine who went to Silicon Valley to work in biotechnology after law school. He also worked as a lawyer and venture capitalist in Washington, DC, before moving back to Ohio to mount his Senate campaign. He beat out VP contenders such as South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, House Republican conference chair Elise Stefanik, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In Mondays announcement, which came after Trump officially secured the GOP presidential nomination for the third time, the former president said Vance will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for: the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond. Five years ago, Vance criticized the way some evangelicals had embraced Trump as president. But I also know that most of them arent doing it because they are sycophants, he told Rod Dreher with The American Conservative. Theyre doing it because they dont think they have a better option. In 2024, hes challenged with convincing conservative voters that Trump is a good optionduring a race when most Americans are dissatisfied with the names at the top of the ticket. Vance seems to have little doubt of prevailing, however. What an honor it is to run alongside President Donald J. Trump. He delivered peace and prosperity once, and with your help, hell do it again, he wrote in his first social media statement after the announcement was made. Onward to victory! Home News Judge clears way for demolition of Texas church where 26 people were killed in mass shooting A judge has cleared the way for the demolition of the Texas church building where a mass shooter killed 26 people during a worship service in 2017, including the pastor's daughter. District Judge Russell Wilson of Wilson County denied a request on Monday to extend a temporary restraining order preventing the leveling of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, which now worships in a new building constructed after the shooting. Wilson's decision allows an order granted earlier this month by District Judge Jennifer Dillingham to expire and opens the possibility of the building being demolished, according to The Associated Press. 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 Since the church voted to level the building in 2021, church attorney Matthew Swantner told the court that the litigation is "a question of church governance on how the church is going to proceed with its own property," according to The San Antonio Express-News. Sam Fugate II, an attorney for members who oppose the demolition, was quoted by the AP as saying that while his clients "no longer have an order preventing the church from being destroyed," they were hopeful that "the defendants will honor the suit and not take the church down while we deal with some of these issues." On Nov. 5, 2017, Devin Patrick Kelley, who was discharged from the U.S. Air Force after serving one year in military prison, entered FBC Sutherland Springs during a worship service and killed 26 people. He later shot himself and died. While Kelley had a history of anti-religious social media posts, authorities concluded that his motive for the shooting was because his ex-wife had family members who attended the church. Following the tragedy, the congregation built a new worship space, which was completed in 2019, while having the building where the shooting took place serve as a memorial. "This is a tangible sign as people drive through Sutherland Springs in the future they will know that this is a place where goodness triumphed over evil," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in remarks made at the new building's grand opening. Pastor Frank Pomeroy also told The Wall Street Journal soon after the shooting that the building might be torn down. "There's too many that do not want to go back in there," he told the outlet in 2017. "We will probably turn it into a memorial for a while. We're playing it day by day right now." In August 2021, the congregation voted 69-35 to demolish the old building as it was considered structurally unsafe, KTSA reported at the time. However, a group of families tied to the congregation filed a complaint against the decision, reported KENS 5, claiming that the church wrongfully barred some members from voting. Home News Did Tucker Carlson, 'prophet' Brandon Briggs predict assassination attempt on Trump? Justin Peters says Briggs' claim is not fulfilled prophecy Several months before a gunman attempted to assassinate former President and 2024 GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday, conservative media personality Tucker Carlson and a pastor identified as "prophet" Brandon Briggs, predicted that an attempt would be made on Trump's life. Speaking last August on Adam Corollas daily podcast, a clip of which was shared on YouTube, Carlson said, permanent Washington had tried and failed to stop Trumps political rise in 2024 so he expected an attempt to be made to assassinate the former president. What do you think the future holds? Is it, I don't know, are they going to let Trump be president? Corolla asked Carlson. 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 conservative political commentator contended that the political establishment in Washington finds something about Trump so threatening they are determined to keep him out of the oval office for a second term, even if it means taking his life. I mean, look, they protested him. They called him names. He won anyway. They impeached him twice on ridiculous pretenses. They fabricated a lot about what happened on January 6th in order to impeach him again. It didn't work. He came back. Then they indicted him. It didn't work. He became more popular. Then they indicted him three more times and every single time his popularity rose, Carlson said. So, if you begin with criticism then you go to protest, then you go to impeachment, now you go to indictment and none of them work, what's next? I mean, graph it out, man! We're speeding toward assassination, obviously, Carlson warned. No one will say that, but I don't know how you cant reach that conclusion, you know what I mean? They have decided, permanent Washington, both parties have decided that there's something about Trump that's so threatening to them they just can't have him. Justin Peters of Justin Peters Ministries, said, God is always working; He is never not working, but he doesnt believe God miraculously intervened to turn Trumps head, though He did protect Trump who will not die before Gods appointed timing. Addressing Carlson's assertion over 10 months ago that those in power would try to assassinate Trump, which was followed by an actual attempt on the former president's life last Saturday, Peters posited, Does this make Tucker Carlson a prophet? No! he said. "This makes him someone who offered an educated guess and a quite reasonable one. This is not a fulfilled prophecy. In March, Briggs, during an interview with Steve Cioccolanti & Discover Ministries, said God gave him specific chilling details about the assassination attempt on Trumps life as well as a dark time that would come with his presidency. I saw a red wave coming out of Michigan and then I saw Oklahoma, and there were embers of people and they had torches all throughout Oklahoma. And they were raising up these torches that looked like fire and they were bringing forth a new patriotism upon the nation and it just kept spreading like fire all throughout America, Briggs said. And I saw Trump rising up, and then I saw [an] attempt on his life, that this bullet flew by his ear. And it came so close to his head that it busted his eardrum, Briggs claimed. Peters, a cessationist, contends that Briggs claim, despite appearing to be "similar to real events," is also not fulfilled prophecy. "Anytime a prophecy seems to be, might have been, at least tangentially fulfilled" some people believe it. Briggs prophecy is not fulfilled prophecy" because, he said, "it is a general prophecy. If youre wanting to kill a presidential candidate your only option is a gun some distance away the most obvious target is his head. That is the highest percentage of a kill shot, Peters explained, stressing that its a difficult subject for people to talk about but Briggs claim is just an educated guess. Heres the next reason why his prophecy is not a true prophecy, because it is, in fact, a false prophecy, because Briggs said the bullet would come close to his head, close to his ear, so closer that it would burst his eardrum. Thats not what happened," Peters stressed. The bullet didnt just zip past his head close, not making contact. It actually did make contact with President Trump. It hit his ear, so the bullet did make contact it made contact with his flesh. So, he got that wrong. And then, when he said it would burst his eardrum, well, that didnt happen either. So God did not give him this vision. This is not a true prophetic vision. If God were truly giving him a real prophetic vision, it would have been much more specific about the date and exactly what would happen. In a statement on Truth Social after the attack, Trump said, I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman in the attack, as well as audience member Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief, were killed during the attack. David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, were also injured. Briggs noted in his vision, he saw Trump fall to his knees during the attack and he started worshiping the Lord. He got radically born again during this time frame. People say he's saved now, but he becomes really on fire for Jesus for what I saw coming, Briggs said. Peters also refutes Briggs claim that Trump was radically born again after he instinctively crouched down to evade the gunfire. He (Trump) didnt stand back up and start praising Jesus. Donald Trump is not a Christian, Peters maintained. He predicted Trump would go on to win the presidential election in November, but it would be followed by an economic crash worse than the Great Depression. There will be a great economy crash. I saw they had a great econom[ic] crash worse than the Great Depression and the Lord warned me about this. It would be a great dark time. But I saw paddles coming upon Americas soil like a shocking of the soil and I saw Donald Trump praying in the Oval Office and he was weeping before the Lord with his hands on his head. Home News Tucker Carlson says 'spiritual battle underway' in wake of Trump assassination attempt Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson on Monday framed the recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump as further evidence that evil spiritual forces are at work in the United States. Speaking at a Heritage Foundation event during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Carlson also noted that Christians pose the greatest threat to the destructive spiritual forces that have taken different forms throughout history. Echoing the April 2023 address he gave at The Heritage Foundation's 50th anniversary just days before his unceremonious ouster from Fox News, Carlson reiterated Monday that the increasingly irrational, violent nature of the country's political battles suggest that they run "deeper" than politics. 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 "I think what happened on Saturday, the assassination attempt against President Trump, reminded a lot of people, or awakened a lot of people to this. There is a spiritual battle underway," he said. "There is no logical way to understand what we're seeing now in temporal terms, you just can't. These are not political divides. There are forces and they're very obvious now, they've decided, for whatever reason, to take off the mask whose only goal is chaos, violence, destruction," he continued. Tucker Carlson on the assassination attempt on Trump: "There is a spiritual battle underway."@TuckerCarlson@Heritagepic.twitter.com/M3wTjM13IC Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) July 15, 2024 Carlson went on to warn that the same dark forces that have animated revolutionary movements in the past are rearing their heads again in the U.S., and that they universally hate Christianity. "What group do they dislike most?" he asked. "What group are they absolutely terrified of and hoping to eliminate? Well, it's Christians, that's who it is. It's Christians." Carlson joked that it took him a decade to come to such a realization, and that he came to it "as not a particularly fervent, lifelong Christian." "I haven't spent my life surrounded by plumes of incense deep in prayer, I spent a life in a newsroom saying the F word," he said, but added that the revolutionary, destructive forces at work in the U.S. today most hate "Christian nationalists and people who pray outside abortion clinics; people who celebrate Easter, not Trans Visibility Day." Carlson also suggested that a "dark" warmongering attitude is rampant within the Republican Party, which he claimed is why many powerful members of the GOP hate Trump and have tried so earnestly to subvert him. "Do you want to know what they care about? They only care about war. That's it, that's what they care about," Carlson said. He added that immigration, economic issues and Trump's "naughty mouth" are unimportant to his chief Republican opponents, who he claimed simply desire godlike power by perpetuating war. Noting how Trump was the first president since Jimmy Carter not to start a new war or escalate a U.S. military conflict, Carlson claimed that Trump "has stood in their way." "They want the power to kill, that's it," he said. "And that's the power everyone who wants to be God seeks to possess. That's why human sacrifice was a thing. 'I have the power to kill.' Only God has the power over life and death, and that's the power they want." Carlson has been repeatedly stressing similar sentiments in recent months, especially since his departure from Fox News. As The Christian Post reported in March, Carlson delivered an address exhorting an audience of Republicans in Fort Worth, Texas, to realize the spiritual war behind the country's political battles. "This is not flesh and blood at all. If youre offended by prayer, youre taking orders, OK? I dont see another rational explanation for it," he said. "You can reduce all these debates about climate, crime, all the weird sex stuff I'm not going to dignify it with a name, I'm just gonna call it that 'weird sex stuff' but, if they're promising you the opportunity to castrate your children, what are they really promising? No grandchildren. The end of your line," he continued. "And Solomon [and] David would, like, instantly recognize that as an act of total war against you and your people, period," he added. "Because that's what that is." During his Monday speech, Carlson also spoke highly of Trump's vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and said that the ticket is effectively guaranteed to win after Trump expressed bravery and defiance after being shot at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Tucker Carlson reacts to JD Vance as Trump's VP nominee:@TuckerCarlson@Heritagepic.twitter.com/S2cgCyC3Hv Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) July 15, 2024 "Let's be honest, Trump just won, he won," he said. "Not only did he survive an assassination attempt, he stood up without knowing whether there were other shooters there. He stood up, and faced the crowd, and raised his hand and said, 'Fight, fight, fight!' That's it. You do that, you win. Home News UMCs first lesbian bishop set to retire The United Methodist Churchs first bishop to be in a same-sex marriage will be retiring in September, eight years after being elected in defiance of the denominations rules at the time. Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Conference, who was elected to her position in 2016 by the UMC Western Jurisdiction, will officially retire on Sept. 1. The Western Jurisdiction reported Oliveto's retirement last week. Bishop Minerva Carcano, head of the California-Nevada Conference and outspoken progressive activist, will also be retiring in the fall. 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 two bishops were honored at the Western Jurisdictions official meeting last week, which was held in Spokane, Washington, and centered on the theme of Love Without Limits. Every pore, every cell in my body has loved, loved, loved my ministry and the places it took me, Oliveto told those gathered, as quoted in the report. So may you continue to follow Gods leading, to take risks, to open doors that no one else is going to open, to stand with people that no one else stands for, to make space for voices that have to be heard, so that beloved community can truly emerge. Oliveto was elected bishop by the jurisdiction in 2016, at a time when the UMC Book of Discipline officially prohibited the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. The United Methodist Judicial Council, the denominations highest court, ruled 6-3 in 2017 that Olivetos election was invalid and called for a process to begin to remove her from office. "It is not lawful for the college of bishops of any jurisdictional or central conference to consecrate a self-avowed practicing homosexual bishop," the Judicial Council stated at the time. "Under the long-standing principle of legality, no individual member or entity may violate, ignore or negate church law." Nevertheless, Oliveto remained in office, with reports surfacing that claimed many members of her regional body were leaving in protest or, at the least, dropping their financial support because she was a bishop. In September 2018, a complaint was filed against Oliveto over a 2017 sermon in which she claimed Jesus Christ had bigotries and spoke with concern about turning Jesus into an idol. If Jesus can change, if He can give up His bigotries and prejudices, if He can realize that He had made His life too small, and if, in this realization, He grew closer to others and closer to God, then so can we, Oliveto stated in 2017. The complaint was reportedly later resolved behind closed doors by church officials, with the specific details of the resolution being kept confidential by the UMC. Since her election, the Western Jurisdiction voted to make two other individuals in same-sex marriages bishops, with the regional electing Cedric Bridgeforth in 2022 and then electing Kristin Stoneking last week. Stoneking marks the first time that the regional body has elected a noncelibate homosexual to the position of bishop since the UMC amended their Book of Discipline to allow for such. Western Jurisdiction, you love. You love big, Stoneking told the jurisdiction last week. We know that there are saints who continue to walk among us and Im only here because of the saints who have poured love into me. The love that flows through each of you, the love that has been offered. Home News UMC pastor files complaint against election of openly gay leader to bishop hierarchy A United Methodist Church pastor has filed a complaint against a regional bodys leadership over a recent decision to elect an openly gay bishop, which is in defiance of denominational rules. The Rev. W. Timothy McClendon of St. Johns United Methodist Church in South Carolina filed a complaint earlier this month against the College of Bishops of the UMC Western Jurisdiction. At issue was both the Western Jurisdictions recent election of Cedric Bridgeforth as bishop, as well as the 2016 election of Karen Oliveto as bishop by the same regional body. 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 McClendon said the election of openly gay bishops undermined all United Methodist clergy who uphold the highest ideals of the Christian life and said it sends a confusing message about the meaning of marriage to the community and potential parishioners. He also said it increased the likelihood of further fracturing of the denomination, which is presently seeing large numbers of churches vote to leave due to its ongoing debate over homosexuality. The pastor also invited others to sign on to his complaint against the Western Jurisdiction bishops, with more than 900 people adding their names to it as of Monday morning. Earlier this month, the Western Jurisdiction voted to make the Rev. Cedrick D. Bridgeforth of the California-Pacific Conference a bishop in their regional body. Bridgeforth became the first openly gay African American bishop in the UMC after he was elected on the 18th ballot, getting 73 votes out of 93 valid ballots cast. Its in the Church where I have found purpose, even when I felt like it was chewing me up and spitting me out, I still couldnt let it go, Bridgeforth said shortly after being elected. It wasnt about the institution; it wasnt about its rules or its regulations. It was about the call of God upon my life, to be bigger, to be better, to open doors where possible and to chart new ground where we have to. Bridgeforths election violated the UMC's Book of Discipline, which prohibits the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals, and thus does not allow them to be elected bishops. In 2016, the Western Jurisdiction unanimously elected Karen Oliveto to be bishop of the UMC Mountain Sky Area, making her the first openly gay bishop in UMC history. While the United Methodist Judicial Council, which is the highest court of the UMC, ruled Olivetos election invalid back in 2017, she remains in office as of this month. Olivetos election and other instances of UMC leaders refusing to enforce denominational rules on ordination and marriage have led many theological conservatives to leave the UMC and join the newly created Global Methodist Church. Earlier this month, for example, the UMC Louisiana Conference held a special session that approved the votes of 58 congregations who had voted to leave the mainline denomination. Home News Biden says it was a 'mistake' telling supporters to put Trump in a bullseye President Joe Biden said it was a "mistake" to say recently that former President Donald Trump should be put "in a bullseye" in light of the failed assassination attempt on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Earlier this month, Biden, a Democrat, told donors in a private call reported on by Politico that he wanted them to move past his widely criticized debate performance and focus on defeating Trump. "We need to move forward. Look, we have roughly 40 days until the convention, 120 days til the election. We can't waste any more time being distracted," Biden was quoted as saying. 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 "I have one job, and that's to beat Donald Trump. I'm absolutely certain I'm the best person to be able to do that. So, we're done talking about the debate; it's time to put Trump in a bullseye." During an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt on Monday, Biden commented on his earlier comments, saying that it was a "mistake" to use that term for his opponent. He also suggested that the word is a figure of speech and noted that Trump has also used violent rhetoric. "I didn't say 'crosshairs.' I meant 'bullseye.' I meant focus on him. Focus on what he's doing. Focus on on his on his policies. Focus on the number of lies he told in the debate. Focus on I mean, there's there's a whole range of things," said Biden. Biden maintains that Trump's rhetoric is dangerous. He cited remarks from last December in which the former president appeared to suggest that he might abuse his power "as retribution" on "day one" of his presidency. In response to the remark at the time, the Biden campaign claimed Trump would "be a dictator on day one." "Look, I'm not the guy that said, 'I want to be a dictator on day one.' I'm not the guy that refused to accept the outcome of the election," Biden told Holt, referring to Trump's widely refuted claims that election fraud was responsible for his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. "I'm not the guy who said that wouldn't accept the outcome of this election automatically. You can't only love your country when you win. And so, the focus was on what he's saying and, I mean, the idea." Biden asked rhetorically, "How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says? Do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody?" On Saturday evening, a gunman opened fire during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, striking Trump in the ear, killing a rally attendee and wounding a few others before being killed. The deceased gunman was later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican who had donated $15 to a liberal advocacy group via Act Blue in 2021. The motive for the shooting remains unknown. "Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT," stated Trump on Sunday morning. "We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win." Home News Pastors slam Todd Starnes for urging Christians to leave churches if they didnt preach on Trump attack Conservative media personality Todd Starnes has come under fire from a number of pastors after he urged Christians to leave their church if their pastor did not address the assassination attempt on the life of former President Donald Trump from their pulpits on Sunday. If your pastor did not address the assassination attempt in today's service, you need to find another church. There is tremendous spiritual warfare being waged in this country. This is no time for limp-wristed wokevangelicals, Starnes wrote on X Sunday evening. Starnes comment came less than 24 hours after Trump, who is expected to accept the Republican nomination for president for a third time at the Republican National Convention this week, was injured during the assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening. The attack, according to The Associated Press, was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. 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 a statement on Truth Social after the attack, Trump said, I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear, but his campaign said he is now doing fine. Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman in the attack, as well as audience member Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief, were killed during the attack. David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, were also injured. James White, a well-known pastor and elder at Apologia Church in Tempe, Arizona, who also serves as director of Alpha and Omega Ministries in Phoenix, said Starnes comment about what pastors should be preaching about on Sunday was out of order and urged him to get back in your lane. You've GOT to be kidding me. No sir, I did not address the assassination attempt in today's service. I taught on Jesus' view of Scripture, actually. There would have been nothing wrong in mentioning it, even praying about it. In fact, if we had wanted to address, again, the proper role of the church in calling magistrates to obedience to Christ (something we were doing long before it became popular after 2020), that would have been fine as well, White wrote on X. But how dare you get on your high horse and pretend to dictate to the elders of Christ's churches what they must address on a given Lord's Day from the pulpit lest they be labeled limp-wristed wokevangelicals. You need to apologize for this absurd tweet and delete it. Back in your lane, sir. The Rev. Johannon Tate, senior pastor at New Era Baptist Church in Middletown, Ohio, said he didnt preach about the attempted assassination of the former president and said it had nothing to do with spiritual warfare. I didnt [preach about the assassination attempt] and I guarantee not one member of our church will leavethis aint spiritual warfaretry again, Tate wrote on X. And Pastor Clifford Mayes, who didnt share his affiliation, also disagreed with Starnes position. I am a pastor, and I did not address the assassination attempt, but I did declare Jesus Christ, His crucifixion, His resurrection, His ascension, and His return. Jesus is my king and Hes the only one who saves., he wrote on X. Taylor Combs, a pastor at Kings Cross church in Nashville, Tennessee, was a bit more nuanced in his response to Starnes but he, too, did not agree that Christians should leave their churches if their pastors chose not to preach about the assassination attempt against Trump on Sunday. There are reasons to leave your church. This isnt one of them. At every membership interview, I tell future members that there will come a time when they think I say too much, too little, or the wrong thing about some cultural issue. But thats no reason to leave! Combs said in a thread on Starnes comment on X. Its possible to hold together truth from both sides on this. For example: I do think it wouldve been wise for pastors to address this yesterday. People came to church with it on their minds. Some were fearful, sad, angry. Shepherds are called to speak the Gospel to this! Combs wrote. He also doesnt think it is wise to tell pastors to just preach the Gospel. Just preach the Gospel doesnt carry the weight here some think. Did John the Baptist just preach the Gospel at Herod? Paul when he confronted Peter? James when he addressed partiality? We speak the Gospel *to* real life realities, not to escape them, he insisted. That said, we do speak *the Gospel* to those realities not our partys talking points, not our political opinions, not conspiratorial speculation. This isnt a time for partisanship (frankly, there is no time for that, as Gospel preachers). Combs further added: None of this has anything to do with being a woke Evangelical or limp wristed any more than speaking the Gospel to the insurrection had anything to do with being non-woke. All of it has to do with lovingly meeting our people where they are with the gospel. Home News Trump's selection of JD Vance draws mixed reactions from pro-lifers: From 'exceptional' to 'heartbreaking' Advocacy groups on both sides of the aisle have weighed in on former President Donald Trump's selection of Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, as his running mate in the 2024 presidential election, with pro-life activists mixed in their enthusiasm. Vance, a 39-year-old who became a U.S. senator in 2023 after winning the election to fill the seat vacated by Republican Sen. Rob Portman, is best known as the author of the 2016 bestselling book Hillbilly Elegy, which focused on the decline of white working-class Americans in the post-war era and was later adapted into a movie. In a statement published Monday, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national pro-life grassroots organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, described Vance as "an exceptional selection" for the Republican vice presidential slot. 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 "His courage in exposing the Democrats' agenda of abortion for any reason, even in the seventh, eighth, or ninth month, helped propel him to a decisive victory in the 2022 midterm elections," Dannenfelser said. "Vance's hardscrabble upbringing informs his compassionate approach to this issue," she added. "His ability to compellingly share these stories on the national stage will surely be an asset. During his time in the Senate, he has earned an A+ on our scorecard." The praise from Dannenfelser, one of the most respected anti-abortion activists in the movement, comes after Vance has appeared to take a softer stance on abortion within the last year than some pro-life activists may prefer. He suggested in a CNN interview last December that the Republican Party needs to accept that people do not want "blanket abortion bans." Carol Tobias, president of the pro-life organization National Right to Life, offered similar praise in her reaction to Vance's addition to the Republican presidential ticket. "National Right to Life believes Senator Vance is an excellent choice for vice president," she asserted. "He is committed to promoting the right to life and protecting both women and their preborn children." Tobias praised Vance for bringing "a strong, pro-life background to the Republican ticket, which contrasts with the extreme pro-abortion position of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris." Brian Burch, president of the conservative advocacy group CatholicVote, also reacted positively to Vance's selection as the Republican vice presidential nominee. "I have known and long admired Senator Vance for several years," he said in an X post Monday. "I've also had the chance to spend time personally talking to him about his conversion to Catholicism and his vision for a new politics for America. We supported him in his 2022 victory for the U.S. Senate, and will proudly help the Trump-Vance ticket win in November." Burch contends Vance is representative of "a vision for the country that we have long embraced a vision that proudly prioritizes American workers, families, and children." He said that vision "proudly puts the needs and interests of Americans first, while pushing back against the secular, technocratic, and globalist agendas of our elitist corporate and political class that despise common people and our common moral and religious way of life." "Vance is solidly pro-life," Burch added. "He chose to become a Catholic, in part, because of our Church's teachings on the sanctity of all human life. But it's important to note that he is not running for President himself and understands he must work with President Trump to both win the election and then govern in a way that actually achieves real results for the unborn, given the political realities of our moment." At the same time, Burch acknowledged that "Vance is well suited to take on the responsibilities of the presidency if, God forbid, something were to happen to President Trump." While most conservative advocacy groups and pro-life activists reacted favorably to Trump choosing Vance as his running mate, the development generated less enthusiasm from some in the pro-life community. Lila Rose of the pro-life advocacy group Live Action, lamented in an X post Monday that "Both J.D. Vance and President Trump support the legalization of abortion pills," a belief she described as "heartbreaking and wrong." Explaining that "Vance was once strongly against the murder of all preborn babies," Rose stressed that "both men can still change their positions and we will pray and work for them to do so." "The reality is this: we are dealing with two pro-abortion legalization tickets, with the Biden/Harris ticket supporting abortions on babies through all nine months of pregnancy as well as the political persecution of pro-life people," she stated. "I urge all the candidates to see the abject evil of abortion, to change their positions and to become fighters for the most innocent among us. America's children deserve better." Vance signaled support for a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision rejecting an attempt to strike down the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the abortion drug mifepristone during an interview on "Meet the Press" last week. "On the question of the abortion pill, what so many of us have said is that, look, we certainly don't the Supreme Court made a decision saying that the American people should have access to that medication. Donald Trump has supported that opinion. I support that opinion." In a series of social media posts on Monday and Tuesday, the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising expressed similar concerns about the Trump-Vance ticket. "With the nomination of Donald Trump and JD Vance as his VP and the new MAGA platform, the GOP has fully embraced legal child killing," the pro-life group declared in an X post Monday. "There is no longer a pro-life political party in America. Shame on Trump and the GOP!" In a Tuesday X post sharing a clip from the "Meet the Press" interview discussing the abortion pill, PAAU proclaimed, "JD Vance supports the abortion pill which accounts for 63% of all abortions nationwide," adding, "Trump and his VP pick are pro-abortion, period." Vance's selection as Trump's running mate received strong condemnation from pro-choice advocacy groups. Rahna Epting, who serves as the political action director for the progressive organization MoveOn, released a statement expressing concern that "JD Vance supports abortion bans just like Donald Trump." "JD Vance defended insurrectionists storming the Capitol on January 6 just like Donald Trump. JD Vance wants to use power to help the wealthy and well connected and to seek revenge on his political opponentsjust like Donald Trump," MoveOn statement adds. Identifying the addition of Vance to the GOP presidential ticket as a move that "only divides us further and harms any effort to unite this country," Epting vowed that "MoveOn members remain committed to defeating the Trump-Vance ticket and their MAGA allies up and down the ballot in this election" and doing "the work to unite this country against MAGA extremism." The pro-abortion advocacy group Planned Parenthood Action denounced Vance as an "unqualified, anti-abortion politician who won't protect any of your rights." The pro-abortion group Reproductive Freedom for All used similar language in an X post published shortly after Vance was revealed as Trump's running mate, condemning him as an "anti-abortion extremist" who "is out of step with the majority of Americans." EMILY's List, which works to elect pro-abortion women to office, characterized the Trump-Vance ticket as "the most anti-abortion presidential ticket in history" and warned that "a vote for Trump is a vote for a national abortion ban and an end to access to other essential forms of reproductive health care." Home News Village Church Denton hired Matt Chandlers father despite past child sex abuse, podcast alleges The Village Church Denton, a former campus of Pastor Matt Chandler's The Village Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, reportedly hired Chandler's father, Steve Chandler, to work as the church's custodian and kept him on staff for five years after he confessed to child sexual abuse. A former chairman of the elder board at The Village Church Denton and his wife identified respectively as only Chris and Anna to protect their privacy, made the revelation with supporting documentation last Thursday on "The Bodies Behind the Bus," a podcast centering on the voices of spiritual abuse survivors. The Village Church Denton's decision was highlighted in a purported rough draft of a public statement leaders of the Southern Baptist congregation shared with members in 2019. 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 That same year, the Southern Baptist Convention was the focus of national headlines after The Houston Chronicle published a three-part-series reporting more than 700 victims of alleged sexual abuse by 380 Southern Baptist leaders and volunteers since 1998. Some 220 of those leaders were convicted, and 100 were still in prison at the time of the report. The Village Church Denton did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by The Christian Post about the podcast claims. In a statement, The Village Church told the Religion News Service that it employs "best practices," such as "background checks, regular training, and various security protocols," which are "informed and shaped through ongoing work with external experts." "We remain committed to serving as a refuge for the broken and suffering to receive the hope of the gospel," the statement adds. While the purported rough draft of The Village Church Denton's public statement to the church said they had no current staff members with a history of sexual abuse at the time, it noted that Steve Chandler confessed to child sex abuse crimes before his hiring as the custodian of The Village Church Denton Campus a position he held from 2007 -2012. The Village Church's record on protecting children previously came under fire in 2019 after former Village Church members Christi Braggs and her husband, Matt, alleged in a report in The New York Times that former Village Church children's minister Matthew Tonne sexually abused their daughter when she was about 11 at a church camp in 2012. And even though the church leaders categorically stated in their 2019 response that they would not hire someone at the church with a history of child sex abuse in their past, they explained why they hired Steve Chandler. The draft stated that he was following an accountability plan, which included counseling, and had voluntarily come forward about his crime, which was not detailed. "The only exception to this we are aware of, in the entire history of our staff here in Denton dating back to 2007, is our brother Steve Chandler, who served as the custodian of the Denton Campus from 2007 -2012," the draft reads. "Steve himself made us aware of his history through sharing his testimony of God's transforming grace in his life," the draft added. "Steve first shared his testimony publicly with members of The Village Church in Highland Village through the Recovery Ministry, before he was hired on staff. Steve's testimony included him vulnerably sharing many of his past sins, including his past sin of child sexual abuse 40 years ago. A sin and crime Steve had first voluntarily confessed to the District Attorney and court of law 40 years ago." Though he felt The Village Church Denton's statement to the congregation in 2019 was sufficient, the former elder board chairman now believes it wasn't. "When we actually shared with the congregation, it was clear that the primary purpose was to make sure that the congregation knew that (Steve) was 'restored' and had overcome these struggles," Chris said on the podcast. "The fact that that was the main thing that was communicated in the statement goes to show there wasn't a ton of concern for potential victims." Chris claimed that the church engaged in significant self-protection. He eventually resigned from the board, and his wife, who worked in the church's nursery, joined him in no longer attending. "We will probably never again in our lives have the same church-as-everything type of attitude," Anna noted. "People live and they learn, and we've learned some really hard lessons." At the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2019, Chandler said in a video clip shared with CP that the church was doing the best it could when it comes to addressing sexual abuse. "We are an imperfect church with imperfect people," Matt Chandler said. "I make mistakes. I am painfully aware of my limitations, of the weaknesses of The Village Church, of our failures. They are numerous. I don't think I'm naive to that." Home Opinion No other gods before me: 7 false gods of the present age (part 2) In the book, The Ten Commandments Yesterday and Today, author James Burton Coffman, formerly the minister of Manhattan Church of Christ in New York City, noted that William Jennings Bryan had identified many false gods of his time. Bryans list included Gold, Fashion, Fame, Ease, Intellect, Travel, War, Passion, Chance, and Drink. Coffman wrote, Volumes could be written about each of them and dozens of others. Anything that absorbs the souls attention and claims uppermost affection in the heart is a god in that heart and soul. The first commandment identifies the rightful claimant of mans inner throne. It is none other than Almighty God himself. [1] In the previous article, 7 false gods of the present age,three gods of the present era were discussed: Humanism, Historicism, and Evolutionary Science. Such idolatry is rarely recognized as such. When people think of idols, they typically envision ancient times, with individuals bowing down to grotesque, half-animal, half-human stone figures believed to be imbued with powers. While this form of idolatry is less common in Western cultures today, it still exists in some parts of the world. However, modern idolatry is more refined. Even professing Christians can fall into its grasp. Thus, the admonition from John in his first epistle, Dear children, keep away from anything that might take Gods place in your hearts (I John 5:21). 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 Here are four other gods to which so many have given their hearts. Mammon Who could honestly deny that the love of money is pervasive in Western culture in numerous ways? Western culture, particularly in the United States, is heavily driven by consumerism. The constant pushing of products, new and old, the latest technology, fashion trends, and luxury items underscores a society highly focused on material wealth. The drive for financial success is all-consuming, leading to widespread workaholism, where individuals prioritize their careers and earnings over faith and family. This is evident in the long working hours, some of it is self-inflicted, and in other situations, pushed by employers. Too many people are simply overworked, which leads to burnout, mental health issues, and weakened family and social ties. Money often plays a huge role in politics, with significant financial contributions from wealthy individuals and big corporations shaping political campaigns, policies, and legislative initiatives. This influence often undermines the democratic process, leading to policies that benefit the few at the expense of the many, and eroding public trust in government institutions. Government bailouts, such as those seen during the 2008 financial crisis, are often rightly criticized for using taxpayer money to rescue large financial institutions and corporations. Bailouts prioritize the financial stability of powerful entities over the welfare of common folks. They are a misuse of government funds that reward irresponsible behavior and greed, undermining the great moral principles of justice and accountability. Much of government welfare today creates dependency and although well-intended, more often than not, fails to address the root causes of poverty. These programs often lead to the misuse of funds and a lack of personal responsibility. They perpetuate a cycle of dependency and the misuse of taxpayer money. To a large degree, they have discouraged personal responsibility and a strong work ethic. Such prioritizes financial gain and power over ethical governance and the common good, reflecting a misuse of money that conflicts with the biblical principles of faithful stewardship. The healthcare sector in the United States is significantly influenced by financial interests. An often overlooked aspect of this issue is the exorbitant charges for medical services. While much debate has centered on healthcare as a constitutional right and the need for universal health insurance, the question remains as to how the medical sector justifies its high costs. If other businesses charged as much as the medical community, they might be accused of price gouging. The phenomenally high costs of medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services are characteristically driven by the profit motives of insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and healthcare providers. This focus on profit leads to inflated costs, reduced access to necessary services, and a healthcare system that prioritizes financial gain over patient care and ethical considerations. Education also faces criticism for being money-hungry, particularly in higher education. The rising costs of tuition and the substantial debt burdens with which students are saddled after graduation can rightly be attributed to the financial interests of universities and private lenders. The hot pursuit for financial gain by the education community has led to diminished educational quality and accessibility, with universities prioritizing revenue over the mission of educating students. Infrastructure projects have led to inefficiencies, corruption, and misallocation of resources, resulting in projects that do not necessarily serve the public interest. The so-called Bridge to Nowhere is a fitting example. The plan involved constructing a bridge in Alaska to connect the city of Ketchikan to its airport on Gravina Island, which had a small population and limited traffic. The project was slated to receive $223 million in federal funding and was approved in a 2005 transportation bill. It was a perfect example of pork-barrel spending, where government funds were allocated to projects that only benefited a small group but had little national significance. Because of significant public backlash over the wasteful spending, the Bridge to Nowhere was never finished and became a national symbol of the governments squandering of public resources. When the profit motive takes precedence over genuine public need and fiscal responsibility, its a reflection of the idolization of mammon. Perhaps the worst, the most atrocious example of the worship of mammon over God, comes from the church. What a sad commentary it is of the times that the church, Gods people, are so grossly in violation of no other gods before me. In the modern church, the prosperity gospel, or the health and wealth teaching is a belief system widely followed. It teaches that God intends for every believer to have financial success and always experience physical well-being and that this can be achieved through faith, positive speech, and donations to select church ministries. The false promise of this teaching is that God will reward those who have enough faith and those who are sufficiently faithful with rewards of material wealth and health. The problem with this doctrine, however, is that it prioritizes accumulating money and property over storing up treasures for oneself in heaven. It ranks earthly pleasures, riches, and comfort in life higher than knowing God, doing the will of God, and considering ones neighbor as important as oneself something that can be quite costly when properly recognized and applied. Prominent American theologian, pastor, and author, John Piper, expressed his strong disapproval of the prosperity gospel. He has stated unequivocally that it abominates the Gospel of Christ. So does every authentic preacher of Christ! [2] Jesus teachings on money consistently emphasized the dangers of wealth and materialism. He advocated for generosity, and trusting in God to provide for ones needs. The New Testament says that one day Jesus encountered a wealthy young man who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments, which he claimed he had done from a very early age. Jesus then told him to go and sell all of his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. The Bible says that in response the young man left sorrowful because he had great wealth (Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, Luke 18:18-23). This story shows how the love of money became an idol in this young mans life, preventing him from fully committing to God. His wealth was more important to him than his spiritual well-being and his relationship with the Lord. This is the real truth, following Christ devotedly, might make a person poor, not rich. Here was what Jesus said about the proper place of money: Dont store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be (Matthew 6:19-21). No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money (Matthew 6:24) Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own (Luke 12:19). In Matthew 6:25-34,Jesus warned against greed by telling a parable about a rich man who stored up wealth but suddenly died. Having focused entirely on this life, the man went into eternity unprepared to meet his Maker. In this passage, Jesus taught us not to worry about material needs, for God knows what is needed. Instead, he urges first seeking Gods kingdom and righteousness, promising that all other earthly needs will be met by trusting in God. The State Amidst the gods of this present era, there stands none that wields more influence and commands unwavering loyalty as the state. The state possesses a tangible and pervasive presence in everyones life. People often say that morality cant be legislated, but this is exactly what the state does. Legislation doesnt operate in a moral vacuum, every legislative initiative passed into law is the codification of someones value system. Today the state has become all-consuming, directing every aspect of life, even the education of children. In many ways, the state is much like a modern deity, shaping ones existence with an authority that rivals any traditional god. Once again, note something Dr. Herbert Schlossberg has said about the state in his book, Idols for Destruction: When Diocletian published his draconian Edict of 301, destroying the few remaining liberties of the old republic, he justified it by referring to himself and his associates as the watchful parents of the whole human race. Rulers have ever been tempted to play the role of father to their people. In his justification for state direction of the national economy, A.P. Lerner defended rationing as a form of guardianship that the state should exercise over the population in order to prevent foolish spending. The state that acts as a wise parent instead of a vindictive judge has been an attractive image to many people. They include ecclesiastical authorities who have completely missed the point of the gospel warning to call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9). The father is the symbol not only of authority but also of provision. Our Father who art in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:9, 11). Looking to the state for sustenance is a cultic act; we rightly learn to expect food from parents, and when we regard the state as the source of physical provision, we render to it the obeisance of idolatry. The crowds who fed on the multiplied loaves and fishes were ready to receive Christ as their ruler, not because of who he was but because of the provision. John Howard Yoder has rightly interpreted the scene: The distribution of bread moved the crowd to acclaim Jesus as the new Moses, the provider, the Welfare King whom they had been waiting for. The paternal state [today many refer to it as the Nanny State] not only feeds its children, but nurtures, educates, comforts, and disciplines them, providing all they need for their security. This appears to be a mildly insulting way to treat adults, but it is really a great crime because it transforms the state from being a gift of God, given to protect us from violence, into an idol. It supplies us with all blessings, and we look to it for all our needs. Once we sink to that level.there is no point in telling state officials to mind their own business. Our whole lives are their business. The paternalism of the state is that of the bad parent who wants his children dependent on him forever. That is an evil impulse. The good parent prepares his children for independence, trains them to make responsible decisions, and knows that he harms them by not helping them to break loose. The paternal state thrives on dependency. When the dependents free themselves, it loses power. It is, therefore, parasitic on the very persons whom it turns into parasites. Thus, the state and its dependents march symbiotically to destruction. When the provision of paternal security replaces the provision of justice as the function of the state, the state stops providing justice. The ersatz parent ceases executing judgment against those who violate the law, and the nation begins losing the benefits of justice. Those who are concerned about the chaos into which the criminal justice system has fallen should consider what the states function has become. Because the state can only be a bad imitation of a father. The idol state uses the language of compassion because its intention is a messianic one. It finds the masses harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, needing a savior. [3] May God save the masses from trusting in the false god of the state. Victimhood In contemporary Western cultures, victimhood has also emerged as a powerful force, akin to that of a deity to which, figuratively speaking, the masses bow down. For many, though they probably dont realize it, victimization has become a god to them, as they elevate their experiences of suffering and oppression to the core of their identity and social narrative. It becomes central to their self-perception and interactions in life, shaping their worldview as much as a deity and its religious doctrines would. People who succeed at getting others to accept that they have been terribly victimized in life are often able to garner a unique and special kind of moral power and respect. Their opinions and demands seem more righteous and legitimate, to the extent that its much harder, and in some cases even impossible, to argue against their assertions without facing serious backlash or criticism. For these folks, it is insisted that they be given special rights. This status, very much like divine favor, can be a powerful tool for gaining social, political, and economic advantages, mobilizing public opinion, attracting media attention, and influencing policy decisions. Much like religious communities, the culture of victimhood fosters solidarity among those who identify as victims, creating a shared sense of belonging and mutual support. Moreover, victimhood is used to justify actions and behaviors that might otherwise be unacceptable, framing them as necessary responses to oppression. Society often demands recognition and deference to the experiences of those claiming victimhood, with failure to do so resulting in social ostracism. The narrative of victimhood also tends to dominate public discourse, shaping how history and current events are interpreted and overshadowing other perspectives. Concerning something like poverty, Schlossberg says that victimhood often swallows the entire person. [4] He writes: It takes away the poor persons humanity and gives him in its place the ontological status of victim. The sheltering arms of humanist sentimentality shower altruism on the poor person and refuse to allow any criticism to fall on his behavior. Blame instead falls on circumstance. The universe is said to have arrayed its forces implacably against the victim, who understandably feels resentment and self-pity because of the fate that circumstance has arranged for him. He was born out of circumstance, molded by circumstance, determined by circumstance. That hard taskmaster will never release its hold on him, and will always keep him in the thrall of ontological victimhood. But the agents of circumstance must be made to pay, first by an unbearable guilt for which no atonement will ever be sufficient and second with a never-ending stream of resources extorted out of them[Victimhood] exalt categories of weakness, sickness, helplessness, into virtues while it debases the strong and prosperous. In the country of ontological victimhood, strength is an affront. Denying the possibility of strength for the weak keeps them weak. Being freed from dependence would bring the victim back into the human family responsible for himself and others. How much better to remain a victim shielded from trouble and responsibility by altruism? Imposing a load of false guilt on the strongelicits a countering resentment that blinds them [the victimized] to the need of repentance for their real sins.[5] One of my favorite humorous political stories illustrates this truth well. It is said that one day a Republican, a Libertarian, and a Democrat were seated separately in a restaurant when a poor man walked in; and unbeknownst to the three, it was Jesus. The Republican summoned the waiter and asked him to serve the poor man with the best food on the menu and to put it on his tab, and the waiter obliged. The Libertarian asked the waiter to please serve the poor man some iced tea and to put it on his tab. And, the waiter did so. The Democrat then asked the waiter to bring the impoverished man a piece of pecan pie with ice cream and to put it on his tab. And the waiter did as ordered. When Jesus was finished eating, the Savior went over to the Republican and said to him, I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. Thank you. I see that you are blind. Jesus then gave the man his sight. Next Jesus went over to the Libertarian and said, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. Thank you. I see that you have paralysis in your arm. So, the Lord touched the mans arm, and immediately the mans arm was healed. Then Jesus walked over to the Democrat. The Democrat quickly moved away from Jesus and exclaimed, Dont you touch me! Im on a hundred percent disability! This is unquestionably a hypothetical situation and isnt meant to offend anyone of any political party, but as they say, A lot of truth is said in jest. Although the practice of slavery has been dead in America for more than sixteen decades, for many, its legacy is a significant part of their collective identity. The historical trauma and systemic disadvantages faced by the ancestors of slavery, many believe, have shaped their current societal and economic status. This sense of historical victimization becomes a core aspect of their communal identity and a key focus of their advocacy. Individuals who advocate for reparations view their lives and the lives of their community members through the lens of the historical injustices of slavery. They see themselves not only as individuals striving for personal success but also as representatives of a group that has been wronged by racism and exploitation. This perception influences their worldview, interactions, and sense of purpose. The push for reparations is based primarily on the notion that the descendants of enslaved people are owed compensation for the injustices suffered by their ancestors. This demand shapes how advocates interact with society at large, often framing their arguments in terms of historical debt and moral responsibility. The right of federally recognized Native American tribes to operate casinos, while others cannot, can be seen as a response to the historical injustices and economic disadvantages faced by these communities. This privilege is partly viewed as a form of compensation for the systemic marginalization and profound losses Native Americans have endured, including their land, culture, and economic opportunities due to colonization and subsequent U.S. policies. In essence, these rights are granted, in part, based on their historical victimhood. However, the irony lies in the nature of gaming, particularly casinos, which are inherently predatory. The well-intentioned effort to support Native Americans through casino operations paradoxically places them in a position where the formerly oppressed become the operators of enterprises that exploit others. The Bible offers a different perspective on suffering and victimhood, teaching that while suffering is part of the human experience, it should not define ones life. Instead, God calls people to find their identity in the Lord Jesus Christ, who can provide healing and transformation. Romans chapter 8, verse 37 emphasizes that those who follow Christ are more than conquerors. It is through a personal relationship with God through faith in Christ that anyone can become an overcomer rather than remain a victim. Similarly, Philippians chapter 4 and verse 13 encourage believers to draw strength and resilience from Christ, stating, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes serving and loving others, not seeking special privileges based on ones suffering. Galatians chapter 6, and verse 2 instructs, Carry each others burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. The Bible promotes mutual support and compassion over a perpetual state of victimhood. In essence, the biblical response to victimhood is to find our identity and strength in the Lord, pursue healing and transformation, and support others in love and service, moving beyond a constant focus on suffering. True empowerment only comes from breaking free of the victimhood identity. The god of Victimhood perpetuates a vicious cycle of blame and reliance. Bowing to the god of victimization robs people of important virtues such as resilience, responsibility, and freedom. Validation Validation has become a god to which countless individuals pay homage every day. This god of Validation drives people to seek approval, recognition, and affirmation from others instead of finding their worth in God. There is a relentless pursuit of approval via social media these days. People on Facebook and other platforms chase likes, comments, and followers, measuring their importance by the number of interactions they receive. On platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (now known as X), TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, Discord, Telegram, Clubhouse, Quora, Viber, Line, Signal, Flickr, Medium, Parler, Mastodon, Rumble, Gab, Truth Social, Nextdoor, Baidu Tieba, KakaoTalk, and VK, individuals present curated versions of their lives. They portray an idealized image to gain admiration and affirmation. Social media itself is not inherently evil, no more so than money is evil. It is the profound love for it that signals something desperately wrong in the human heart. This insatiable hunger and thirst for validation is inordinate. Everyone seeks celebrity status. Everyone wants their own reality show. Its a narcissistic preoccupation with self, crying out, Look at me. Look at me. Love me. Love me. Celebrate me. Celebrate me. Im special, dont you agree? The adoration of celebrities, often based solely on their public personas rather than their actual contributions to society, reflects a deep-seated need for validation in life. The masses imitate their lifestyles, fashion choices, and even political views, hoping to achieve similar status or approval from their peers. The extent of this phenomenon is mind-boggling. Brands frequently use celebrities to endorse their products, leveraging their status to validate consumer choices. This dynamic fosters a cycle where people seek validation through material possessions, associating their self-worth with their ability to emulate celebrity lifestyles. The elevation of celebrities to near-divine status often shifts societal values. Qualities like humility, hard work, and service to ones fellowman are overshadowed by the superficial allure of fame, leading to a cultural emphasis on appearances and instant gratification over genuine achievement and authentic moral character. An immoderate desire for acceptance often leads individuals to conform to societal norms and peer expectations, even when these contradict their core convictions, faith, and values. This pursuit of validation from social circles, political circles, as well as other circles, results in significant compromises to ones integrity. Additionally, the fear of rejection and ostracism can be so powerful it drives people to seek approval from others at any cost. This is what it means to fall prostrate before the god of Validation. Theres an old story about a family from the city who decided to try life in the wide-open spaces. So, they bought a Western ranch. Some friends came to visit them about a month after they had moved in and asked them what they had named their ranch. The father said, Well, I wanted to call it the Flying-W and my wife wanted to call it the Suzy-Q, but one of our sons loved the Bar-J and the other preferred the Lazy-Y. We decided to compromise and call it the Flying-W, Suzy-Q, Bar-J, Lazy-Y Ranch. Their friend asked, Well, how about your cattle? The man replied, None of them survived the branding. When validation is sought over principle, the result is the loss of what is most important and what gives meaning to ones existence. Jesus put it this way, And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? (Mark 8:36). Worship of the god of Validation has infiltrated nearly every major institution of life. This pervasive need for external approval and affirmation intensely shapes behaviors and values across every facet of society. But nowhere has this idolatry proven to be more tragic than in the church. Schlossberg contends: Roman Catholicism and the evangelical wing of Protestantism, with their intellectuals increasingly trained in secular universities, have found it difficult to retain their distinctiveness and thus have had their walls breached from within Thus, the master of the American church is likely to be whatever cultural or intellectual fad has gained ascendency. Christology displays this tendency when the Gospels are used selectively to show that the real Jesus was an exemplar of the American middle class, or perhaps a guerilla fighter, a social democrat, or a model of psychological fitness. That is a recipe for intellectual and spiritual sterility, for by accepting the dead end of the reigning assumption, the church absorbs whatever conclusions enlightened people consider current. In sociological terms, the church functions as just another means used by the political and social establishment to integrate societys values into the next generation. Its passivity makes it acceptable and ensures its irrelevance.[6] One of the clearest examples of the church defecting from the One True God and worshipping the god of Validation occurred in Nazi Germany. In the early 1930s, a movement known as Deutsche Christen (German Christians) emerged within the Protestant Church. This movement sought to merge Christianity with Nazi ideology and policies, significantly compromising Christian principles for political purposes. The Deutsche Christen promoted a distorted version of the Christian faith that incorporated Nazi anti-Semitic beliefs. They Aryanized Christianity by eliminating its Jewish influences. With the regimes support, Deutsche Christen gained control of key leadership positions within the Protestant Church and used their influence to purge clergy who opposed their views, promoting loyalty to the Nazi government and the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. This alliance between German Christians and the Nazi state resulted in a blatant compromise of core Christian values, such as the rejection of racism, the defense of religious freedom, and the protection of the most vulnerable. Deutsche Christen supported Nazi policies, including the persecution and genocide of the Jewish people. The collaboration between Deutsche Christen and the Nazi regime was disastrous for both Germany and the Church, leading to a profound and unprecedented moral and spiritual crisis. [7] Everybody wants to belong. Its a natural human impulse. Although most people pride themselves in being different, most actually choose to conform to the crowd. However, its necessary to be forthright and honest: those who belong to the Lord and earnestly follow him will find themselves members of a counter-culture. Those who would obey the First Commandment to have no other gods before the Lord must be willing to part ways with the gods of this world, whether Humanism, Historicism, Evolutionary Science, Mammon, the State, Victimhood, or Validation. The First Commandment says that God will suffer no rivals. You must not have any other god but me. (Exodus 20:3). Resources: [1] James Burton Coffman, The Ten Commandments Yesterday and Today (Fleming H. Revell Company, 1961), 22 [2] Keith Throop, John Piper Explains Why He Hates the Prosperity Gospel. Reformed Baptist Blog, August 14, 2015, https://reformedbaptistblog.com/2015/08/14/john-piper-explains-why-he-hates-the-prosperity-gospel/ (accessed July 12, 2024) [3] Herbert Schlossberg, Idols of Destruction, published 1983, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Camden, New York, 183-185 [4] Ibid, 69 [5] Ibid, 69-70 [6] Ibid 236-237 [7] Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, German Christians (movement). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Christians_(movement) (accessed July 12, 2024). Why your new MP needs to know about religious persecution and what you can do to help Another election, another Prime Minister. And if you are reading this in the UK, you may well have a new MP. He or she will have a million and one things on their mind right now and plenty of people vying for their attention. It's unlikely that they will have given a moment's thought to Freedom of Religion or Belief (or FoRB for short) before starting their job. FoRB is the right to believe and practise any religion or philosophical belief that you choose. Freedom to choose your faith is something that many in the West don't give a second thought to. After all, who would force you to belong to a religion you didn't want to? Around the world, the answer is "a lot of people". Religious freedom is something that hundreds of millions cannot take for granted. Roughly 365 million Christians according to Open Doors' World Watch List, which ranks the levels of persecution and discrimination that Christians experience around the world. Here are just a few examples: In North Korea you can face execution on the spot if you are discovered with a Bible. In Nigeria, over 5,000 men, women and children were murdered for their faith over the course of a single year. In Afghanistan, thousands of Christians went into hiding, for fear of arrest, torture and execution by the Taliban simply for being a Christian. But why should a new MP be concerned about whether someone in Afghanistan can attend church and share their faith in safety? Firstly, because any government that says it is concerned with human rights should care about FoRB. It is sometimes referred to as the "canary in the coal mine" of human rights and freedoms. In other words, if a country is oppressing people because of their religious beliefs, you can be sure that they will soon be oppressing many more groups, if they are not already doing so. To quote the end of the poem First They Came by Pastor Martin Niemoller: Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me. Our current foreign policy legislation talks about a set of vulnerabilities that can make people more likely to face persecution, discrimination, even violence. A person's gender, their sexuality and their race are all acknowledged. We are calling for a person's faith to be another of those factors. Once the faith factor is in place, Christians and other faith groups can be better targeted with aid and support. The second reason that countries denying their citizens religious freedom should concern MPs is that the UK does business with many of the worst offending nations. For instance, Britain works closely with Nigeria and has massive trade interests there. Likewise, India is a country with which our new government will be hoping to strike a trade deal it's a place where Christians are systematically marginalised and where tens of thousands have been driven from their homes by violent mobs. When our politicians visit these nations, discussing cooperation or attempting to strike trade deals, will they mention these abuses and apply a little pressure on the governments? The final reason that your humble constituency MP should care about FoRB is that they really can make a difference to human lives halfway across the globe. That's especially true when they work with other MPs, pushing for change to some of the most vulnerable people on the planet. At Open Doors we have been working with MPs and peers from all political parties, encouraging them to work together for change, on behalf of the world's persecuted believers. Every January, we launch our annual World Watch List in Parliament. Last year we were joined by 101 MPs from across the political spectrum. With our (and others') encouragement the government commissioned an independent review into the persecution of Christians globally. The last government even appointed a special envoy for FoRB right now we are pushing for that role to be made permanent. With this new tranche of MPs, we have a challenge and an exciting opportunity. The challenge is that most new MPs have barely heard of FoRB. Most will have barely considered how people are persecuted for their religious faith far less that Christians could ever be the ones discriminated against. Your MP is accountable to you, you are their boss. If you vote to get rid of them, they no longer have a job, therefore you have power over them. If enough people tell them that FoRB matters to them, they will sit up and take notice. Christians in much of the world are voiceless. They have little to no way of sharing their story. The news media are not interested in publishing daily figures on the number of Christians slaughtered in Nigeria. The only way MPs will know what is truly happening is going to be through you their constituents. Write to your MP, galvanise local support in your churches, you have power to help those that have little or no power of their own. Encourage your MP to learn more about the persecution of Christians worldwide. Ben Cohen is the Head of Media and PR for the charity Open Doors UK and Ireland. Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. Migrant Help supported Loretta Ogochukwu Okeke after she escaped from modern slavery in the UK. She has now joined its trustee board and wants to help the charity to keep improving its services. This is her story. By Olivier Le Moal, Adobe A Scottish charity set up to alleviate poverty has increased the number of grants it makes after facing criticism over a lack of charitable activity. Dr Bruce Fund, set up more than 200 years ago to help those in poverty in Musselburgh, has faced criticism recently from Audit Scotland for failing to operate in the way it should. Auditors warned East Lothian Council, which oversees the charity, for failing to promote its work effectively. Despite holding around 20,000 of funds, Dr Bruce Funds charitable spending had comprised grants to two individuals totalling less than 100 for at least seven years including the 12 months to March 2023. But the charity increased this to 1,465 in 2023-24 after trustees made efforts to improve its grantmaking process, according to its latest accounts. Grants increased In the year to March 2024, Dr Bruce Fund increased the extent of funds made available for grants. For 2023-24, a total of 1,465 was awarded, constituting 40 awarded to seven individuals and an award of 1,185 to an individual to assist with flood damage restoration. This compares to grants of 80 in 2022-23 (two awards of 40). Dr Bruce Fund incurred operational expenditure, including grant awards, of 2,611, against income (excluding investment sales and gains) of 1,596. Together with gains related to investment assets of 950, this resulted in a deficit for the year of 65. At 31 March 2024, the trust had unrestricted funds of 20,246. Its most recent annual report states: The trustees have worked to improve the process for awarding grants to enable the trust to fulfil its intended objectives which has increased the grant awards made. The trust intends to continue to make annual awards as funds allow. Councillors for Musselburgh have acted in a decision-making capacity for the trust for some years, with trustees supported by finance and support staff within the council. Dr Bruce Fund has no employees and all financial transactions are carried out through the bank accounts of the council. 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, Oxfam has announced plans to open up to 10 new superstores over the next five years across the UK and is set to launch its second such store in Manchester this week. The charity opened its first superstore near its headquarters in Oxford in 2019 and will open a second this Friday 19 July in Manchester Fort Shopping Park, Cheetham Hill. A spokesperson for Oxfam told Civil Society that its first superstore has been a huge success, raising over 180,000 in 2023-24 to help fund its work to tackle poverty and injustice. The average shopper spends four times the amount at the Oxford superstore, compared to our Oxfam shops, they said. Its new 10,000 sq ft superstore in Manchester will include two floors of pre-owned clothing, accessories, books, homewares and music and a cafe housed in an Oxfam water tank. The charity said the store, which will be open seven days a week, will create 15 paid jobs as well as 150 volunteering opportunities. It is currently scouting for potential locations for the new superstores and hopes to announce the location of the next one by the end of the year. Store to act as a social hub Lorna Fallon, Oxfams retail trading director, said: Were thrilled to be opening Oxfams second-ever superstore and couldnt have picked a better location than Manchester. The store not only has an incredible treasure trove of pre-loved clothing, books, music and more but we hope it will act as a social hub at the heart of the community for everyone to use and enjoy. The superstore also marks an exciting step in our plans to open more new superstores across the nation which will help raise even more money for our life-saving work around the globe. During the grand opening of the new store, the charity will run a raffle to win the FA Cup-winning Manchester United t-shirt signed by the first-team squad. When the charity opened its first superstore in Oxford, it said it hoped it would raise nine times more funds than its average shops. 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, Elliott Investment Management has alleged that Banco Santander SAs practice of using an auto-deleting messaging platform, in this instance to discuss a take-private deal, is hampering its long-running lawsuit against the bank. The hedge fund sued Santander affiliates and board members of Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. in 2022 for allegedly rigging the $12.7 billion take-private buyout of its US auto loan business to keep potentially billions worth of pandemic-related profits in the Spanish banks hands. During pre-trial information exchanges, Elliott now says it uncovered significant destruction of relevant evidence relating to Signal messages sent around the time of the 2021 deal, according to a motion filed last month. Both Santander Chair Ana Botin and Mahesh Aditya, the chief executive officer of Santander Consumer USA Holdings, had automatic deletion for at least some conversations enabled, Elliott says it was told by Santander in December. Neither Botin nor Aditya are part of the class-action. We are confident we have met all our legal requirements and disclosure obligations, a spokesperson for Santander said. As this is now a matter for the court it would not be appropriate to comment further. An Elliott spokesperson declined to comment. The filing offers fresh insight into the banks deliberations over the contentious buyout, which was a key part of Santanders push into higher-growth businesses. Elliotts motion asks the Delaware judge to impose a heightened burden of proof for any testimony that contradicts available documents given the alleged loss of relevant evidence. Botin and her colleagues frequently discussed Max the acquisitions code name via Signal, the Delaware Chancery Court filings claim. A dedicated messaging group used to discuss the transaction had the auto-delete feature switched on, Elliot says, which is the apps default setting. While the use of messaging apps has been banned among the Spanish banks corporate and investment bank employees, Signal remains authorized for occasional non-sensitive internal conversations for other parts of the business, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing company policy. Signal is viewed as more secure than WhatsApp, the person said. Elliotts allegation is another sign of the risks banks increasingly face by using such messaging apps. Regulators have been scrutinizing the practice in a bid to ensure firms better monitor and save communications, with the Securities and Exchange Commission imposing fines on a wide range of firms for the use of messaging apps by traders and dealmakers. The messages in question represent a fraction of the documentation produced for the proceedings. Santander has provided over 127,000 documents and more than 20 witnesses as part of the case, according to a person familiar with the matter. A five-day trial is set to start in Sept. 16. The case is Santander Consumer USA Holdings Shareholder Litigation, 2022-0689 (Delaware Chancery Court). Top photo: A window reflects signage outside a bank branch of Banco Santander SA in London, U.K., on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. South Carolina lawmakers next year may be asked to revamp a workers compensation employment test that judges have relied on for more than 50 years, if the state Supreme Court has its way. The court last week said that a 1973 doctrine, created by a state Supreme Court decision known as Cooper vs. McDevitt & Street, allows employers to deny workers comp benefits if the employee had misrepresented health information in the job application. But federal law the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 forbids companies from asking about health issues, including back problems, before deciding to hire. We are concerned with the continued validity of Cooper, reads the July 10 opinion in Brailey vs. Michelin and Safety National Corp. The high court did not fully address the issues raised by the Cooper test because Michelin failed to demonstrate that Braileys alleged misrepresentation about a pre-existing back problem was a substantial factor in the decision to hire him. We cannot tell on the record before us whether this inconsistency between the ADA and Cooper will occur rarely or frequently, but as the Cooper test was written before the ADA was adopted, it simply does not work well anymore, the justices wrote. They added that other cases will likely have to confront the test. If necessary in future cases, the courts will address the problems with the Cooper test, the per curiam opinon reads. Our preferred course of action, however, would be for the General Assembly to take up this issue and resolve it legislatively. The Brailey decision upheld a state appeals court ruling, which had overturned the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission. The commission in 2022 found four reasons for denying Braileys claim for compensation, including that the man failed to prove his claim was for an accidental injury at work, per statute. The commission also found that the injury could be considered intentional because Brailey had failed to inform Michelin that he had substantial back pain in the weeks before the claimed injury. The appeals court reversed on all four grounds. The high court justices also noted that by finding that Brailey was not an employee, bound by the exclusive remedy of the workers compensation system, the comp commission effectively allowed him to bring a tort action against his employer. But that creates its own issues. We find it unlikely the General Assembly intended that by committing fraud in an employment application the employee would regain the right to sue the employer in tort, the justices wrote. Attorneys in the case could not be reached for comment Monday morning. Wuhu rises as a new automotive city along the Yangtze River People's Daily Online) 14:54, July 16, 2024 Shortly after the start of the summer, Chery's Intelligent Manufacturing Factory in Wuhu, Anhui Province, is bustling with activity. Aerial photo shows Chery's production base. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun) At the Chery Intelligent Manufacturing Factory, 660 mechanical arms work in tandem. The factory boasts an automation rate of 97 percent. Once assembled, the vehicles will be transported via the upper conveyor belt to the next processpainting. Outside the factory, a line of car carriers is waiting to pick up new vehicles. Soon, these carriers will deliver the new vehicles across the country and around the world. This factory can produce a car every minute. The Yangtze River runs east-west across the country, nurturing major automotive industrial cities like Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai along its way. Today, a new automotive city is rising in the Wanjiang region, the stretch of the Yangtze River in Anhui Province. The automotive industry is a pillar industry of Anhui Provinces economy, and Chery Automobile is its flagship enterprise. Mechanical arms at work in Chery's Intelligent Manufacturing Factory. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun) In 2023, Chery sold nearly 1.9 million vehicles, with approximately two-thirds produced in Wuhu. The company also exported more than 900,000 vehicles, maintaining its position as the top exporter of Chinese brand passenger cars for 21 consecutive years. Positioned as the flagship enterprise in the provinces pillar industry, last year, Chery played a major role in Anhui's automobile production reaching nearly 2.5 million units, ranking second in the country. Currently, Wuhu is home to more than 1,500 companies involved in the automotive sector, including several foreign-funded enterprises like Vitesco Technologies (Wuhu) Co., Ltd. Manufacturing factory of Vitesco (Wuhu). (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun) "We are a German-funded enterprise mainly producing automotive powertrain parts. Our products are supplied to over 100 vehicle manufacturers and are used in both Chery's traditional fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles," said Wang Guomin, general manager of Vitesco (Wuhu). Chery's rapid growth has been a major driver of the development of enterprises in the region. In the future, Vitesco will continue to invest in Wuhu, providing higher quality services to Chery and nearby vehicle manufacturers." Bearing the responsibility of building a world-renowned automotive city, Wuhu is focusing on three key areasexpanding vehicle manufacturing, strengthening auto parts support, and optimizing aftermarket services. As the leading automotive manufacturer in the region, Chery is fully supported by Wuhu in innovation, scale expansion, cross-industry integration, and market exploration, in its efforts to become a world-class automotive company by 2027. "Chery is a microcosm of the development of China's automotive industry and a representative of Anhui's manufacturing and innovation," said the main official of the Anhui Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during a recent visit to Chery. "We hope Chery will continue to seize the opportunities presented in the new energy vehicle market, tackle challenges in developing key technologies and upgrade its products. It needs to accelerate its integration into the global automotive industrys technology, supply, and value chains. We also hope Chery can establish itself as both a bigger and stronger brand, contributing to the high-quality development of Anhui's automotive industry and, by extension, China's automotive industry." Photo shows the final assembly line at Chery's Intelligent Manufacturing Factory. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun) From January to June this year, Chery sold 1.1 million vehicles, setting a new half-year sales record. The company achieved growth in both new energy vehicles (NEVs) and traditional vehicles, as well as in both domestic and overseas markets. (Tuo Zhouyu, as an intern, also contributed to this article.) (Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Hongyu) Elon Musk attends 'Exploring the New Frontiers of Innovation: Mark Read in Conversation with Elon Musk' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity 2024 - Day Three on June 19, 2024 in Cannes, France. Elon Musk has said he is planning to pledge about $45 million a month to a newly formed super PAC backing former President Donald Trump's White House bid, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. Musk had not given any money to that group, called America PAC, as of the end of June, according to a quarterly financial filing submitted to the Federal Election Commission on Monday evening. It is unclear if he has donated in July. Emails to Musk's associates were not immediately returned late Monday. But the super PAC, which was formed in late May, has received contributions from other high-profile entrepreneurs, including Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and crypto billionaires Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the filing showed. Jeff Smith, chief executive officer of Starboard Value LP, speaks during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York, U.S. Starboard Value has amassed a roughly 6.5% stake in online dating company Match Group and is pushing the company to either make changes that would improve margins or go private. Starboard's Jeff Smith wrote, in a letter on Monday to Match CEO Bernard Kim and its board, that cost cuts and product innovation could drive revenue growth at the company. Smith has been speaking with Match management about its plans, according to the letter, which was viewed by CNBC. The stock surged 8% in Tuesday morning trading. Shares of Match, which owns a portfolio of dating apps including Tinder and Hinge, have slid 12% this year, and are more than 80% below their high reached in 2021. The company has been grappling with leadership turnover and declining users. In the letter, Smith wrote that Tinder enjoyed enviable and viral growth for years but has been stymied of late by sluggish innovation. The activist isn't angling towards a management shakeup and indicated that Kim, who previously ran Tinder and before that was president of Zynga, is capable of leading innovation at the company. However, the activist says any turnaround would require margin improvements. In the first quarter, Match's operating income margin shrank to 21% from 25% a year earlier. Adjusted operating margin came in at 33%, a number that Starboard said could top 40% if the company implements the right cost-saving initiatives. Starboard highlighted strong growth in Hinge as well as promising signs from the company's "Emerging" apps portfolio. But if Match is unable to more broadly turn around its business, the company should consider going private, Smith said. Starboard also urged the company to put its balance sheet to work with share buybacks. A Match spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the company is in communication with Starboard and other investors. "We are relentlessly focused on executing our key initiatives, which include: driving growth at Tinder, continuing Hinge's impressive expansion, maintaining appropriate financial discipline, and returning capital to our shareholders," the spokesperson said. Starboard isn't the first activist to put pressure on Match. Elliott Management amassed a billion-dollar stake in the company earlier this year, while Anson Funds is also mounting a push at the company. Elliott settled with the company, adding two directors to the board. Starboard has a successful track record as an activist, particularly in technology. It's taken positions in GoDaddy , Autodesk , Salesforce and Splunk. Salesforce made significant cost cuts after a number of activists, including Elliott, took stakes in the software company. Splunk was acquired by Cisco in a $28 billion deal last year. WATCH: Activist investors succeed in 96% of campaigns An Amazon worker pulls a cart of packages for delivery on in New York City, July 12, 2022. Amazon Prime Day, the 48-hour discount blitz that kicks off Tuesday, is a "major" cause of worker injuries, according to the preliminary results of a Senate probe. The Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee on Tuesday released the interim results of a yearlong investigation into Amazon's warehouse working conditions just as the company holds its annual Prime Day deals event. Amazon provided the committee with internal data from Prime Day 2019 that showed its total injury rate, including injuries the company is not required to disclose to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, was "just under" 45 injuries per 100 workers, which amounts to "nearly half of the company's warehouse workers," the report states. "Amazon continues to treat its workers as disposable and with complete contempt for their safety and wellbeing," Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent who chairs the HELP committee, said in a statement. "That is unacceptable and that has got to change." The internal data provided by Amazon shows that its warehouses have been understaffed during Prime Day and the holiday shopping seasons, "endangering workers who have to manage increased volume without increased support," according to the report. The report cites an internal Amazon document, titled "2021 Prime Day Lessons Learned," which states that the company "met only 71.2 percent of its hiring target," between May and June of 2021, ending the week of that year's Prime Day event. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the report ignores the progress Amazon has made. "It draws sweeping and inaccurate conclusions based on unverified anecdotes, and it misrepresents documents that are several years old and contained factual errors and faulty analysis," Nantel said. "For example, one of the false claims in the report implies that we're not adequately staffed for busy shopping periods." Nantel added that, since 2019, Amazon has reduced its incident rate for anything requiring more than basic first aid by 28% in the U.S. and lost time incident rate, which includes more significant injuries requiring an employee to miss at least one day of work, by 75%. Amazon has faced scrutiny in recent years over its workplace injury record and its treatment of warehouse and delivery workers. It's been cited by federal regulators for safety violations. OSHA and the U.S. Attorney's Office are investigating conditions at several warehouses, while the U.S. Department of Justice is examining whether Amazon underreports injuries. The company said in March that its injury rates have improved. Amazon in March also announced plans to invest more than $750 million in safety initiatives this year. It has also appealed a string of citations issued by OSHA around safety hazards and violations. Amazon has said it's begun to automate some tasks and is also rolling out more robotic systems in warehouse facilities that the company says can improve safety, although that prospect has been debated. In this photo illustration, a visual representation of the digital Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is on display in Paris, France, on March 5, 2024. Money launderers are increasingly using cryptocurrencies to conceal the origins and movement of illegally-obtained funds, according to a report by Chainalysis. The report, which studied the trends and newer ways of laundering money, said crypto is being used for off-chain crimes such as drug trafficking and fraud because crypto is "cross-border, virtually instant, and generally inexpensive to transact." "The growing ubiquity of crypto has made it a tool for laundering proceeds from various off-chain crimes, such as narcotics trafficking and fraud. In 2024, money laundering in crypto encompasses all crime not just that which is inherently tied to the crypto ecosystem," the blockchain analytics firm said in a July report. This comes as the value of the world's biggest cryptocurrency, bitcoin, has seen a near 55% jump so far this year, according to LSEG. Money launderers use various methods such as crypto mixers, cross-chain bridges and "hops" between wallets to conceal the flow of funds. Crypto mixers, or tumblers, involve mixing crypto from various sources to make the detection of their origin and ownership difficult. Bad actors also leverage on crypto bridges to hide the origins of funds by moving them between different blockchain networks. A GOP sweep has led to strong gains for defense stocks in the past. If such a landslide were to occur this time, however, that may not be the case. Defense has historically outperformed when there's been a single party in control across Congress and the executive branch in particular, the Republican Party, according to Wells Fargo analyst Matthew Akers. The sector outperforms the S & P 500 by more than 12 percentage points under a GOP-controlled government, he noted. Under a Democrat-led government, it beats the broad market index by nearly 6 percentage points. Polls indicate former President Donald Trump currently holds an edge in the election against President Joe Biden. However, Akers believes the defense sector may not benefit if there's a Republican sweep this election cycle. Trump's NATO-skeptic outlook could imply decreased weapons funding for Ukraine, according to the analyst. Republican control of both branches of the legislative branch also could result in budget cuts for federal IT revenue which, to be sure, Akers said might be difficult unless there is a stronger Republican majority than polls currently suggest. "Even with a majority, R leaders would need to thread the needle between [the] House Freedom Caucus on the right, and enough Senate Democrats on the left (40+) to filibuster budgets without an equitable non-defense funding split. Another two years of low growth for both defense and non-defense looks likely to us," Akers wrote in a Tuesday note. The likelihood of further tariffs against China under a Trump administration could also negatively impact Boeing. "Aircraft are large, visible export items from the U.S. to China, and have emerged as a target in ongoing trade tensions between the countries," according to Akers. TD Cowen thinks the opposite scenario is likely, however. The firm said a Trump presidency is positive for the defense sector. Although the firm agrees overseas defense and emergency spending could fall, it thinks it won't go away entirely. "We think the prospects for defense companies (top-line growth & transition from development work to production) are better than expected," TD Cowen wrote in a note. The firm cited the Republican Party's platform, which highlights a "strong military," restoring peace and "made in America" defense systems. The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) has lagged the broader market this year, rising just 7.7% while the S & P 500 is up 18%. ITA .SPX YTD mountain ITA year to date Menendez was charged with 16 counts, including bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice and several counts of conspiracy. He had pleaded not guilty in the case, as did his wife, Nadine Menendez , whose trial was delayed indefinitely following her surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. "I have never violated my public oath," he said. He did not answer questions about whether he would resign. Menendez told reporters outside the courthouse he was "deeply, deeply disappointed by the jury's decision" and predicted, "we will be successful upon appeal." Menendez had his hands crossed and his chin resting on his hands as some of the verdict was read and didn't display any emotion. He then shook his head in disagreement as the jurors were polled about the verdict. Some of his family members broke down in tears. He'll be sentenced Oct. 29. Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York whose office prosecuted the case, hailed the verdict, saying Menendez's "years of selling his office to the higher bidder have finally come to an end." Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., was found guilty on all counts Monday after being tried on charges of accepting bribes, including cash and gold bars , to benefit the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on Menendez to resign after the jury's decision. "In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," said Schumer. Schumer had previously said he was disappointed in his colleague and that Menendez hadn't lived up to the high standards expected of a senator, but had stopped short of calling for his resignation. Prosecutors said three businessmen paid bribes to Menendez and his wife in exchange for the senator taking actions to benefit them and the governments of Qatar and Egypt. According to prosecutors, those bribes included gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz given to Nadine Menendez and more than $480,000 in cash, which the FBI found stuffed into closets, jackets bearing Menendez's name and other clothing when the bureau searched his New Jersey home in 2022. Two of those businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, faced trial alongside Menendez. and were convicted on all counts as well. The third businessman who was charged, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty and testified during the trial, which lasted nine weeks before going to the jury Friday. Menendez did not testify in his own defense; his team argued that he was acting on behalf of his constituents, as any senator should, and that the government had not proven that the cash or gold bars were given as bribes. The senator's sister, Caridad Gonzalez, testified for his defense that their parents were Cuban immigrants and their father discouraged them from trusting banks, so she was not surprised when in the mid-1980s her brother asked her to grab $500 from a shoe box in a bedroom closet. "It was normal. It's a Cuban thing," she said. Prosecutors noted that some of the envelopes of cash in the Menendezes' home had Daibes' fingerprints, while others had associates of Hana's. Prosecutor Paul Monteleone told jurors in his closing statement that Menendez was "desperately trying to pass the buck" for the hundreds of thousands of dollars found in the house. "The thousands and thousands of bucks stop here," he said. The verdict lands just months before Menendez's Senate seat comes before New Jersey voters this fall. Menendez decided months ago, as his popularity took a hit, that he wouldn't seek the Democratic nomination. But he filed to run as an independent, a move that threatened to complicate the dynamics in a race that would ordinarily be a layup for Democrats in the liberal state. The Democratic nominee for the seat is Rep. Andy Kim and the Republican nominee is Curtis Bashaw. Menendez must now decide whether to continue pursuing that run. In March, he had indicated in a video statement that his candidacy could hinge on whether he's exonerated of the charges. "I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election," Menendez said at the time. Kim said after the verdict that it was "a sad and somber day for New Jersey and our country." "I called on Senator Menendez to step down when these charges were first made public, and now that he has been found guilty, I believe the only course of action for him is to resign his seat immediately. The people of New Jersey deserve better," Kim said. It was the second corruption trial of Menendez's 18-year career in the Senate the previous one resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury in 2018, and the Justice Department subsequently dropped the charges against him; Menendez had also denied wrongdoing in that case. Menendez previously served for 13 years in the House and was elected to the Senate in 2006, eventually rising to become the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His political career dates back nearly four decades to the mid-1980s, when he became mayor of Union City. The outcome could affect whether he serves out his term. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has led the charge to push Menendez out for months, disparaging and mocking him as too corrupt to serve. A majority of Senate Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., as well as most of the state's Democratic House delegation, had also called for Menendez to resign even before the trial. Though Menendez stepped aside as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee after the charges were brought, he has stayed on as a voting member of the committee and the Senate. There is no provision barring a senator who's been convicted of a felony from serving out his term. If he does not resign, the Senate could move to expel, a process that would start with an Ethics Committee investigation. If the panel recommended his expulsion, it would take a two-thirds vote of the entire Senate 67 votes to do so. Thirty-one Democratic senators had already called for him to resign before the conviction. Since 1789, the Senate has expelled only 15 members, with 14 of them ousted for their role in the confederacy. The last time a senator was expelled was in 1862. Six senators have been convicted of crimes since that time; three wound up resigning, two served out their terms and one died before the Senate could act. SpaceX CEO and X owner Elon Musk said Tuesday he will move the headquarters of both companies from California to Texas. Musk had vowed to make the moves in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) signing a new law that bars school districts in that state from requiring parents to be notified of a child's gender identification change. Newson signed the student transgender law on Monday. "This is the final straw. Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California to Starbase, Texas," Musk posted on X. He later added that X HQ will also move from San Francisco to Austin. "I did make it clear to Governor Newsom about a year ago that laws of this nature would force families and companies to leave California to protect their children," he added. In 2022, People magazine reported Elon Musk's then 18-year-old daughter was granted permission to legally change her name and gender to Vivian Jenna Wilson. She shed the Musk family name and took the maiden name of her mother, Justine Wilson, instead. When asked about his estranged transgender daughter in October 2022, Musk told the Financial Times "Can't win them all," and claimed to have good relationships with all his other children. Newly produced electric vehicles are being seen at Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory in Shanghai, China, on December 31, 2023. Costfoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images BEIJING New tariffs on Chinese electric cars aren't enough to help foreign automakers stay competitive, especially in the lucrative China market, according to consulting firm AlixPartners. China is the world's largest auto market. It's taken the global lead in the development of new energy vehicles, which include battery-only and hybrid-powered cars. The NEV category now accounts for more than 40% of new passenger cars sold in China and domestic automakers are mostly leading sales, with foreign companies lagging behind. A lot of foreign car companies still haven't figured out how their products can stand out in China's EV market, Stephen Dyer, co-leader and head of AlixPartners' Asia automotive practice, said during an annual industry outlook event on Wednesday. "Unless [foreign car brands] change their mindset of developing and manufacturing cars to one that is more willing to take risks, and consider how to design and manufacture a car from so-called first principles, their position will become increasingly precarious," Dyer said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. He was referring to a concept that refers to problem-solving based on fundamental aspects of the issue. German luxury brand Porsche said last Tuesday that China sales plunged by one-third in the first-half of the year. The company blamed consumers' "focus on value oriented sales." watch now Local partnerships China has been a major market for many of the world's largest carmakers, which are trying different strategies to retain their domestic sales. Some foreign firms are trying to enter China's market by partnering with local brands. Dyer cited Volkswagen and Xpeng 's inked partnership earlier this year to launch an SUV which saw the German automaker buy nearly 5% of Xpeng for $700 million last year. Other brands are trying to cut prices. Earlier this month, German automaker BMW launched a new Mini-Cooper EV in China through its joint venture with Great Wall Motor (GWM). Based on prices in China, the vehicle's retail price starts at the equivalent of $26,140 almost 5% cheaper than the fuel-powered Mini Cooper 3-door's price of about $27,520. In comparison, BYD sells its cheapest EV, the Seagull, at a much lower price of $9,700. BMW announced the first electric Mini Cooper in 2019, which began deliveries in China and Europe the following year. While collaborations are "rational" to attain market share, Dyer said it is difficult to stay in the China market long-term if foreign carmakers don't switch things up. Last month, an analyst from the Bank of America said U.S. automakers based in Detroit should exit China "as soon as they possibly can" because they were at the losing end against China EV giants. China's NEV makers have also slashed development time for new models to 20 months that's half the 40 months needed by Chinese legacy auto brands, according to research by AlixPartners. watch now President Joe Biden walks out of the Oval Office toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, July 15, 2024. House Democrats are circulating a letter for signatures that urges the Democratic National Committee to slow down its nomination process for President Joe Biden. The letter asks the DNC to cancel its plan to hold a "virtual roll call" to officially nominate the president. This process could begin as soon as Sunday, weeks ahead of the Democratic convention where the nominee is typically voted on in person. "Stifling debate and prematurely shutting down any possible change in the Democratic ticket through an unnecessary and unprecedented 'virtual roll call' in the days ahead is a terrible idea," the letter read. The letter has received over 20 signatures so far, including from Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Ca., Mike Levin, D-Ca. and Susan Wild, D-Pa., two sources told NBC News. Huffman is one of the several members leading the effort to rally signatures, a spokesperson for his office confirmed to CNBC. "Rep. Huffman and other members are very concerned with this extraordinary attempt to speed up the nomination, and do not think brute force is the way to achieve enthusiasm," the spokesperson said. The signers have a diverse range of stances on Biden's reelection bid, the sources said. Levin, for example, has openly called on Biden to bow out of the race while Wild has not yet commented publicly. The DNC decided to move forward with the virtual roll call approach in May, accelerating the nomination timeline to meet the Aug. 7 deadline to get its nominee onto the ballot in Ohio, a state that has become more of a Republican stronghold in recent years. Ohio has since moved its ballot deadline to the end of August, but the DNC has maintained its expedited nomination plan. Asylum-seeking migrants surrender to immigration officials after crossing the border into the United States from Mexico in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, U.S., May 19, 2024. Adrees Latif | Reuters Two former officials who handled immigration issues for then-President Donald Trump say that a "whole of government" approach costing billions would be needed to mount the "largest deportation effort in American history" promised in the Republican convention platform if Trump is re-elected. The exact number of people who would be deported in a second Trump administration is hard to pin down. During the June 29 presidential debate, Trump claimed there were 18 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. One of the two former Trump officials said it could be as high as 30 million. The most recent government estimate is that just under 11 million unauthorized immigrants resided in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2022, up 500,000 from two years earlier but down from the 2010 total of 11.6 million. It's unclear how many more noncitizens have entered the U.S., or have changed their legal status or left voluntarily since that estimate. Whatever the current total of undocumented immigrants, deportation efforts during both the Trump and Biden administrations have been just a tiny fraction of what the Republican National Convention platform promises for a second Trump presidency. During the Trump years there were an estimated 935,089 deportations, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement data. As of February, there have been an estimated 339,751 deportations during the Biden administration. Last week, according to Semafor, a former acting ICE director under Trump who is seen as a possible Department of Homeland Security chief in a second Trump administration told a conservative conference, "They ain't seen s--- yet. Wait until 2025." "Trump comes back in January," Tom Homan said, "I'll be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen." The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. 'Astronomical' NBC News asked acting ICE Director Patrick J. Lechleitner about what would be required to deport millions of people. Lechleitner was not commenting on the Republican convention platform but said in general deportation is very complicated and requires an enormous amount of logistics: "It's not only putting them on planes and flying them, which is expensive, we got to have airplanes. We also have to deal with host nations. We have to get travel documents, we have to do all the logistics involved with that." He said for some people who are not in detention, the path to deportation can take years. "We have to monitor them that whole time. That's resource intensive," he said. Abigail Andrews, a professor of urban studies and planning at the University of California, San Diego who has been studying deportation data for the past 10 years, said she's highly skeptical about how a mass deportation effort would unfold. "There is no logistical way to track down 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants with the ICE employees they currently have," she said. In an aerial view, migrants are seen grouped together while waiting to be processed on the Ciudad Juarez side of the border on September 21, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. Brandon Bell | Getty Images She said the vast majority of deportees are not arrested in their homes by ICE agents but have had some interaction with local law enforcement, like a traffic stop, that leads them eventually into ICE custody. Andrews said efforts undertaken by ICE to hunt down criminals in neighborhoods are traditionally reserved for those who are convicted or suspected of serious violent crimes. And she noted that research has established that immigrants commit less crime than average Americans. Ammon Blair, a former Border Patrol agent who left the agency in 2023 and is now a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, also expressed skepticism. "I honestly just don't see it happening," he said. "One, because I think it's political suicide, and two, I think we need to focus on national security issues." Blair said an effort of the size proposed would require heavy involvement from local law enforcement and he said border cities are already handling enough. "We don't have the manpower or space to handle," he said. "The federal spending would have to flow to these local agencies." He also said the optics of deporting children could create significant backlash. Mark Morgan, former acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection under Trump, said mass deportations should prioritize those who have committed serious crimes rather than families. He said enforcement could be via additional funding to ICE as well as consequences for cities that refuse to cooperate. "One thing I think we need to do is go after the sanctuary cities to take away their funding," said Morgan, now a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Experts say costs would quickly mount with an operation of this size. The ICE budget for transportation and deportation in 2023 was $420 million, and in that year the agency deported 142,580 people. Costs of deportation vary widely depending on the country and include variables such as commercial flight costs, security needs and the use of charter flights. Removal of 10 million people could easily cost in the tens of billions. But the millions of deportees would also have to be detained and housed prior to removal. Currently ICE manages 41,500 beds across 200 jail and detention centers at a cost of $57,378 per year per bed, according to public budget documents. In the event of a mass deportation, the government would need to pay for far more beds. The combined cost, Andrews said, "would be astronomical." Those who support a mass deportation say the cost to detain and remove undocumented immigrants is worth it because of the significant cost savings related to education and health care spending on undocumented communities. As for families with mixed status such as those with children who are citizens and parents who are undocumented, one of the former Trump officials sees it as an opportunity, hoping that the threat of removing one member will propel whole families to leave. "Your parents can't use you as a prop to justify their illegal presence," the former official said. The former Trump officials said cooperation across the entire federal government, not just from DHS leadership, would be needed. One of the ex-officials said the effort would require a "trigger puller," someone at DHS who would not be afraid to go in front of Congress and defend the deportation effort. The former Trump officials said buy-in and resources would be needed from agencies like the Pentagon, which would be asked to participate in either setting up detention camps or relocating migrants to foreign military bases. The Interior Department would be called upon because federal land might be needed for deportation sites. They said cooperation from the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as from the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the care and custody of unaccompanied children, would also be required to facilitate removals. "One thing I think we need to do is go after the sanctuary cities to take away their funding," said Morgan, now a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Experts say costs would quickly mount with an operation of this size. Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump visits the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, as seen from Piedras Negras, Mexico, February 29, 2024. Go Nakamura | Reuters US Senate Republican candidate JD Vance speaks to attendees the stage at a rally held by former U.S. president Donald Trump in Youngstown, Ohio, September 17, 2022. Gaelen Morse | Reuters Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's pick of Sen. JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate will have sent chills down spines in Kyiv on Tuesday morning. Ohio Republican Vance is a staunch proponent of Trump's "America First" policy vision and is generally ambivalent over U.S. intervention in foreign affairs. He has also strongly opposed more aid for Ukraine. To add to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's concerns as he contemplates the likelihood of another Trump presidency, Vance has argued that the U.S. should encourage Ukraine to strike a peace deal with Russia, and that Kyiv should be prepared to cede land to its invader. "It ends the way nearly every single war has ever ended: when people negotiate and each side gives up something that it doesn't want to give up," Vance told reporters in December, adding, "no one can explain to me how this ends without some territorial concessions relative to the 1991 boundaries." Vance, who once served in the Marines, has also been dismissive of concerns that territorial concessions by Ukraine an unthinkable notion for Kyiv would not be enough for Russian President Vladimir Putin and that the rest of Europe could be at risk. "If you look at the size of the Russian armed forces, if you look at what would be necessary to conquer all of Ukraine, much less to go further and further west into Europe, I don't think the guy's shown any capacity to be able to accomplish these, these imperialistic goals, assuming that he has them," Vance said, NBC News reported. In February, Vance penned an opinion piece for the Financial Times in which he suggested that Europe had been overreliant on the U.S. and that the region should shoulder the burden of defending its neighbor Ukraine. He also echoed the Trumpian view that NATO members in the region were not spending enough on defense a valid accusation in the past, analysts say. However, the record is getting better and NATO said last week that 23 out of 32 allies are now meeting the 2% of gross domestic product defense spending goal. "The United States has provided a blanket of security to Europe for far too long," Vance wrote in the FT. "As the American defence budget nears $1tn per year, we ought to view the money Europe hasn't spent on defence for what it really is: an implied tax on the American people to allow for the security of Europe." "Nothing in recent memory demonstrates this more clearly than the war in Ukraine," he said, adding that America has been "asked to fill the void at tremendous expense to its own citizens." 'God help Ukraine' That was the three-worded response in an email Monday of Timothy Ash, emerging markets strategist at BlueBay Asset Management, on hearing the news that Vance had been picked as Trump's running mate. Ash has previously questioned Vance's position on Ukraine and the suggestion that Europe should bear the sole responsibility of helping Ukraine to defend itself against Russia. Responding to Vance's FT opinion piece back in February, Ash warned that "the stark reality is that without very immediate military backing and supplies from the U.S., Ukraine could lose the war, or at least significantly more territory sufficient to question its own viability as a state." "Vance et al should ask themselves what that would then mean for Europe and the US, in terms of transatlantic security," Ash added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) walks with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) (L) and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol to meet with Congressional leadership on December 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer | Getty Images When Vance made his comments regarding Ukraine to the press in December, Zelenskyy was preparing to meet members of Congress on Capitol Hill to press them to pass a much-needed $61 billion aid package for his country as its forces began to run low on artillery and ammunition. The aid was eventually passed in April, giving Ukraine a lifeline as Russia began a new offensive in the northeast of the country. Since then, and as the aid has trickled down to the front lines, Ukraine has continued to petition its international partners for more aid, air defense systems and fighter jets in order to help it turn the tide in the war. Such a prospect remains far off, however, and fighting remains intense. After almost 2 years of fighting, the war has fallen out of international headlines and domestic political upheavals and priorities have demanded the attention of Ukraine's allies in NATO. Asked on Monday about his thoughts on a possible Trump administration after the U.S. election, Zelenskyy told reporters that Ukraine had "good relations" with both Democrats and Republicans. "In Utah [which Zelenskyy visited last week for the National Governors Association meeting], we met with the Republicans' senators, and they respect Ukraine and me. I am aware of Trump's view about how to end this war. If he becomes a president, we will continue the work. Most of the [Republican] party supports us," Zelenskyy said. The Trump-Vance ticket One of Ukraine's biggest concerns is the U.S. presidential election and whether, as polls suggest, Trump will win a second term in office come November. Trump has always appeared ambivalent over the war in Ukraine and continuing aid. During his time in office from 2017-2021, the former president displayed increasingly warm relations with Russia's Putin. He has previously said he would end the war in Ukraine "in 24 hours" if he was in charge, without giving any details of how he would do so. The comment was an ominous one for Ukraine, however, suggesting Trump could be tempted to pull the rug on further aid. Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan June 28, 2019. Mikhail Klimentyev | Kremlin | Sputnik | Reuters Keen to ring-fence and seemingly "Trump-proof" NATO assistance for Ukraine, the military alliance which met in Washington last week, reaffirmed its long-term support for Ukraine and the country's ambitions to join the Western defense bloc. The specter of a possible Republican administration also loomed large over the gathering, however, with analysts saying the alliance was likely nervous about a potential change in direction in U.S. policy under a Trump presidency. "We don't know who will be elected but what we do know is that the likelihood of Trump being elected has increased," Guntram Wolff, senior fellow at the Bruegel think tank, told CNBC last week. "Donald Trump would mean a big break with a couple of NATO policies, in particular on the question of Ukraine and support to Ukraine. There are rumors that there are some peace plans that have been proposed by thinkers around Trump that would imply that Ukraine gives up a lot of territory, and would have to negotiate with Russia," he said. Wolff said such a move would be a "dangerous route" to take, as it would "embolden the Russian dictator Putin and it would still leave open the question of who guarantees the security of Ukraine after that. So I think there's a lot of really big issues at stake here," he added. watch now Subsea cables are the backbone of the internet, carrying 99% of the world's data traffic. Serg Myshkovsky | Photodisc | Getty Images U.S.-Chinese tensions surrounding technology have have sunk to sea lows. Subsea cables hit the headlines earlier this year after four out of 15 critical submarine cables in the Red Sea were cut amid attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Israeli U.S., and U.K. ships. Public awareness of submarine cables has grown as a result and these networks of cables are becoming a new source of strain in international relations, amid heating geopolitical engagements between the U.S. and China. What are subsea cables? Buried deep underwater are hundreds of massive telecommunications cables spanning a length of nearly 1.4 million kilometers, according the telecom market research firm TeleGeography. Some of these cables are shorter, such as the 131-kilometer CeltixConnect cable linking Ireland to the U.K., for example. Others, however, run for far longer distances like the 20,000-kilometer Asia America Gateway cable. The number of subsea cables around the planet is expected to increase in the coming years, reflecting growing demand for data traffic prompted by the spread of video streaming and cloud services. As of early 2024, TeleGeography said its data tracked 574 active and planned submarine cables. Why are they important? Subsea cables are the backbone of the global internet, carrying 99% of the world's intercontinental data traffic. "If you have e-mailed, texted, or video chatted with someone on another continent, you've used a subsea cable likely without giving it a second thought," Andy Champagne, chief technology officer of Akamai Labs, told CNBC via email. watch now "While we're linked together with a complex physical web of fiber optic cables over land, the topology becomes more challenging once we plunge into the oceans," Champagne added. "It's really complex to install subsea cables. And, when there is an issue with a subsea cable, repairing it is a non-trivial job." A key thing that makes subsea cables important is the impact they have when disrupted, according to Joe Vaccaro, vice president and general manager of Cisco-owned internet monitoring firm ThousandEyes. "Individual people like you and I, we don't say undersea cable cut. What we find is that the application we're trying to access all of a sudden became really slow, or unavailable," Vaccaro told CNBC in an interview. "When those cuts happen, ultimately, the underlying providers that are carrying that traffic have to then try to dynamically shift the traffic into different routes," Vaccaro added. "What happens when you do that? You see a level of congestion happen." A growing security risk Subsea cables were traditionally owned and operated by telecom carriers. More recently, U.S. tech giants including Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have invested significant sums to lay down their own cables. watch now In 2021, Meta and Google announced plans to lay two huge subsea cables linking the U.S. West Coast to Singapore and Indonesia. The Echo and Bifrost trans-Pacific cables are expected to increase data capacity between the regions by 70% and improve internet reliability. Meta is investing in both cables, while Google is only backing Echo. Meta previously announced plans to build a 37,000-kilometer long undersea cable around Africa to provide it with better internet access, while Google is also working on a subsea cable called Equiano that aims to connect Africa with Europe. Citing unnamed sources in the State Department, the Wall Street Journal reported in May that U.S. officials privately warned tech firms including Google and Meta that undersea cables in the Pacific region could be vulnerable to spying by Chinese repair ships. S.B. Submarine Systems, a state-controlled Chinese company that helps repair international cables, appeared to be hiding its vessels' locations from radio and satellite tracking systems, according to the WSJ. S.B. Submarine Systems, Google, Meta, and the State Department were not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. Estonia, meanwhile, said that China was yet to respond to a six-month-old request to help the country with its investigation into a Chinese ship it suspects cut two of its subsea cables. China's foreign ministry has since said it stands ready to work with Estonia to cooperate on the investigation. These developments highlight how underwater cables are becoming a source of contention in matters of national security. The data these networks send can involve high-stakes communications, including coordinating diplomatic missions, security operations and intelligence gathering. The U.S. government's concerns aren't new and have been widely documented. In March 2023, a Reuters report said that an interagency committee called Team Telecom was working to prevent any subsea cable from directly connecting U.S. territory with mainland China or Hong Kong due to fears about Chinese espionage. Many international subsea cable projects are reportedly circumventing China today due to concerns over data security and Beijing's expanding geopolitical influence. China has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make its own underwater cable infrastructure to rival that of the U.S. Central points of vulnerability Beautiful and colorful aerial view of Mumbai skyline during twilight seen from Currey Road, on Feb. 16, 2022 in Mumbai, India. Singapore state investor Temasek plans to invest up to $10 billion in India over three years in sectors such as financial services and healthcare, a top executive said on Monday, favoring the South Asian nation as it turns cautious on China. India's economy is growing sharply and its stock markets are trading near record highs amid an IPO and dealmaking boom. India accounts for 7% of Temasek's global exposure which it wants to increase further, said Mohit Bhandari, the company's managing director for India investments. "We are bullish in India for the long term," Bhandari said in an interview at Temasek's Mumbai office. "We are cognizant of the current economic and the geopolitical tensions that exist (in China) and to that extent we will align our portfolio accordingly," he added. Temasek last week said that profits from investments in the United States and India were helping it cushion the impact of underperformance in China. Temasek also said that it is taking a cautious approach to China amid trade tensions. Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump with his bloodied face is assisted by the Secret Service as multiple shots rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. The Secret Service increased its protection for Donald Trump in recent weeks after U.S. officials obtained intelligence about an Iranian plot to assassinate the former president, three officials briefed on the matter told NBC News on Tuesday. The intelligence was acquired and Trump's security heightened before the Republican presidential nominee was targeted in an attempted assassination by 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. CNN first reported the news of the Iranian plot, which raises more questions about the Secret Service's failure to prevent the shooting by Crooks from a nearby building's rooftop. There are no known links between Crooks and the Iran plot. "Upon learning of the increased threat, [the National Security Council] directly contacted [United States Secret Service] at a senior level to be absolutely sure they continued to track the latest reporting," a national security official told NBC News. "USSS shared this information with the detail lead, and the Trump campaign was made aware of an evolving threat," the official said. "In response, Secret Service surged resources and assets for the protection of former President Trump. All of this was in advance of Saturday." Anthony Guglielmi, the chief spokesman for the Secret Service, in a statement to CNBC, said, "The Secret Service and other agencies are constantly receiving new potential threat information and taking action to adjust resources as needed." "We cannot comment on any specific threat stream other than to say that the Secret Service takes threats seriously and responds accordingly," Guglielmi said. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson in a statement to NBC News said that law enforcement authorities investigating the shooting by Crooks have "not identified ties between the shooter and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic." "As we have said many times, we have been tracking Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials for years, dating back to the last administration," Watson said. "These threats arise from Iran's desire to seek revenge for the killing of Qassem Soleimani. We consider this a national and homeland security matter of the highest priority," she said. It's almost time for college students to move into their dorms and get ready for the upcoming school year. If that's you and you haven't checked "submit my FAFSA" off your to-do list, take care of that ASAP. As of July 5, less than half of the high school class of 2024 had submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, according to the National College Attainment Network's analysis of Federal Student Aid data. FAFSA submissions from this class are down about 11% compared to last year's, NCAN finds. It's not just incoming freshmen, though. Returning college students need to submit a new FAFSA every year to be considered for aid. While it may have been difficult for students and their families to submit a FAFSA at the beginning of this year's application cycle, most of the technical issues have been resolved by now. "Fill out the FAFSA. Just fill it out," Jill Desjean, director of policy of analysis at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, tells CNBC Make It. The deadline to apply for federal aid for the 2024-25 school year isn't until June 30, 2025. But if you're starting school in August or September, you'll probably need to get your school bills and any applicable aid figured out by then. There is currently an $11 billion surplus of federal Pell Grant funding waiting to go to eligible students, according to the Congressional Budget Office. That doesn't mean more people will become eligible or that eligible aid recipients will inherently receive more federal aid. Since the Pell program is mostly funded through discretionary appropriations in the congressional budget, it's designed to carry a surplus from year to year, Desjean says. So, for example, "in a future year, if more students needed money than was appropriated, they could draw from the surplus, instead of just cutting people off," she says. Not everyone will qualify, but you don't know for sure until you fill out a FAFSA. Pell Grant eligibility was expanded this year to link eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level. Almost 1.5 million more students are eligible for maximum Pell Grants amounts of $7,395 this year, according to the Department of Education. "Maybe you'll get a Pell Grant. But [the FAFSA] also unlocks the door to state grants, it opens the door to institutional grants and other types of federal aid as well," Desjean says. Even the largest Pell Grant amount available may not seem like a lot of money compared with the total cost of attendance, which can be close to $90,000 a year at some schools. But nearly a quarter of college students say they need to come up with $5,000 to pay for the 2024-25 school year, according to a recent ScholarshipOwl survey. Want to stop worrying about money? Sign up for CNBC's new online course Achieve Financial Wellness: Be Happier, Wealthier & More Financially Secure. We'll teach you the psychology of money, how to manage your stress and create healthy habits, and simple ways to boost your savings, get out of debt and invest for the future. Start today and use code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off through September 2, 2024. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Jill Desjean's title of director of policy of analysis at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. You dont need to spend your nights carrying out experiments or poring over data. Thats the job of scientists. Then scientists summarize their findings in papers. Then the media summarize those papers in articles. Then other outlets summarize those articles with their own articles. You might not even read those articles, but luckily, those are summarized as headlines. Its a fine system, when it works. But if any part of this chain screws up, we all end up believing lies. 4 MSG Causing Chinese Restaurant Syndrome Was a Joke For decades, monosodium glutamate (MSG) has had a reputation for messing with peoples health. Some say it gives you headaches, while other people imagine various more serious long-term effects. In reality, MSG has the same effects on your body as salt does except, it takes more MSG than salt to get that same effect. Don't Miss So, its safe, and its probably safer than a whole lot of other stuff you eat. To get the stuff causing any noticeable symptoms, youd have to gobble it up without any food, which is something no one normally does. And even then, most people would feel nothing, and any symptoms you do feel arent dangerous and will go away on their own. Miansari66/Wiki Commons Were not saying to snort the stuff, but youll be fine adding it to your chicken. The idea that MSG may be bad originated with one letter written to the New England Journal of Medicine in 1968 by a doctor named Robert Ho Man Kwok. The letter talked about how every time the guy and his friends went to a Chinese restaurant in America, theyd feel numb for a couple hours. Maybe it was the MSG, they speculated. Or maybe it was the salt. Or maybe it was the wine, he suggested, since he was describing something quite similar to drunkenness. Anyway, he hoped someone would study the matter, since he himself wasnt equipped to. The Journal assigned this letter a title: Chinese-Restaurant Syndrome. That is not a serious title, and it reflected the level of seriousness they expected readers to devote to this anecdotal observation. Readers responded appropriately, by not taking it seriously at all. Instead, they wrote their own letters, describing ridiculous symptoms from eating Chinese food, all delivered with deadpan verbose medical terminology. One reader complained of lacrimation, peri-orbital fasciculation, which means crying and eye-twitching. Another complained of facial and cervical flushing. Advertisement Mikael Haggstrom Whoever wrote that must been a huge douche. One reader wrote demanding the original letters true identity, reasoning that Robert Ho Man Kwok had to be his troll name. It sounded like Human Crock, didnt it? In reality, that was the guys actual name, but it did look fake, and years later, someone would falsely claim to be the true author of the letter and to really have chosen the name to make a human crock of you-know-what joke. Other letters got more creative with their responses. One student sent in a limerick: Advertisement My thanks to this great periodical For its studies on food so methodical Now my clams are full steamed, And my Chinese food screened. And my appetite, oh well, much less prodigal Another student one-upped that with a more elaborate poem: Mourn, Sweet and Sour, your lost charisma Midst painful jaw and flushed platysma Of etiology once inscrutable Your syndrome now is irrefutable (Not mushrooms, nor tetrodoxin No more than bagels with their lox in.) Great havoc does your whim create With excess sodium glutamate Your gustations ginger-peachy Though less digestible than the lichee What allergen some vile miasma? Id sooner you than bronchial asthma The comment section was having a ton of fun. Then the mainstream media caught word of this. The New York Times published an article called Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' Puzzles Doctors, reporting on the phenomenon with full earnestness. Soon, newly informed members of the public reported feeling headaches and tingling after eating Chinese food. They didnt in clinical studies, but they did in the wild, and they blamed MSG. Its possible that many of these people were simply drunk. Wil Stewart Its like how Doritos give you the beer shits, if you eat them with beer. Some of you might feel baffled or even outraged that a scientific publication like the New England Journal of Medicine should act as a forum for comedy. But its status as such a serious medical authority is precisely why its Correspondence section became so full of jokes. Advertisement Advertisement Even when intended as legit, someone writing about an anecdote or casual observation isnt real medicine, according to the Journal. Real medicine needs real studies, studies that the Journal publishes. If its not a proper study, if it's just the letters section, its just people shootin the shit. And thats fine, so long as some outsider with no understanding of this convention doesnt stroll in and take it seriously. 3 Medical Errors Arent a Leading Cause of Death Medical Errors Are No. 3 Cause of U.S Deaths read headlines in places like NPR and the Washington Post. Number one is heart disease, cancer ranks a close second and medical mistakes are number three. These stories were responding to recent Johns Hopkins data published in the British Medical Journal. Actually, they were responding to a letter med students wrote to the CDC about that data, but either way, if hospital mistakes were really responsible for 10 percent of all deaths in America, thats a big deal. Fox Even Fox medical procedurals soon quoted the stat, and theyre the highest authority we have. The British Medical Journal soon published a follow-up piece that said, Hey, that thing we put out from JHU on medical errors? It wasnt a study, and you shouldnt treat it as one. It had really been just a call for better reporting of medical errors because death certificates currently dont mention if any error was involved. To come up with stats, the JHU analysis averaged results from a few previous studies, and it averaged them badly. One was a study of 12 deaths, while a second was of 14. You shouldnt use tiny numbers like that to extrapolate a total of 400,000 deaths nationwide. Advertisement The third study they factored in looked bigger they claimed it covered 180,000 Medicare deaths but it really just tracked 780 patients, and 12 problem deaths, then estimated how many deaths that meant for the entire Medicare program. This study was exclusively on Medicare patients that had been hospitalized for 24 hours or more. It concluded that 1.5 percent experienced some adverse event that contributed to their deaths. The JHU analysis multiplied that percentage by the total number of hospital admissions in the U.S. to calculate how many die from hospital errors. Thats nuts. Not everyone who walks into a hospital has the same chance of dying as a senior citizen whos hospitalized overnight or longer. Advertisement CDC People go to hospitals when they break their toe. They go for earaches. They leave just fine. Plus, the Medicare study classified only a minority of those adverse events as preventable. They were issues the patients encountered in the hospital, but if they werent preventable, do they really count as mistakes? And the JHU analysis also counted as errors such minor hospital-acquired conditions as bedsores. Those can get bad, but theyre generally not lethal, so it looks like the full roundup included all deaths following errors rather than just deaths caused by errors. If someone dies of cancer but a chart misspelled their name, maybe we shouldnt count that as a death due to medical error. Advertisement The JHU analysis said 62 percent of all hospital deaths may be from medical errors. Other metanalyses come up a number more like 4 percent. Which is still a lot, but thats a big difference. Its the difference between lets go to the hospital and get that gaping wound looked at and actually, with all the mistakes they do there, were better off just staying home and hoping for the best. 2 Men Arent More Likely to Abandon a Sick Spouse Advertisement Death isnt the only possible consequence when you get sick, however. There may be another D for you to worry about divorce. A study from 2015 determined that couples are more likely to split after the wife gets seriously ill. If the husband became seriously ill, no increased chance of divorce appeared, so lots of news sites commented on this provable one-sided trend of men abandoning their sick spouses. Toa Heftiba Stupid men! With their mustaches, and their balls. The sociological study looked at 2,701 marriages, whose progress was tracked by the University of Michigans Health and Retirement Study across 20 years. But when some other researchers tried doing their own number crunching on those same data, they didnt find the same results at all. The original researchers now gave their work another look, and they saw what the problem was. Advertisement Every time a couple stopped responding to the survey? They should have counted that as the couple dropping out. Instead, they counted that as the couple divorcing, and that screwed up their results. We actually have the line of faulty code that produced the mistake: Advertisement Retraction Watch And they say sociology requires no hard science. The researchers now did the right thing and issued a formal retraction. We conclude that there are not gender differences in the relationship between gender, pooled illness onset, and divorce, they now said, and youll today find only the corrected second paper they published, not the original. Some news sites even reported on the retraction. But those articles we linked to before are still up, with no corrections. And years after the retraction, other news sources were still citing the study, to prove theres an epidemic of men leaving wives who are hooked up to too many tubes. American crooks have yet to pull the same crime but with Steve Carrell Its not surprising that certain nefarious individuals would try to impersonate the rich and famous, like the time a Bradley Cooper lookalike conned his way into the Sundance Film Festival, and even performed a DJ set at a party before he was kicked out and presumably left to die in the bitter Park City cold. But one highly-publicized faux-celebrity scam involved a crook impersonating a more unlikely celebrity: Ricky Gervais. Don't Miss What was this guy hoping to steal by impersonating the star of The Office and Extras? Beer? A lifetime supply of surprisingly tight black T-shirts? The contempt of every Hollywood awards show audience? Back in 2003, an East London bullion dealer named Anthony Baird was contacted by a man claiming to be Gervais, who was looking to buy 60 pounds-worth of gold for a whopping 195,480. Which is weird, but probably not that weird considering most celebrity purchases. Incidentally, this was on April 1st, but Gervais proved that he was serious through phone conversations that took place over the next six days. Baird became suspicious, however, possibly because the buyer wasnt constantly talking his ear off about atheism and/or cackling maniacally every 30 seconds. Apparently the gold dealer was something of a fan of Gervais and wasnt totally convinced by the impression. I would suggest that some of those involved were not fans of The Office, unlike Mr. Baird, a police officer later testified. So the authorities were alerted and eventually nabbed the couriers who showed up to collect the gold. They then unraveled a plan that was equal parts clever and shockingly incompetent. Advertisement It was revealed that the funds being used to purchase the gold actually did belong to Gervais. Two men were eventually convicted for the scheme, which required using an unidentified bank insider to secretly transfer The Office stars money to another account. Diabolical. Less impressive: When the perpetrators were nabbed before the sale was completed, the cops confiscated the phony ID belonging to Gervais, and it wasnt terribly convincing. Not-Ricky Gervais went to the trouble of altering a dead pensioners passport with Gervais info. But for the photo, they just grabbed an image of David Brent from the DVD box set of The Office. Did they really expect anyone would believe that Ricky Gervais had his passport photo taken in character? Thats like trying to steal Mike Myers identity using only a VHS copy of Austin Powers. Advertisement Advertisement Gervais was, of course, notified of the theft, and later revealed in a podcast that he laughed for 10 minutes straight when he was shown the bogus passport. All they did was cut out the picture on the first series of The Office DVD, Gervais recalled. So its a picture of David Brent sitting at a desk with that little smug look on his face. Well, it did reportedly fool at least one person a lawyer who authorized a photocopy of the passport. Although he later said in a statement that the man purporting to be Ricky Gervais did bear a true likeness to Ricky Dean Gervais, adding, The only difference was that the male in question was clean shaven. In retrospect, he probably should have asked the man to dance just to be sure. Advertisement You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). Those of you old enough to remember landlines and the financial dependability of Pauly Shores film career will likely recall Windows 95, the controversial operating system that, on the one hand, was a landmark moment in the history personal computing. But on the other, it seemed to crash with more regularity than Harrison Fords vintage plane collection. Less well-remembered is the celebrity who helped Bill Gates introduce Windows 95 to the world: Jay Leno. Don't Miss Yup, the Tonight Show host introduced the live, 90-minute launch event, as documented in an old recording that was thought to be lost to time before surfacing on YouTube in 2022. Play Sure, Leno was a huge star at the time, but in many ways, he was an extremely odd choice for the gig. Its not like he ever seemed especially computer savvy. Had he been tapped to introduce a classic car or a denim-only mens fashion line, that would make sense. But America was asked to accept Lenos word that the new OS was an incredible product. Leno did joke about the fact that he was not really computer literate telling the audience of 500 members of the Microsoft development team that it took him two hours just to figure out how to use the clapper. Lenos monologue was predictably tacky. He immediately dropped an O.J. Simpson joke, bragging that Windows 95 is so powerful it is able to keep track of all of O.J.s alibis at once. Pretty amazing stuff. Advertisement Advertisement He also tried out some slightly more cutting material, joking about the silly little mix-up with the Justice Department, a reference to the governments antitrust investigation into Microsoft that very nearly blocked the release of Windows 95. Leno then brought out Bill Gates, and the Microsoft CEO enlisted Leno to help him with a demonstration of the product while unloading the painfully sweaty zinger: Windows 95 is so easy, even a talk show host can figure it out. It has the vibe of one those 90s late-night infomercials. Play Things didnt get any better from there. Leno joked that the mouse can double as a castanet for when I have Spanish friends over, tried and failed to play a video game, performed a digital version of his Headlines segment, drove a computer mouse-shaped car and suggested that two audience volunteers should get naked. Advertisement Advertisement Lenos relentless, blatantly insincere testimonials hyping the magnificence of Windows 95 perfectly illustrate why its so hard to like him. Sure, other late-night talk show hosts like David Letterman and Conan OBrien have taken big paychecks to appear in commercials, but Leno was willing to thoroughly debase himself for a full 90 minutes, ditching his day job at a respected comedy institution to act as a perspiring pitchman for an ethically-dubious tech company. The whole thing culminated with Gates blasting the Rolling Stones Start Me Up, a track that reportedly cost the company a whopping $3 million. Its unclear how much Leno was paid. Hopefully enough to buy himself a new tie. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). One likely reason for UHGs negligence, and the companys failure to adopt industry-standard cyber defenses, is that the companys top cybersecurity official appears to be unqualified for the job. [Name omitted] had not worked in a fulltime cybersecurity role before he was elevated to the top cybersecurity position at UHG in June, 2023, after working in other roles at UHG and Change Healthcare. Although [the CISO] has decades of experience in technology jobs, cybersecurity is a specialized field, requiring specific expertise, the senator wrote. Just as a heart surgeon should not be hired to perform brain surgery, the head of cybersecurity for the largest health care company in the world should not be someones first cybersecurity job. Right or wrong, the letter illustrates how many officials incorrectly see the CISO role as the head of the Security Operations Center or someone overseeing cryptographical strategy. It has evolved to be a far broader role and much of the value comes from persuasion skills. Technical skills are appropriate, but if the hiring executive must make tradeoffs when hiring a CISO, what trade-offs should be made? Weve gotten to the point where nobody is sufficiently qualified to be a CISO. We are asking these people to be experts in cybersecurity, information technology, data privacy, AI, governance, risk, compliance, and business. Although they are rarely lawyers, we want them to be able to interpret and comply with myriad frameworks, industry standards, state, federal, and international regulations, says Brian Levine, managing director at Ernst & Young overseeing cybersecurity. Although we do not leave them with sufficient time to read, we want them to keep up with technology that is changing on a daily basis. Although they are technology experts, we also need them to be stellar managers to be able to manage global vendors, employees, contractors, counsel, executives, and board members. CISOs are doing their best, but nobody can really live up to these standards. As a CIO, I often wish for a world where the threat landscape is less expansive and complicated than it is today. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. This month, I find myself particularly focused on the idea that our digital business would come to a grinding halt without the technology ecosystem that supports it. However, this very ecosystem also presents significant risks. This month, Im thinking quite a bit about issues that pertain to the intricate web of potential vulnerabilities our collective digital ecosystem faces. The digital ecosystem brings several advantages, such as shifting the heavy lifting of the back-end infrastructure to a SaaS vendor, getting a best-in-class solution that you couldnt develop yourself, and helping us focus on our mission-critical domains. The same digital ecosystem also presents imminent downsides. The threats posed by your third-party providers are compounded by the risks their providers (your fourth parties) present. This creates an intricate, ever-expanding web of potential vulnerabilities. Each new technology brings additional layers of partners and added risks. Additionally, increasing cyber debt and persistent threats like ransomware are constant concerns. New technologies: Uncovering the hidden risks and blind spots As we navigate the complexities of our digital ecosystem, it becomes increasingly apparent that the innovations we embrace can also introduce new vulnerabilities. These are not just hypothetical risks; they are the tangible issues weve touched upon earlier, manifesting as third and fourth-party risks, cyber debt, and the persistent threat of ransomware. In the spirit of addressing these challenges head-on, lets further examine the specific areas that demand our vigilant focus: 1. Chain reaction risks in your digital system If youre already losing sleep over cybersecurity, you can be sure to lose even more over the risks your partners partners present. The deepening relationships with technology partners enable our digital businesses, but every new provider you integrate into your ecosystem exponentially increases your risk. Im confident that every third-party provider you onboard is vetted for risks. But do you apply the same scrutiny to your fourth parties (your third-party providers providers)? How many third- and fourth-party providers is your organization actively working with? Let me share some insights. CyberArks 2024 Identity Security Threat Landscape Report indicates that 84% of organizations expect to employ three or more cloud service providers (CSPs), consistent with 85% last year. Moreover, our respondents anticipate an 89% increase in the number of software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in the next 12 months, up from 67% in the 2023 report. Consider the footprint of your digital ecosystem. Your extended family of third-party providers includes service providers, integrators, hardware and infrastructure suppliers, business partners, distributors, resellers, and telecommunications providers. External to your organization, these entities are crucial for enabling your digital business. Do you have visibility into all your third-party providers security practices? What about your fourth-party providers? Does your organization actively measure and mitigate the risks posed by your third- and fourth-party providers? Its implied in these questions, but Ill say it anyway: You should be doing all these things. 2. Cyber debt is real Youve probably heard of tech debt, which results from prioritizing speed to market over a robust and agile technology environment. In todays landscape, tech debt is amplified by cyber debt. Consider the accumulated risks and vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure due to neglected updates, lack of tools, or too many disparate tools, coupled with a shortage of skilled cybersecurity staff. Its a recipe for disaster, and cybercriminals thrive on it. The proof is in our survey findings. Breaches due to phishing and vishing attacks have impacted nine out of ten organizations. Nearly the same number of organizations were targeted by ransomware in 2024 (90%) as in 2023 (89%), with an increasing number reporting irretrievable data loss. With bad actors utilizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to scale sophisticated attacks, we should anticipate that every organization will be breached in the coming years. This is a reality every CISO must brace for. 3. Ransomware is still a thing Ransomware remains a significant threat, with no honor among thieves. Despite our hopes for a world free of ransomware, the truth is that old threats are enduring, and humans are the weakest link. Ransomware will continue to grow in volume and sophistication, especially with AI-enabled deepfakes. No amount of cybersecurity awareness training can completely prevent a user from clicking a malicious link or sharing a one-time password (OTP), compromising their identity and the organizations data. The damage caused by ransomware is severe. Our findings reveal that 75% of organizations impacted by ransomware paid the ransom but did not recover their data. However, protecting against ransomware doesnt have to be as challenging as climbing Mount Everest. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers several no-cost resources to help you proactively protect your organization against ransomware. I highly recommend taking advantage of these resources Building a resilient digital defense against emerging threats Although a day in the life of a CISO may seem grim, its not all doom and gloom. My peers in the industry will agree that we successfully protect against threats frequently, but a single breach can leave a lasting mark. I advise everyone to thoroughly review their IT environments, scrutinizing gaps and prioritizing remediation. This process needs to be ongoing and methodical, performed at regular intervals. While we must anticipate and mitigate the risks of new technologies like GenAI, we cannot ignore the persistent threats of traditional vulnerabilities. Simplistically, I recommend three actions: Audit and evaluate all legacy and new technologies across your environment. You must conduct an annual vendor assessment, which evaluates and prioritizes the critical vendors that might pose a high risk for your business. You can use specific tools for external security scoring and put specific liability phrases in the contracts. You should also ensure that access to your systems includes secure authentication and that the exposed data is only what is required. Assess the risks these disparate tools pose versus the time and effort required to maintain them. I recommend a dedicated cadence for discussing cyber risk management and reviewing outcomes, including a toolset to reduce third-party risks. Create a plan to consolidate your technology stack based on the right balance for your organization. Proceed slowly but surely. As a CIO, I can confidently say that the platformization movement is real. Its not just a way to reduce overall costs but also a means to mitigate third-party risks. If you have a trusted vendor that youre continuously reassessing from a cyber risk perspective, it will eventually get you to a more secure posture. Just dont put all your eggs in one basket. I am already implementing these strategies. Are you? Omer Grossman is the global chief information officer at CyberArk. You can check out more content from Omer on CyberArks Security Matters | CIO Connections page. Great Rooms A visual diary by Design Editor Wendy Goodman. The view is to the north and east. The big Extrasoft sectional is from West NYC Home. The area rug in Terre banana silk is by Mark Nelson Designs. Photo: Annie Schletcher James Spindler and John Vitale had been living together for seven years in an edgy Union Square loft that was originally Vitales bachelor pad. It had a translucent wall between the shower and the kitchen and living area. Dramatic as it might have been, it came to feel too small for them both, especially after Vitale retired from his job as executive vice-president for merchandising at Bloomingdales in 2016 and took up the banjo, necessitating thicker walls. Banjo is a loud instrument, and it accelerated the search, I would say, Spindler, the executive creative director of RadicalMedia, explains. They had become familiar with U.N. Plaza because two of their friends, architect David Mann and his husband, Fritz Karch, lived there. The austere side-by-side steel-and-glass towers, which opened in 1966, were designed by Max Abramovitz of Harrison & Abramovitz, the firm that had partnered with Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer, among others, on the design of the United Nations complex next door. But to lure buyers to the new buildings in the late 60s, the illustrated brochure was styled to reassure potential residents accustomed to prewar luxury trappings that they could find them here, too, with interiors that came complete with crystal chandeliers, wood paneling, built-in bookcases, and curtain valances. The 2,200-square-foot apartment Spindler and Vitale bought is on the 23rd floor and has dramatic views north and east. It was unlike anything else we looked at, says Spindler. But because it had been owned by one of the original residents, it was a total maze with an enclosed foyer and formal dining and living rooms. It had dentil moldings and almost this rococo design, Spindler says. Their friend and now neighbor David Mann of MR Architecture & Decor described it as Fake French Louis XVI, 1967. Mann, along with Brandon Sanchez and Kimberley Frederick, did a renovation that opened up the space and pared it down. Now you see the view, instead of a boxed-in foyer, the minute you walk in. The original owners doorknobs and drawer pulls more suitable to the Plaza Hotel than a mid-century icon have been repurposed as coat hooks on one wall near the front door. The entrance now opens into the living and dining area, which had been closed off before. The art on the left is by Robert Longo. Photo: Annie Schletcher The table is a custom ebonized oak made by Daniel Scuderi. The Mies van der Rohe chairs came from the couples Union Square loft. The Mimosa pendant is by Atelier Areti. The Luna pendant in the kitchen is by Schoolhouse. Sol LeWitts Black Bands in Two Directions hangs at right. Photo: Annie Schletcher Spindler and Vitale kept the original hardware from the previous owner and now use them as coat hooks. We wanted to do something with it, Spindler says, and one of Davids colleagues had the idea of arranging them on this wall, and I think its great. Photo: Annie Schletcher Photo: Annie Schletcher The den also used as a guest room, the Oxford sleeper sectional from Room & Board is reupholstered in Sahco Avalon Velvet by Eduardo Upholstery. The carpet is by Aronsons Floor Covering . All the door frames have been redesigned to full height, adding to the sense of space. Photo: Annie Schletcher The kitchen renovation includes ceramic tiles from Mosaic House on the walls and Murano white terrazzo tile on the floors. The original wall phone from the 60s was still in place when Spindler and Vitale bought the apartment. Drapery Repairs and Dress Alterations were listed on speed dial. The bedrooms Ultrasuede walls were installed by Turner & Turner. The side-table lamp is by Curtis Jere, and the king-size Lissoni bed is from Cassina. The picture is by Alex Katz. The banjo is John Vitales. Photo: Annie Schletcher John Vitale (left) and James Spindler (right) on the roof of theirbuilding with views out over the UN. They were photographed on April 8, 2024, the day of the eclipse, which explains the glasses. Photo: Annie Schlechter Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. There can be no grief more harrowing than that of a parent who has lost a child. In that moment, light turns to dark; life will never be the same again. We were all reminded just how vulnerable premature babies are during the trials of neonatal nurse Lucy Letby, known as 'the angel of death'. She has been convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital. After two emotionally charged trials, Letby is due to spend the rest of her life in prison and rightly so, if she is guilty and if the evidence against her is robust. But is it? Former nurse Lucy Letby has been convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital Letby, 33, was arrested at her home last August and, after two emotionally charged trials, she is due to spend the rest of her life in prison In recent weeks, a number of distinguished commentators and experts including clinicians, academics, statisticians, nurses and even a former (unnamed) Cabinet minister 'with a legal background' have begun to raise concerns that it might not be. As has been pointed out by many, including my colleague Peter Hitchens in these pages on Saturday, no one saw Letby kill, or attempt to kill, a baby. There is no forensic evidence to prove her guilt. Central to the prosecution's case is the suggestion that Letby murdered seven babies by air embolism injecting them with air through their feeding tubes. Two witnesses for the Crown, basing their views on a 30-year-old research paper, suggested that this could have been her method. However, the Canadian academic who wrote the original paper was not called as a prosecution witness and has since cast doubt on his work being used in the trial. As for the idea that Letby injected air into the newborns' stomachs via their tiny naso-gastric feeding tubes, this might have involved repeatedly extracting the syringe, refilling it with air and then re-inserting it. Is that really likely to be the preferred technique of a serial killer, when anyone could have walked in on her doing so at any time? a diagram that places Letby on duty at the deaths of those seven babies is the second most substantial piece of 'evidence' against her. However, prominent statisticians have described this approach as fallacious. It appears to me a pattern that might arise in any hospital ward that experienced a cluster of deaths. For example, a report last year found that 201 newborns may have died at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust due to a lack of appropriate care. If a similar graph were drawn there, might it show that one nurse was consistently present at several of the deaths? And would that necessarily be enough to put this nurse in prison for the rest of her life? John O'Quigley, a professor of statistics in the department of statistical science at University College London, has stated that the only conclusion to be drawn from the 'Letby diagram' is that when Letby was on duty, Letby was on duty. Nothing more. Clusters of baby deaths are sadly not uncommon in the NHS. However, they do not necessarily point to child murderers but rather to deep systemic failures that let parents down time and time again. Listen to the #1 True Crime podcast, The Trial of Lucy Letby Nadine is a former nurse herself and says maternity care - and women's healthcare in general - has always been the poor relation in the Health Service But I don't want to get drawn too deeply into the evidential weeds of this case. The fact is that, from the start, it made me deeply uncomfortable for a number of reasons. I gave birth to two of my three daughters at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Letby later worked. The care I received with my firstborn was cruel, devoid of compassion and unprofessional. A traumatic rather than joyful experience. As a former nurse myself and, until recently, the minister directly responsible for maternity neonatal services and overall patient safety, I have spoken to many parents who had once held their longed-for but lifeless baby in their arms. I have never forgotten those conversations. The infant mortality rate in the UK is 30 per cent higher than the median across EU countries and many babies have died due to catastrophic failings in the NHS services that were supposed to protect them. During the trial, Lucy Letby's own counsel reassured the jury: 'It's important I make plain that in no way is this case about the NHS in general.' Given that there have been four recent independent inquiries into the disturbing rise in infant mortality on maternity and neonatal units across the country, maybe it should have been. Maternity care and women's healthcare in general has always been the poor relation in the Health Service. That's why, as a minister, I launched the Women's Health Strategy so that women might receive better treatment in a sector that is predominantly managed by men. In the face of resistance from the NHS, I took to the dispatch box and ordered that an independent inquiry be launched into East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust after a number of babies had died and the bereaved families had raised concerns. In 2022, that inquiry found that up to 45 babies who had died at the neonatal unit in an 11-year period could have survived if they had been given the appropriate level of care. Yet such problems continue: Only this week, a survey by the Birth Trauma Association found that two out of five women giving birth are subjected to surgical interventions, such as incisions using scissors, without being informed, even though it is a legal requirement that they should be. And staffing in some hospitals still remains dangerously low. Letby herself worked as one of just two fully qualified neonatal nurses at the Countess of Chester, in a unit repeatedly described as understaffed and chaotically run. At the culmination of Letby's first trial last summer, I happened to be in hospital for surgery. The nurses caring for me talked of little other than her case. Supporters of Letby demonstrate outside the High Court during her appeal trial. They believe Letby is the victim of a miscarriage of justice The unit was quiet, and during one sleepless night, chatting to the nurses, I learnt two things: almost every one of them was waiting with bated breath for the latest edition of the Daily Mail podcast on the Letby saga and not one of the nurses on that unit believed that she was guilty. They whispered it, they were nervous of admitting it, but they were sure of it. Something about it just didn't feel right to them. 'She was the most qualified nurse on the unit, so of course she was the one they turned to for the most seriously ill babies the very ones most likely to die,' said one nurse. The jury heard that once Letby had been moved off the unit, the number of deaths there dropped. Yet, at the same time, the decision was also taken to downgrade the unit into one that would no longer admit high-risk babies. So what looks like compelling evidence against Letby could have a far more innocent explanation. Conversations with the nurses looking after me also touched on the notes that Letby had written to herself and that were found in her house. One note in her diary read 'I don't deserve to live' and included the phrases 'I killed them on purpose because I'm not good enough to care for them', 'I am a horrible evil person' and, in capital letters, 'I am evil, I did this'. Looked at from the perspective of a conscientious nurse who took her vocation seriously, they read like the ramblings of someone who felt tortured by the situation she found herself in and in despair at being unable to save the patients in her care. She was overworked and over-relied-upon. Nor was there anything in Letby's background that profiled her as a serial killer. She seemed to be well-brought-up, highly experienced and mentally sound: a woman who had wanted to train as a nurse since she was a teenager, who had good friends and was respected by her colleagues. She appeared to come from a diminishing cohort who enter nursing as a vocation, not as a job. Even the judge described her as a 'conscientious, hard-working, knowledgeable, confident and professional nurse', before he passed sentence. Has the British justice system thrown a young woman into jail for life in order to save the tarnished reputation of the National Health Service? Was the instinct of the nurses caring for me last year the right one? Why has Lucy Letby been refused the right to appeal? These are questions I would like to see answered. Justice may depend on it. For more, listen to the No. 1 True Crime series, The Trial of Lucy Letby now - wherever you get your podcasts. In the dying days of the last Parliament, the then health secretary Victoria Atkins introduced emergency legislation that banned the use of puberty blockers for adolescents who believe they are transgender or born in the wrong body. Her move provoked a furious response from trans activists but, as the temporary law was due to expire on September 3, they lived in hope that her Labour successor Wes Streeting would let the measure quietly do so. Instead, it emerged on Friday that Streeting plans to make the ban permanent. He pledged always to put the safety of children first and said the Department of Health was following advice set out in the Cass Review, an independent report on gender identity services published this year, which found there was insufficient evidence to show puberty blockers were safe for under-18s. The response on social media was immediate and hysterical. The spotlight-loving barrister Jolyon Maugham, director of a campaign called the Good Law Project, published a feverish list of questions and, somewhat presumptuously, demands: 16 on Sunday, and then another nine yesterday. Maughams first question set the tone: Have you investigated the explosion of deaths amongst those on the NHS waiting list since NHS England introduced a softer version of the ban?' Wes Streeting (pictured) plans to make the ban on puberty blockers permanent. He pledged always to put the safety of children first and said the Department of Health was following advice set out in the Cass Review The ban on puberty blockers has made trans activists furious. As the temporary law was due to expire on September 3, they lived in hope that her Labour successor Wes Streeting would let the measure quietly do so Without providing any sources for this incendiary claim, he said: I have now seen further evidence that, since December 2020, there has been a huge increase in deaths of young trans people on the NHS waiting list and that NHS management has sought to suppress that evidence. To accuse NHS managers of trying to cover up suicides is outrageous. To do so on the basis of unspecified further evidence is utterly irresponsible. He went on to ask: When (and the evidence I have cited strongly suggests it is a when rather than an if) one or more young trans people take their own lives in consequence of your shoddy attempt to ignore professional advice but appease billionaires and the press, will you resign? He also addressed every trans family, urging them: Now that Wes Streeting has made his position clear I think it is time, if you have this choice, to leave the United Kingdom. Thats a direct message to parents and children who are very distressed because theyve been whipped up into despair and fed the dogma that puberty blockers are somehow lifesavers that seeking treatment abroad is the only way to prevent a wave of suicides. Its a horrific, callous lie. It is impossible for the secretary of state to begin to address such aggressive, biased and polemical questions. All they achieve is an increase in online hatred. Maughams hysterical tweets attracted hundreds of responses. Wes Streeting is happy to see trans kids die, ran one. Wes Streeting is basically saying hes OK with children dying, using his Christian faith as an excuse, said another. While a third went even further: Wes Streeting holds us in absolute contempt. Labour would rather a dead trans kid than a happy one. And then there are the outright calls for violence, more striking still in the light of events across the Atlantic: Wes Streeting doesnt deserve a moments peace as long as he lives, Keir Starmers trans genocide has begun. He should never feel safe showing his face in public again, and People who seek to kill us should always be dealt with appropriately. Others simply post stand-alone phrases such as public execution and homicide of Wes Streeting. One high-profile response came from Susie Green, the former chief executive of Mermaids, the transgender organisation that is currently the subject of a Charity Commission investigation. She accused Streeting of implementing a murderous ban and ended her tweet with the words: Blood. On. His. Hands. Susie Green (pictured), the former chief executive of Mermaids, accused Streeting of implementing a murderous ban and ended her tweet with the words: Blood. On. His. Hands. The Cass Review was produced by a hugely experienced paediatrician, Hilary Cass (pictured), who emphasised that we simply dont know enough about the long-term impact of puberty blockers to take the risk of administering them to adolescents Like many of the influential figures stoking this hysteria, Green has a transgender child. She actively encouraged her child, who is biologically male, to take puberty blockers before they travelled together to Thailand for gender reassignment surgery. She has since spoken publicly about how proud she is of her actions, and how she would support other parents in doing the same. The feminist author Victoria Smith pointed out how deranged this all is. Until recently, she said, anyone who advocated giving experimental drugs to children expressing anxiety about their sexuality would be pilloried as a monster. Now, the Health Secretary who bans those drugs and who happens to be gay himself is the hate figure. Streeting has done exactly the right thing. The Cass Review was produced by a hugely experienced paediatrician, Hilary Cass, who emphasised that we simply dont know enough about the long-term impact of puberty blockers to take the risk of administering them to adolescents. These drugs were developed and tested for use with children under the age of eight who suffer very early puberty. The review was compiled with great diligence and care. It took four years to listen to the concerns of families and children and to assess all the published medical studies. Its conclusion is that there is no good evidence that puberty blockers help childrens mental health, let alone that they are effective in reducing the risk of suicide. On the contrary, there is growing evidence of long-term adverse effects. In the dying days of the last Parliament, the then health secretary Victoria Atkins (pictured) introduced emergency legislation that banned the use of puberty blockers for adolescents And though trans campaigners claim puberty blockers merely give children time to think by pausing their sexual development, the reality is that most children on this medication go on to be prescribed cross-sex hormones testosterone for girls, oestrogen for boys. This can have catastrophic long-term effects on health, including fertility problems. Testosterone is such a powerful hormone that, in young women, it can produce all the outward signs of maleness, such as facial changes. That is true, whether or not the patient has previously taken puberty blockers but the two drugs in combination do increase the probability of permanent sterility. In other words, for girls, blockers have no advantages for mental health and increase the danger of physical health problems in later life. Of course the Government is right to ban them. The people leading the attack on Streeting, including prominent lawyers, journalists and TV personalities, have a moral obligation to turn down the temperature. Not least Maugham himself. As we have seen, the spiralling escalation in the war of words over trans politics now means that online calls for violence, even death threats, have become normalised. The poisonous onslaught of abuse that Streeting has been subjected to has been shocking in its ferocity. It represents a baptism of fire for a man of 41 in his first Cabinet job and he must prove he can take the intense heat. I know how shocking and upsetting it is to be at the centre of a social media storm, with people accusing you of causing the death of children. It takes courage to stand up to the viciousness of the gender ideology activists. This Government will need to act with courage to face down these extremists, the institutions in the grip of a nonsensical ideology, and the parents who believe these drugs are the best course of action for some children. Maya Forstater is head of womens rights charity Sex Matters. A woman has defended her tanning addiction by insisting it boosts her confidence - despite online trolls claiming she looks 50. Camilla Srensen, a 26-year-old influencer from Denmark, has candidly shared her addiction to tanning, despite facing harsh criticism from social media trolls who claim her bronzed appearance makes her look older than her age. Srensen, who boasts 29,000 followers on her TikTok page, @camilla_sorensen1998, frequently uploads content highlighting her deep brown skin tone, and regularly boasts of her ability to tan quickly while sharing her extensive tanning routine. In one video, captioned "When they say I'm too brown," she hits back at trolls and mimes lyrics to Playboi Carti's Punk Monk, in which he raps: 'Don't talk to me.' Camilla Srensen has defended her tanning addition by insisting it boosts her confidence - despite online trolls claiming she looks 50 In another clip, she joins a trending discussion about additions, captioned "I'm not addicted to anything," and reveals she assesses the sun's UV level on a hot day before committing to a tanning session. Another video highlights the content creator's ability to develop a tan quickly, as she adds a caption that reads: 'When people tan all summer to get the tan I got in 2 days.' Srensen's outdoor tanning regimen, detailed in a list uploaded in another video, includes set intervals of sun exposure followed by breaks. In the list, she reveals she tans the front of her body for 20 minutes, then the back for another 20, and continues alternating with additional 15-minute sessions. Her routine also includes dips in the pool or spritzes of salt water, before resuming her tanning session by laying on her back and front for 15 minutes each, and repeating the alternation for a further 14 to 20 minutes. Alarmingly, she adds 'REPEAT!' at the end of the list, meaning in one sitting she tans her body in the searing heat for up to four hours. In one video, a troll cruelly taunts the influencer by stating, 'You look great for 53,' while in another clip, she dances with her 40-year-old father - who is also heavily tanned - prompting users to comment that they look the same age. One person wrote, 'They look the same age!' while another said, 'You look so old I would've thought u were dating.' A video highlights the content creator's ability to develop a tan quickly, as she adds a caption that reads: 'When people tan all summer to get the tan I got in 2 days' Srensen dances with her 40-year-old father - who is also heavily tanned - in one video, prompting users to comment that they look the same age Srensen, who boasts 29,000 followers on her TikTok page, @camilla_sorensen1998, frequently uploads content highlighting her deep brown skin tone The influencer has faced harsh criticism from social media trolls who claim her bronzed appearance makes her look older than her age Srensen's outdoor tanning regimen, detailed in a list uploaded in another video , includes set intervals of sun exposure followed by breaks The influencer looks unrecognisable in 2020 before she embarked on a tanning journey that has led to deeply bronzed skin In a candid clip, the influencer revealed her tanned appearance fuels her confidence, as she mimes to along to a viral song by Princess Chelsea that contains the lyrics: 'It's just a cigarette and it cannot be that bad.' Despite her enthusiasm, Srensen's extreme tanning habits have alarmed many of her followers, who warn her of the risks of skin cancer and damage. One person wrote, 'You have aged like 30 years,' while another asked, 'Are you seriously 24?' A third commented, 'You look soooo much better without the aggressive tan,' as a fellow critic added, 'Oh lord the aging.' One individual warned, 'Be careful of getting leather skin,' while another said, 'This just reminded me to reapply my sunscreen.' In a candid clip, the influencer revealed her tanned appearance fuels her confidence Despite her enthusiasm, Srensen's extreme tanning habits have alarmed many of her followers, who warn her of the risks of skin cancer and damage Another social media user commented, 'Enjoy aging like a banana, I guess,' while a horrified individual wrote, 'The fake tan the wrinkles oh god.' Finally, someone chimed: 'It's obvious she gets melanin injections. There is NO excuse as to why a euro is darker than me. A blonde haired blue eyes one at that.' Health experts warn of the dangers associated with her tanning practices. According to the NHS, frequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or sunbeds increases the risk of developing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Those exposed to UV rays before the age of 25 are at even higher risk later in life. Meanwhile, a new study has revealed that a quarter of Brits still regularly use sunbeds despite long-known risks of skin cancer. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Sophy Laufer has revealed exactly how she gets her perfect, full-face glam for practice and beyond - and some of the products she uses won't break the bank, either. Laufer has been a part of the elite, 36-person cheer squad since 2022, a team that has been making headlines in recent weeks after the June premiere of their juicy new docuseries on Netflix, America's Sweethearts. The seven-episode show documents the behind-the-scenes of the audition process and their 2023 season, giving a deeper look at what it really takes to become a member of this iconic Texas team. The gripping series also revealed various secrets about the ins-and-outs of their everyday life, including the fact that cheerleaders do their own makeup for gamedays. And, for practice, they often wear a full face of glam, a skill that Laufer has totally mastered. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Sophy Laufer has revealed exactly how she gets her perfect, full-face glam for practice and beyond The seven-episode Netflix show titled America's Sweethearts documents the behind-the-scenes of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders audition process and their 2023 season But even if you're not going to DCC practice like Laufer is, you can still get the look, as she walked viewers through her glam in an in-depth tutorial posted recently to her TikTok page. To kick off her flawless makeup routine, Laufer revealed that she uses the $14 e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter Complexion Booster around her forehead, chin and cheeks. She likes to use the drugstore product in place of a primer, the DCC star explained. 'I do not use a primer, I have kind of tried different ones, and I kind of feel like they don't do anything,' she explained. 'Normally I'm doing my makeup in a rush, so if I feel like a step doesn't really help, then I'd rather not do it,' Laufer furthered. Once the e.l.f. Halo Glow was applied to her face, she blended it out with a makeup sponge, and then dabbed some of the $29 Makeup By Mario concealer under her eyes and forehead. 'I love this concealer, it's super creamy and has good coverage, but isn't too cake-y,' she said. 'I kind of just dab it in, and don't blend it in too much, because since I'm going to be doing foundation over this, it's okay if it's not super blended because the foundation will blend all of that in.' 'I do not use a primer, I have kind of tried different ones, and I kind of feel like they don't do anything,' Laufer revealed in the clip The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders do their own glam and hair for gamedays, as well as their practices Get the look! Sophy's favorite DCC-approved face products e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter Complexion Booster - $14 Makeup By Mario concealer - $29 Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation - $69 Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo in She's Sculpted - $40 Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Pound Cake - $38 Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder - $48 Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer - $36 Advertisement Laufer shared that she uses the $69 Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation to achieve her flawless complexion, a favorite that she's been in her makeup bag for years. 'I love this foundation, and it's very nice if you're not very oily. It kind of gives you a little bit of a glow-y finish, but I feel like it's very skin-like but also has good coverage,' she shared. And, the foundation isn't just a hit with Laufer because her mom and sister use it, too. Moving on to contouring, the cheerleader pulled out the $40 Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo by Patrick Ta in the shade She's Sculpted, and went in for the cream side to apply on her cheekbones with a big, fluffy brush. She also dabbed a bit on the side of her forehead, explaining that she always likes to use a big brush because it locks in the product and ensures that nothing slides off. Then, it was time to go back in with the Makeup by Mario concealer to highlight a few spots around the face, like the cupid's bow and in between the eyebrows. Laufer also puts it all over her nose, since it has a tendency to get red, the cheerleader explained, while also spilling another DCC secret. 'Another tip, I'm also very light and delicate when I'm doing my creams because you can always add more, and I feel like layering light layers gives you a more natural and perfect finish than putting on a huge, thick, cake-y layer,' Laufer offered. Two of Laufer's favorite products included the $40 Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo by Patrick Ta in the shade She's Sculpted and the $69 Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation Laufer made sure to put a bit of bronzer on the side of her forehead, explaining that she always likes to use a big brush because it locks in the product and makes sure nothing slides off 'Another tip, I'm also very light and delicate when I'm doing my creams because you can always add more,' she shared To finish off the eye area, she applied some of the $38 Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in the shade Pound Cake under her eyes with a powder puff. But Laufer doesn't like to waste product, so she takes any leftovers from the powder puff and blends it on the rest of her face to set the cream makeup. Before she puts on her shimmering eyeshadow - which she promised to show in a separate tutorial - she applies another layer of the setting powder, leaving it to 'bake' in order to give her under eye a 'lifted' effect. 'This is also when I take a lot of powder, and if I have a blemish or red spot, I will pack extra powder in,' Laufer said. 'It kind of makes you look crazy for a second, but I promise you this is my biggest trick with keeping blemishes covered up, because this powder will set and lock it in that way.' Once her face has 'baked' enough, she takes a bit of the $48 Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder on a brush, which she uses to dust off the Huda Beauty powder. The next step was to add some extra color by applying a darker shade of the Charlotte Tilbury powder to her cheeks and face, and then contours with the powder side of her Patrick Ta palette. To contour the nose, she uses a tiny brush to apply some of Benefit Cosmetics $36 Hoola Bronzer under the tip and sides of her nose, and then tops it off with a bit of concealer on the tip and bridge. Finally, to get that signature pink-y nude DCC lip, she used a swipe of the $38 Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in the color Wedding Belles Laufer also added some extra color to her face by applying a darker shade of the Charlotte Tilbury powder to her cheeks and face DCC Sophy's lip, cheek and eyebrow favorites! Anastasia Brow Wiz eyebrow pencil - $25 Benefit Cosmetics Highlighter in Cookie - $35 Dior Blush in Rosy Glow - $40 Makeup Forever Wherever Walnut Lip Liner- $24 Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Wedding Belles - $38 ONE/SIZE waterproof setting spray - $32 Advertisement 'In between steps, too, I will go in with my fluffy powder brush and just blend everything together,' she revealed. 'I feel like the more blended you are, the better and more natural and perfect your finish will look,' the veteran cheerleader added. To pull the entire look together, she dabbed a bit of the $25 Anastasia Brow Wiz eyebrow pencil to her eyes, followed by a few swipes of the $35 Benefit Cosmetics Highlighter in Cookie and $40 Dior Blush in Rosy Glow on the apples of her cheeks. Finally, to get that signature pink-y nude DCC lip, she used the $24 Makeup Forever lip liner in the shade Wherever Walnut - another one of Cope's favorites - and a swipe of the $38 Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Wedding Belles. And, as an extra step to make sure everything was looking flawless, she used a quick spritz of the $32 ONE/SIZE waterproof setting spray, a recommendation that DCC makeup artist Madeline Cope recently shared with DailyMail.com. The team's makeup artist also divulged her own tips about how to achieve their flawless glam at home in a recent interview with DailyMail.com 'It's definitely more of a glam [look] but it's also finding that balance for your face, wearing a lash that accentuates but isn't too much for your eyes,' she explained. Trader Joe's is famous for its inexpensive groceries - and beauty fans have long gone wild for its cheap beauty dupes which mirror popular pricey products. But how do you know which ones are the best buys that actually do the trick? Medicinal chemist Sarah Babula, based in San Diego, California, broke down her favorite products for her 54,000 followers on TikTok - and many commenters weighed in with their go-to purchases that are dupes for skincare products from brands like Drunk Elephant, Creme de la Mer, Supergoop and more. The viral video quickly received more than 240,000 views, as Sarah declared, 'We love affordable skincare' in the caption and her followers agreed. 'I'm a chemist and these are some of the super affordable Trader Joe's skincare products that I would recommend to people,' the scientist explained. Medicinal chemist Sarah Babula, based in San Diego, California, broke down her favorite products for her 54,000 followers on TikTok Commenters were quick to share their favorite Trader Joe's dupes for pricey Sephora products Sarah said that the grocery store chain's antioxidant facial serum is her favorite facial serum and costs only $10. The serum includes retinol as well as green tea and vitamin K1, which is essential for bone building, vitamin D3, which protects against UV light, vitamin E, which keeps the skin soft, and vitamin B5, which reduces signs of aging. The oil-free moisturizer has similar ingredients and is a lightweight option. Sarah is also a proponent of the 'super lightweight but still very hydrating' ultra hydrating gel moisturizer, for $9, which has humectants and contains aloe and green tea extract. 'Drunk Elephant will charge you so much for this oil but you can get it here for like $7, it does not cost that much,' she said about the Marula oil, which is $69 at Sephora. 'If you want an oil that absorbs really easily but isn't too thick,' the chemist recommends Argan oil. Sarah also suggests the hydrating biocellulose face mask for $3, made with green tea, turmeric, pomegranate, and aloe, and says while face masks are fun, you don't need to spend a lot of money on them. The vanilla lip mask for $6 is another favorite product, as 'you should never have to spend a lot of money on a lip mask,' because 'Aquaphor works fine' and this one contains oils and antioxidants. Commenters offered up their own dupes, with one person saying, 'That gel moisturizer has the same ingredients as La Mer,' which can retail for up to $390 'Drunk Elephant will charge you so much for this oil but you can get it here for like $7, it does not cost that much,' she said about the Marula oil, which is $69 at Sephora The vanilla lip mask for $6 is another favorite product - it looks similar to the super buzzy $24 Laneige sleep mask, which celebrities like Alix Earle and Sydney Sweeney love, but with a lower price tag The daily facial sunscreen is another suggestion, which a commenter compared to $40 Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen The vanilla lip mask looks similar to the super buzzy $24 Laneige sleep mask, which celebrities like Alix Earle and Sydney Sweeney love, but with a lower price tag. The daily facial sunscreen is another suggestion from the chemist, which a commenter compared to $40 Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. Sarah isn't the only one who thinks the Marula oil works wonders. 'I used to work at a Sephora next to a Trader Joe's and would always tell people to get the Marula oil from TJs when they asked me about Drunk Elephant,' one commenter proclaimed, citing the $69 product that teens are obsessed with. And the gel moisturizer proved a hit with followers. Others offered up their own dupes, with one person saying, 'That gel moisturizer has the same ingredients as La Mer,' which can retail for up to $390 and is one of the world's most expensive beauty products. A woman has finally been reunited with the son she gave up for adoption when she was aged just 17 after spending her adult life searching for him. Retired council worker Paula Beer, 74, from Bridgend in Wales, was just a teenager when she made the heart-breaking decision to part from her baby due to her strict parents reaction. Paula had concealed her pregnancy, working long hours in a grocery store in nearby Porthcawl, and only saw a doctor when she was eight months along. She gave birth to her son, Paul, in February 1967. She spent just three days with him in hospital before he was taken away, and recalled to FEMAIL how giving Paul up for adoption was the 'worst thing I've ever had to do in my life'. But the pair were finally reunited on last night's Long Lost Family - with Paula bursting into tears when she's told Paul, now called Jim, has been discovered, before the two meet one another in equally emotional scenes. Paula Beer, 74, from Bridgend in Wales, was reunited with her son Paul after she had to give him up for adoption in 1967 in last night's episode of Long Lost Family Paula, a retired council worker, gave her son up for adoption when she was 17 but spent most of her adult life looking for him The pair were finally reunited on last night's Long Lost Family - with Paula bursting into tears when she's told Paul, now called Jim, has been discovered, before the two meet one another in equally emotional scenes Paula was a teenager at school in the 1960s when she started to go out with a 'very good looking boy'. The couple 'had a lovely time together, and it came to a natural end,' revealed Paula. But, at 17, she discovered she was pregnant, recalling: 'I was frightened. I was out of my depth. I didn't know what to do. Very ashamed for my parents, more than me, because they had always drummed it into me, "Don't have a child out of wedlock". 'I didn't tell anyone about the pregnancy. I kept it a secret, and I felt very, very lonely at that time.' To conceal her pregnancy, she worked long hours in a grocery store in nearby Porthcawl. Paula recalled in the show: 'I worked here 10 hours a day, seven days a week. In my quieter moments, I had to work out a plan. What was I going to do, having him and bringing him up with my parents wasn't an option. 'I had nowhere to live, nowhere to go. I came to the realisation that my son would have to be adopted, and that was enormous, you know, could I carry it out? Could I do that?' At seven months pregnant, Paula went to stay with a kind aunt in Essex, who helped to arrange the adoption. She gave birth to her son, Paul, in February 1967 and spent three days with him before he was taken away to be adopted. Paula revealed how, when she fell pregnant as a teen, she concealed her pregnancy from her loved ones Paula revealed she lights a candle for her son every year on his birthday Frightened of her strict parents reaction, she had concealed her pregnancy, working long hours in a grocery store in nearby Porthcawl, and only saw a doctor when she was eight months along. Pictured, Paula's baby The retired council worker was aged just 17 when she made the heart-breaking decision to part from her baby due to her strict parents reaction. She then spent the rest of her adult life searching for him Paula Beer (pictured), 74, from Bridgend in Wales, opened up about her search for her child Paula (pictured left) gave birth to her son, Paul (now named Jim, pictured right), in February 1967, spending just three days with him in hospital before he was taken away 'From the moment I held him in my arms for the first time, the love I felt for him then was unbelievable. I didn't think I would feel like that, and I knew I had to part with him, so I wanted not to feel like that,' admitted Paula. She also told of the moment she parted from her baby son for the final time before he was given to a temporary foster mother in Essex. 'I had him in my arms, and I knocked the door, and a lovely woman came and she said, "This is Paul's room, where he'd be sleeping". 'And she said, "I'm going to leave you now, and when I hear the door close. I know you've left. I will be here to to take over from you." 'That's when the pain came to a head. You know? That's when the reality kicks in and I must have gone to put him down about two or three times. 'I was talking to him all the time, and I was saying, "hope you somehow or another, you know, the mother who brought you into this world loves you so much and that she's doing this for you. '"And just remember my voice. Please remember my voice. I love you, my son always." And I put him down, laid him down, and I just ran, I think, down the steps, shut the door loud, so she'd go to him straight away, so he won't be alone. After discovering she was pregnant at the age of just 17, Paula came to the conclusion on her own that shed have to have her baby adopted. Pictured, Nicky Campbell with Jim But thankfully, the Long Lost Family team located Paulas son whose name had been changed to Jim, and found him living in the southwest. Pictured, Davina McCall with Paula 'Was never spoken of afterwards. Was never ever spoken of,' an emotional Paula explained. Paula later went on to marry and have a daughter but didnt anticipate the pain of giving up her son would cause her, for the rest of her life. 'Every year on his birthday I light a candle for him, and watch the candle burn and say a prayer and ask God: "please, God, let me find him one day",' revealed Paula ahead of finding her son. Asking the Long Lost Family team for help, she emotionally explained: 'I can't ever expect love, but just knowing, seeing him, touching him, perhaps his hand, and knowing he has always been loved. For me that is everything.' The Long Lost Family team eventually discovered Pauls name had been changed to Jim, and traced him living in the southwest. It took Jim several months to decide whether he wanted contact with his birth mother, with the happily adopted psychiatric nurse saying on the show: 'It's kind of something I hadn't thought about. It's something I didn't think I'd be doing. 'To get the letter was just a mixed range of emotions, from happy to scary to... you name it. 'When I was 18, I can remember thinking, this is the day where I have the right, legally, to go and search for my mum if I wanted to, but at 18, your life's just getting busy. 'So I just kind of put it away in the box, shut the lid, and then carried on through life,' Jim explained, before admitting: 'A few weeks back, I could have run away from it all, if I'm honest. 'It was more, it's been in a box for so long? Can I put the lid back on? And I don't know if... and that was the bit I had to make the decision.' But eventually Jim decided that he did want to meet his birth mother, and was delighted to discover she was Welsh, since he's spent lots of time in Wales and loves it. Paula breaks down into tears when told by co-host Davina McCall that her son has been found and that he wants to meet with her. Looking at a picture of Jim, a tearful Paula said: 'I love him already. I love him. Oh, he's got a nice, kind face... So glad he's happy. This is all my heart.' Ahead of meeting her son, she insisted: 'It's the best day of my life, the very best day of my life.' The two shared an emotional reunion on the programme last night, with Paula telling her son: 'I've looked for you almost all my life. 'You've been with me, in my head, in my heart, your entire life and honestly, every single day, and every time I light a candle for you on your birthday, I pray that your life has been full of love. 'All I wanted was the best chance for you, the best prospects,' said Paula, to which Jim replied: 'You gave it to me.' Upon hearing this, his emotional birth mother said: 'Thank you. You couldn't tell me anything better than that. The pain's gone away today, Jim.' 'I'm really pleased,' Jim replied. 'Because that's the last thing I'd ever you want you to feel. I never, ever thought badly of you.' Following their experience on the ITV programme, the two now video call a few times a week. Long Lost Family airs on Mondays and is available on ITVX The twisted case of alleged 'Black Widower' serial killer Thomas Randolph is set to be laid bare in a new docuseries that will uncover the truth about the deaths of four of his six wives - and the mysterious circumstances surrounding each of their ill-fated ends. For years, speculation has surrounded Randolph, who wooed and wed six women - only for four of them to end up dead. Now, the man who has been dubbed The Black Widower is the subject of an upcoming Investigation Discovery Series titled The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph, which is set to stream on Max on July 16. The docuseries follows the life of Thomas, who had a sinister addiction to romance and tying the knot, that is until many of his lovers ended up dead. With each mysterious death, Thomas' bank account skyrocketed as he had taken out hefty life insurance policies on the women he vowed to love him until their passing breath, however, when their hearts stopped beating, the 69-year-old seemed to be the only one who benefited. Throughout several decades, Thomas Randolph (pictured in a Nevada court house in 2017) charmed and swooned six women - but four of them ended up dead The Nevada-native first emerged as a potential suspect after his sixth wife, Sharon Causse, died during what is now believed to have been a staged home invasion in 2008. When taking a closer look at Thomas, the police found the moribund man had lived an ill-fated life of love that seemed far too coincidental to be innocent. The episodes delve into the life of The Black Widower and the case that helped bring him on cop's radar. He was soon arrested on charges of murder for the death of his sixth wife and his pal and handyman, Michael Miller. He was tried in 2017 as prosecutors accused him of hiring Michael to shoot Sharon to death and make it look like a burglary gone wrong so that he could cash in on the over $300,000 life insurance payout. Despite maintaining his innocence, Thomas found himself behind bars. However, Thomas grew certain he would get out of prison during a 2023 retrial, which was granted because the jury heard about the 1986 death of his second wife, Becky Gault, in Utah. But, his luck ran out and he was sentenced to 60 years in prison, meaning the serial monogamist will likely die behind bars. Now, FEMAIL has lifted the lid on the eerie details surrounding Thomas and the deaths of his wives as he is set to appear in a jaw-dropping docuseries that will untangle the web of lies and loss that followed him all the way to prison. Who is Thomas Randolph and why is he known as The Black Widower? The man who has been dubbed The Black Widower is the subject of an upcoming Investigation Discovery Series titled The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph The docuseries follows the life of Thomas, who had a sinister addiction to romance and tying the knot, that is until many of his lovers ended up dead From the outside, the 69-year-old seemed to be nothing short of a man in awe-inducing love in 1975 when he tied the knot with 18-year-old Kathryn Thomas. However, their romance came to end and Thomas went on to tie the knot with five other woman. But only one of them lived. The rose-colored facade surrounding Thomas came crashing down when his sixth wife, Sharon, became the latest woman to tragically lose her life after vowing to spend the rest of her life him. The bizarre series of events on the night that Sharon's heart stopped beating were unfolded in an episode of the upcoming docuseries and during the 2017 trial. He noted that the fateful 2008 evening began with the couple opting to skip a movie and deciding to stay in and have sex instead. However, when Thomas entered the home just shortly after his wife, he found her lifeless body laying on the ground. With each mysterious death, Thomas' bank account skyrocketed as he had taken out hefty life insurance policies on the women he vowed to love him until their passing breath He immediately reached for his gun and opened fire on the intruder in his home, his handyman, Michael, who according to Thomas, was attempting to rob their home when interrupted by Sharon. However, the bone-chilling story told by Thomas led to suspicion from detectives who decided to take a closer look at his life. It was then that they discovered that Sharon wasn't the only woman in his life that had taken her last breath while wed to Thomas. Police made the shocking find that four out six of his wives had passed, gaining him the ominous nickname, The Black Widower. What happened to Thomas Randolph's six wives? The Nevada-native entered cop's radar after his sixth wife, Sharon Causse, died during a staged home invasion in 2008 Four of Thomas' six wives lives all came to a screeching halt just after they said 'I do' while standing at the alter alongside the man whom they thought would be the love until the end of time. The episodes delve into the life of The Black Widower and the case that helped bring him on cop's radar His first wife, Kathryn Thomas, wed Thomas in 1975 when she was just 18 years old and he was 20. They were together for eight years before they divorced in 1983, and Kathryn later described Thomas as 'controlling, manipulative and psychologically abusive' during his first trial. She recalled an incident that saw Thomas throwing a bowl of oatmeal at the wall because it didn't have sugar in it. She noted that after she separated from Thomas and remarried, she and her husband moved several states away to get distance from her first husband. Becky Gault was Thomas' second wife. She and Thomas tied the knot on the exact same day that his divorce with Kathryn was finalized in 1983. Becky tragically died just three years into their marriage with her death initially being ruled a suicide. Sharon Causse (left) died after he hired a friend of his to kill her and make it look like a robbery gone wrong. His other wives, including Kathryn Thomas (right), testified in his trials Becky Gault (left) was found with a bullet lodged in her head, though Thomas was never convicted of her murder. Gayna Allmon (right) told jurors that she believes he tried to kill her in an attempted shooting while they were married Thomas hired Michael Miller (pictured) to kill his then-wife Sharon and make it look like a botched home invasion Thomas received a whopping $500,000 life insurance payout and was later charged and acquitted for her murder after police found that her husband used to sing about bringing his wife's life to an end. He even tried to hire a hitman to kill her, however, it backfired when he was an undercover cop. Thomas was later arrested and plead guilty to witness tampering. He was never convicted of her murder. Randolph did not allow Francis Thomas' daughter to see her while she was hospitalized His third wife, Gayna Allmon, was one of the lucky few who got out of her relationship with Thomas. However, it wasn't easy. During his 2017 trial, she told jurors that she believes that Thomas tried to kill her with a gun during their marriage. She recalled the chill-inducing moment he shot at her while cleaning his gun. Luckily, the bullet missed and Gayna left the marriage shortly after, with only a bullet hole in their kitchen left behind. His fourth wife, Francis Thomas, died in the hospital following complications from a botched heart surgery in 2004. However, her daughter, Rachel, remained adamant that her mom's husband was somehow involved because Thomas was the last to see Francis alive. Witness Glen Morrison told the court that he was asked to put an end to Francis in a similar manner his then-future wife Sharon died. Thomas reportedly had his fourth wife's body cremated less than 24 hours after she died. His fifth wife, Leona Stapleton, died of cancer and little is known of their relationship. Where is Thomas Randolph now? After being found guilty for the murder of Sharon in his 2023 retrial, Thomas was sentenced to 60 years in prison (seen many years ago during a Dateline series on him) THOMAS RANDOLPH'S WIVES Kathryn Thomas No 1: Kathryn Thomas - ALIVE It's unclear how long the pair were married but she testified at trial that he threatened to kill her when they were together. She told the jury that he was abusive and manipulative. The pair lived in Utah together. Prosecutors also claimed at his trial that he tried to have her killed by a hitman but that the plan was unsuccessful. Becky Gault No 2: Becky Gault - DEAD Dead: 1986 He claimed she committed suicide by shooting herself in the head and that she'd threatened it once before. He was charged with her murder and the trial included a star witness coming forward to say he'd tried to hire him to kill her. Eric Tarantino said he'd tried to hire him to kill Becky and that he feared he would then be killed himself. 'Until the day they find him dead in his cell, or they stick a needle in him, I sleep with a gun at my side,' he told the court. Despite his testimony, he was acquitted. Gayna Allmon No 3: Gayna Allmon - ALIVE Gayna testified against him at his second trial. She said she believed he was also trying to have her killed but that he couldn't convince a hitman to do it. She recalled at trial one occasion where he was cleaning his gun in front of her and it went off. Gayna said she believed it was a threat to her life. No 4: Francis - DEAD Francis Francis died in 2004. A man testified at trial that he'd been asked by Randolph to kill her. Glen Morrison told the jury that Randolph plotted with him to kill her in a trailer in Indiana. He declined the job because, he said, he didn't want to be killed by Randolph himself afterwards. Francis then died in suspicious circumstances and he cremated her immediately. He then sued a hospital where she'd been treated for an unspecified illness, won a settlement from them and a payment from a life insurance policy he had taken out on Francis. No 5: Leona Stapleton - DEAD Little is known of Leona or when she died but Randolph, according to The Review Journal, told friends and family she died of cancer. No 6: Sharon Causse - DEAD Sharon was found dead from by gunshot wound in 2008. Randolph called police, claiming he had come home to find her dead and Michael James Miller in his home. He said Miller was armed and to stop himself from being killed, he shot him. But Causse's family was suspicious of his story, as were police. He was charged with double murder but had it overturned earlier this month. Sharon Causse and Michael James Miller. Randolph claimed he came home to find Sharon already dead and Miller in the house with a gun Advertisement After being found guilty for the murder of Sharon in his 2023 retrial, Thomas was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Despite claiming he was innocent, the judge ordered Thomas to spend the remainder of his life behind bars for his hand is his wife's death. At the time, Thomas vowed to appeal, he said: 'Well deal with it at some point soon.' He also thanked prosecutors for not seeking the death penalty. And while Sharon's passing has been solved, many of his wives deaths remain a mystery. The Investigation Discovery docuseries is set to lay bare the events surrounding their deaths. The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph will stream on Max on July 16 King Charles snapped at aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday. Camilla, who will turn 77 tomorrow, was meeting members of the public in St Helier as part of a two-day visit to the Channel Islands with her husband Charles. At one point the royal couple braved the rain and strong winds as they watched a military parade through the town. But after popping up a perspex umbrella, the Queen struggled to get her arm through her coat. Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out - before a turning to an aide to ask for help. The monarch looked visibly annoyed at the struggle to get the coat on, before the aide helped Her Majesty slip her arm through the coat. King Charles snapped at aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday Camilla, who will turn 77 tomorrow, was meeting members of the public in St Helier as part of a two-day visit to the Channel Islands with her husband Charles It comes after Camilla was whisked away from her engagements after a security scare. The royal had to make a quick exit from an ice cream van in Weighbridge Place where she was sampling the local delights when a member of her security team rushed over and told her the visit was being cut short. Thankfully, the scare turned out to be a false alarm and Their Majesties were soon able to continue with their planned programme of engagements. Buckingham Palace did not comment officially but it is understood there was a 'small issue of concern'. An investigation was initiated but it turned out to be a false alarm. Sources said every precaution was taken and the programme resumed shortly afterwards. It does not appear anyone was arrested. Members of the public including children who had been due to meet them were taken to the hotel so they could meet Their Majesties personally instead. Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out - before a turning to an aide to ask for help Queen Camilla uh odonned a turquoise belted dress upon arrival in the Channel Island - but added a waterproof trench coat and umbrella to her ensemble to take the rain into account. However, as the couple arrived via red carpet onto a stage in the Royal Square in St Helier, where an official welcoming ceremony was carried out before a sitting of the Royal Court and the State Assembly, Camilla realised she still had her waterproof layer on. In a comical clip as she stood with King Charles to be officially greeted by delegates, the Queen, in one swift move, jerked back her shoulders to shake off the coat. As the coat fell behind her in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, the Queen continued to stand to attention as if nothing has happened - and regained composure in an instant. However, her quick change was spotted by King Charles, 75, who couldn't help but smile as he watched her lose the coat. The Queen carried a lobster at the expo in St Helier, which took place after she and King Charles had been officially welcomed to Jersey in a ceremony in the Royal Square Queen Camilla was pictured in fits of laughter this afternoon in St Helier, Jersey, where she's undertaking a 2-day visit with King Charles, after two cows got frisky in front of her Elsewhere in the visit King Charles shared a joke with a veteran Ernest Thorne, the last D-Day veteran from Jersey Windswept royals! King Charles and Queen Camilla braved the elements as the wind picked up As the ceremony got underway, the King was presented with a handful of locally-laid ducks eggs as part of welcome ceremony on Jersey. His late mother, Queen Elizabeth, was given two dead mallards when she visited in 2001 but it is understood that His Majesty asked for eggs instead. King Charles said he was 'delighted' to return to Jersey, a 'beautiful and unique' island that had held such 'high regard and affection' for his late mother. As the heavens opened, they were greeted with huge cheers as they got out of the state Bentley and immediately sheltered under umbrellas. The King and the Queen, who wore a blue silk shirt dress by Anna Valentine, were led into the square by a Royal Mace, gifted to the island by Charles II in 1663 in recognition of the island's loyalty to the Crown. They walked down a red carpet lined with some 200 locals from the legal profession, Jurats, who act as judges, elected politicians and assorted guests. As the ceremony got underway in the Royal Square, the King was gifted duck eggs in a gesture once offered to the Queen Mother The guests stood to sing the national anthem as the King and Queen took their places on a dais. The Bailiff, president of the States Assembly, read out a Loyal Address welcoming the couple before Charles delivered his response. 'Mr Bailiff, I am most grateful to you and to the States for the warm welcome you have extended to both my wife and myself, and for the assurances of devotion, loyalty and allegiance to the Crown you have expressed on behalf of the people of Jersey,' he said. 'My wife and I have such happy recollections of the welcome we received when we were last here in 2012, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of my late mother. 'During that visit we met so many Islanders and learned of the high regard and affection in which she was held, and also a great deal about your beautiful and unique island. We look forward to doing so again today during our time here in St Helier.' Queen Camilla's blue dress was bright and summery amid the grey skies and rainy showers When the sitting transitioned to a Royal Court, the King was gifted locally laid duck eggs as a symbol of sustenance, replacing an 800-year tradition of presenting the monarch with two dead ducks. The ritual formed part of a homage paid by five senior seigneurs, or lords of the manor, each of whom stepped up and clasped hands with the monarch, one by one. When Elizabeth II visited Jersey in 2001, she was presented with two mallards on a silver tray as part of an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when six seigneurs, or lords of the manor, would pay homage to the sovereign as the Duke of Normandy. Just as the late Queen did not take the dead ducks home, the King will not be packing the duck eggs in his suitcase. Instead, he was shown the bowl of white mallard eggs by seigneur Pamela Bell, before they were accepted on his behalf by the Receiver General, the King's representative on the islands. The heavens opened as the King and Queen arrived in Jersey this afternoon for their two-day visit to the Channel Islands Umbrella up! The King, 74, looked cool in his suit and tie as he arrived while carrying an umbrella Despite the rain, King Charles couldn't help but smile as he sported another jazzy tie - this time featuring a zebra print Later on in the visit, the King and Queen were presented with heffer cows; that is, cows who have not yet given birth - and the Queen was left red-faced when two of the animals mounted each other in front of her. As they continued to be shown around an exhibition following their visit, there was a brief security scare which saw the royal couple whisked away to a nearby hotel for a short time. Thankfully, the scare was a false alarm and the King and Queen were able to return to their programme of engagements, including a public walkabout. Buckingham Palace did not comment officially but it is understood there was a 'small issue of concern'. An investigation was initiated but it turned out to be a false alarm. As he returns to the Channel Islands for the first time since 2012, the King, who is known as the Duke of Normandy in the islands, will highlight the relationship between the Islands and the Crown, which stretches back centuries. It comes as Charles returns to some public duties, despite his continued treatment for cancer. He attended the busy D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, at the beginning of June, followed by Trooping the Colour, the Garter Day ceremony and the Royal Ascot. The trip will end the day before the planned State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, which is also Camilla's 77th birthday. She is said to have urged him to take it easy, but told author Lee Child he 'won't slow down and won't do what he's told'. Later this week, as the King and Queen visit Guernsey, Their Majesties will attend a special sitting of the States of Deliberation and ancient ceremony of homage to the monarch, held outdoors on the St Peter Port seafront where islanders can watch the events. At official functions, islanders raise the loyal toast to 'The Duke of Normandy, our King'. Charles and Camilla will also head to the Crown Pier to learn about the island's heritage and traditions, biodiversity initiatives, local food, and the work to promote the language of Guernesiais - also known as Guernsey French. Both Jersey and Guernsey have announced special public holidays to mark the royal visits on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. When the visit was announced in June, Bailiff of Guernsey Sir Richard McMahon said: 'It will be a great privilege to welcome Their Majesties to the Bailiwick for the first time as King and Queen, the year after their coronation. 'Their visit this summer shows just how special the relationship between the Crown and the Islands is.' Deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Cinister of Guernsey, said: 'As is well known, His Majesty also has a special interest in global efforts to combat climate change. 'We are looking forward to showcasing our initiatives to support those efforts and promote sustainability across a range of sectors. 'That includes the pioneering green finance initiatives of our main economic sector, which have a global impact.' Both islands are forecast to see temperatures between 15C and 19C across both days, though the couple's visit to Jersey may get off to a wet start as the Met Office forecasts rain in the morning before a drier afternoon. Time constraints mean the couple will not be able to travel to the islands of Alderney and Sark, which are part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, had previously said Charles and Camilla were 'looking forward greatly' to the trip. 'The binding benefits of this special relationship remain as strong as ever and I know Their Majesties are looking forward greatly to their visit next month,' Vice Admiral Kyd said in June. The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing possessions of the British Crown. When the late Queen Elizabeth II visited Jersey in 2001, she was presented with two dead ducks on a silver tray - part of an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when six seigneurs - lords of the manor - would pay homage to the sovereign as the Duke of Normandy with the mallards. Charles and Camilla will spend two days visiting the Channel Islands this week Its not often the King can boast of a royal first after a lifetime of duty. But today, for the first time, he granted a special title to a rare breed of goat in Guernsey by placing an engraved brass bell on a collar around an animals neck. His Majesty conferred the honour to eight-year-old Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey Goat. From today onwards the breed will be known as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat. Guernsey was keen to recognise the special significance of the visit being His Majestys first to the island as King and sought approval to give their native goats a Royal title. The King and Queen are on the second day of a two-day tour of the Channel Islands and, after heavy rain on Jersey yesterday, the couple looked delighted to be on drier ground, with thousands turning out on the streets of St Peter Port this morning to catch a glimpse of the first visit by a Monarch since 2005, when the late Queen Elizabeth visited Jersey. After a busy morning that saw the couple attend a special sitting of the States of Deliberation at Guernsey's Parliament, followed by a tour of local suppliers on Crown Pier and an afternoon tea, it was off to another part of the island to meet Tamtam. This afternoon, the King and Queen met a four-legged VIP in the shape of Somerville Tamsin, a Guernsey goat The king looked delighted to be introduced to the animal, affectionately known as Tamtam, and hear about how she was washed with shampoo and conditioner yesterday ahead of her royal encounter He's the King but I'm the goat! Tamtam stole hearts during the royals' visit to Les Cotils The bell presented to Tamtam by the King in Les Cotils at L'Hyvreuse, in Saint Peter Port on Tuesday afternoon The Queen pets Tamtam as the King and Queen recognised the role the animals played in Guernsey's history, including almost being made extinct by Nazis after they invaded the island during WWII The King, on day two of their official visit to the Channel Islands, chatted to Tamtam's owners about his role as patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust It is the first time in recent history that the protected title has been granted to a livestock breed and it will apply to all Golden Guernseys in the Island and elsewhere in the world. Its a particularly fitting honour for the animals which were dramatically saved from extinction in the Second World War when a local woman hid the remaining few from the Nazis. The King , 75, undertook the duty with the help of schoolboy Joe Martin, nine - whose mother, Rebecca, owns the animal - after being given the bell on a cushion. Charles chatted with Mrs Martin about the benefits of goats milk which he was told was much more digestible. And he laughed when told he had met Tamsins mother, Violet, in his previous visit to Guernsey. And theyll eat everything if left to it, he enquired. Oh yes, they do eat things they shouldnt, he was told. Youve got to keep it all going the King said. I hear there is interest on the mainland too. Which is wonderful. Are they disease free? I am thrilled. I am patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. They do a wonderful job. A little early but the Queen looks delighted by the birthday messages presented to her by local schoolchildren at L'Hyvreuse on Guernsey Camilla holds up a piece of artwork showing the island as she poses with the young pupils Happy birthday! The Queen receives a posy of flowers from a young well-wisher Joe explained that he had washed Tam Tam, as he calls her, with Head and Shoulders conditioner the day before to make sure she was as silky as possible. Mrs Martin said she was thrilled with the new royal title. It will give a much higher recognition of the breed and will hopefully safeguard their future, and raise their profile, not just nationally but internationally to, she said. Royal titles are granted sparingly, on the advice of the Cabinet Office with strict standards applied. The Golden Guernsey Goat is a dairy breed which is distinguished by its golden skin and hair - which ranges from pale blond to deep bronze - and is said to have a pleasant temperament. Their milk is apparently delicious. Earlier in the day, the royal couple, unveiled a plaque in honour of their visit while in capital St Peter Port They also have a unique history, dating back at least two hundred years. A century ago a Guernsey woman Miriam Milbourne rediscovered golden goats among the scrub herds in the island and began to keep them. In the 1940s, when German forces occupied Guernsey, most of the goats were killed for food. Ms Milbourne managed to hide a small herd indoors for years to protect them from being taken and slaughtered, ensuring their survival. She then began a breeding programme in the 1950s. Today, Golden Guernseys are found not just in the island, but in the UK and the USA as well but are still considered at risk with less than 2,000 in existance. During the visit to Les Cotils, a Christian community centre with stunning views of the coastline, the King and Queen also meet with delegations from the islands of Alderney and Sark as they were unable to visit them on this occasion. I am sorry to have dragged you over here, Charles apologised. But its wonderful to see you. The couple also toured a number of stands relating to organisations from Alderney and listened to school children singing them a special welcome song. Ouch: The Queen, who turns 77 tomorrow, appears to lean on her umbrella for support as she arrives sporting a bandaged ankle alongside King Charles in St Peter Port on Guernsey The Queen attended the Special Sitting of the States of Deliberation at Guernsey's Parliament this morning wearing a compression bandage on her right ankle Two schoolboys, Max Butel, eight, and his brother, Toby, six, gave the Queen posies of native flowers made by their mother. Lucy Watson, and gave beautiful bows. They have been practising them since yesterday and were so excited to be able to do it. Its very special, a once in a lifetime moment. As they met with a group of ladies who lived on Sark during the occupation of the Second World War there was an insect-related kerfuffle as a persistent bumble bee buzzed around the king and landed on his cornflower buttonhole. Queen Camilla bravely tried to flap it away as her husband chatted away without realising before the bee then started buzzing around her. Its not going to go away, she laughed. Buzz off! King Charles and Queen Camilla, co-ordinating with touches of royal blue, arrived on the Channel Island for day two of their royal tour Before they left a group of Sark schoolchildren sang a rendition of Happy Birthday to Her Majesty in the islands native language, Sercqaise. Very good, thank you very much indeed that was very kind. I recognise the music but not the language, she said. Are you all going back tonight. I like your bracelet, said one little girl, pointing to a blue beaded bracelet around her wrist. Yes, a lady over there gave it to me. It matches my outfit, the Queen said. The Queen also told well-wishers that she was going to hobble along in a reference to her foot injury. Queen Camilla sported a bandage on her right ankle today as she arrived on Guernsey for the second day of her visit to the Channel Islands. King Charles offers a cheery wave to well-wishers as he arrives at Guernsey Parliament at Saint Peter Port on Tuesday Only blue skies above today: the King and Queen bask in the sunshine on a visit to Guernsey's Crown Pier Aides said she has suffered an 'slight ankle sprain' while on neighbouring Jersey - where the heavens opened for the royal visit - yesterday. The white dressing was clearly visible as she and King Charles arrived in St Peter Port to be greeted by huge crowds and blue skies. The elegant royal sported low heels with a royal blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare but appeared to be leaning on an umbrella as she walked. Despite the apparent minor injury, Queen Camilla looked delighted to be on Guernsey soil this morning, not least because the sun was shining. Admiring one ladys flat shoes she said: I wish I had a pair of those. She explained that she had caught her heel as she was walking and pulled the ligament. Its quite sore, she said. She also referred to her birthday tomorrow saying that she wouldnt have the chance to put her foot up and rest it as she was at the State Opening of Parliament. This morning, the royal couple were greeted by hundreds of smiling well-wishers as they made their way along St Peter Port seafront to Guernsey Parliament. In some places, the crowds were five-people deep as they patiently waited to catch a glimpse of their King and Queen. A right royal welcome: in the sunshine crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of their King and Queen this morning on the seafront at St Peter Port This youngster arrived with toilet roll versions of the King and Queen Bianvnus! Many islanders offered a traditional Guernsey welcome to the royal couple The Royal Standard is raised as the King and Queen roll into town Stepping out of his royal car, the King raised a hand to wave at those gathered on Tuesday With the sun gods smiling on them today, the King and Queen spent time greeting those who'd turned out to welcome them to the Channel Island Saying hello! The King was greeted by an array of smiles as he walked along the seafront on Tuesday One person who shook the King's hand told MailOnline: 'It was rough, like a proper worker who does things with his hands' A little hand to shake: Queen Camilla, 77 tomorrow, has a chat with a young islander King Charles and Queen Camilla striding towards Guernsey Parliament earlier on Tuesday When they did arrive, the Royal Standard was raised on the Weighbridge Mast and a 21 gun salute fired. They then took part in a special sitting of the States of Deliberation. It is traditional that a special sitting of the States of Deliberation is held when the Monarch visits Guernsey for the first time and occurred in 1957 for the first visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Seigneurs and Dames also paid homage to His Majesty. As he and the Queen took their seats in carved thrones. Guernsey's links to the Crown stretch back centuries. The Channel Islands formally became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933, then Normandy and England came under common rule from 1066 after the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. After 1204, Guernsey pledged to remain loyal to King John of England when he lost his continental Normandy territory to the French King. An historic welcome: The King shakes hands with islanders in local dress as the couple head for Crown Pier in St Peter Port A little Tuesday tipple? The King looks at a pint offered as part of a showcase of Guernsey culture, heritage, produce and environmental initiatives on Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port Cheers! The monarch then picked up the pint glass of local ale before enjoying a sip Ambrosial ale: The Monarch takes a quick sniff of the beer's aroma, before wetting his whistle with it The walkabout at Crown Pier saw the royals sample the finest Guernsey fare And the Queen was tempted by a lunchtime refresher too, taking time out to sample an apple juice produced on Guernsey Camilla, seen wearing an array of bracelets on her right wrist, raises a toast during the tour A cornet for Camilla: The Queen chats to local ice-cream makers, who use the Channel Island's famous milk to make their flavours The Queen is spotted deep in conversation with local artisans about the knitwear they make and sell The King looked relaxed as he sat in a parliamentary chair for the States of Deliberation sitting The King offers a wave on the first official royal visit by a monarch to the Channel Islands since 2005 King Charles pictured during the ceremonial special sitting of Guernsey's parliament The Queen looked elegant in a royal blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare A salute for the King and Queen: The Seigneurs and Dames pay homage to Charles and Camilla And now, 820 years on, the Channel Islands are the only part of the former Duchy of Normandy which remains loyal to the British Crown. The King addressed the guests saying he had 'happy memories' of visiting the island in 2012 for his late mother's Diamond Jubilee. He added: 'I know that this area holds special meaning for many reasons, as it is very close to where the liberating troops were so eagerly welcomed by the populace in 1945 as they freed the islands from wartime Occupation. 'It is also where, with pride and joy, many people here today welcomed the competitors when you hosted the Island Games last year.' After the service, the couple spoke to local school children and then walked over to greet people in the crowds who had gathered to see them. The Queen is seen gingerly leaning on her umbrella as the royal couple make their way to Guernsey's Parliament From one crown to another: Islanders lean out of the window of The Ship and Crown pub to snap a photo of the King and Queen Barrie Ainsworth, who is 80 today, was wished a happy birthday by the King after being made aware that the Guernsey resident was marking a special milestone. The King told Mr Ainsworth, who had come out to see the King with his family, said: 'I hope they're looking after you. Make sure you have a very enjoyable day.' Brenda Ainsworth, Mr Ainsworth's daughter-in-law, wished the Queen 'a happy birthday for tomorrow' when Camilla will celebrate her 77th birthday. The Queen replied: 'Thank you. Sometimes you ought to forget them!' Jacquie Gordon, 56, who lives on the island said: 'I said 'Bianvnus', because I wanted to give them a proper Guernsey welcome, to the King and Queen and they both replied 'Merci'. I shook the King's hand and it was rough, like a proper worker who does things with his hands.' Christine Morton, 75, agreed: 'Yes, he has a proper handshake, which I like.' The King also took time to learn about the island's natural environment Touching a basket of seaweed, the King chatted about the environmental initiatives Guernsey has in place to protect its rich marine life The King stopped to speak to a group of medical students who have come to Guernsey as part of their studies, telling them that they were 'desperately needed'. Ivana Barbalich, 23, a medical student on an overseas elective from her native New Zealand, said: 'I said Kia Ora to him, a traditional greeting from New Zealand. We said that we were medical students and he said that we were 'desperately needed'.' Guernsey has been granted a bank holiday today to mark the royal visit. Later, the couple headed to the Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port for a showcase of Guernsey culture, including heritage, produce and environmental initiatives. The King raised a glass to Guernsey and was united with the daughters of his former pilot instructor as he continued his tour of the island. Meanwhile Queen Camilla toured local stalls sampling apple juice, ice cream and local cheese. The couple first unveiled a plaque to mark Charles' visit on the spot where the proclamation of his accession was delivered two years ago. And they greeted flag-waving well-wishers before watching 16 traditional Guernsey dancers, dressed in Victorian-style outfits. Camilla was shown a stall which produces the Guernsey jumper and said: 'They really do keep the cold out. They are originally a fisherman's jumper.' She also sampled rhubarb and ginger ice cream from Le Hetcher Farm and said: 'How delicious.' And then sipped locally made apple juice from a glass from Rocquettes Cider. Pier with a view: The King and Queen look out across St Peter Port and the RNLI lifeboats A salute for the King and Queen: Lifeboat staff offer a wave from the other side of the harbour Queen Camilla meeting guests at a tea party during a tour of the Island The King pictured at the tea party shaking hands with local VIPs and military veterans Charles looked on fine form as he entertained guests at the sit-down event Dave Domaille, of Guernsey Dairy handed the Queen some 'vintage cheddar cheese' and said: It's an early birthday present.' The King and Queen, who went separate sides of the pier to view stalls, were reunited at a stall for Little Big Brew Company, a local brewery which made a Coronation golden ale called 'Charles'. The King sipped from a freshly poured glass of the beer. Head brewer Daniel O'Brien said afterwards 'It's been a huge hit.' Simon de la Rue said: 'It's gone gang busters. The King seemed to really like it. He said it had a good aroma but that he shouldn't drink too much at this time of day.' Inside a marquee at the end of the pier, the royal couple joined 77 locals and veterans for a tea party. At the first table they met the family of Capt Peter Voute who taught Charles how to fly at RAF Yeovilton, Somerset, in the 1970s. Peter, from Guernsey, died in February, aged 85-year-old. His niece, Nicky Gaudion, wrote to King's office to say that Peter, who was also an usher at the wedding to Diana, was terminally ill. Sitting at the table, Charles reminisced about the old days. He said: 'It was an incredible time for me, we had great fun. I loved it and it was too short a time.' Peter's daughter Tricia Howitt said afterwards: 'We thought we'd get a generalised note from King's office passing on his condolence but we received a letter which moved us really deeply. Carina Howitt, Peter's daughter, added: 'We were very surprised and we felt very touched that he remembered our father.' And said: 'Our father told us he (Charles) was one of the best and most natural pilots he ever trained and rated him extremely highly. King Charles snapped at aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday Camilla, who will turn 77 tomorrow, was meeting members of the public in St Helier as part of a two-day visit to the Channel Islands with her husband Charles The warmer weather on Guernsey was a far cry from yesterday, when the King was forced to ask an aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday. At one point the royal couple braved the rain and strong winds as they watched a military parade through the town. But after popping up a perspex umbrella, the Queen struggled to get her arm through her coat. Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out - before a turning to an aide to ask for help. The monarch looked visibly annoyed at the struggle to get the coat on, before the aide helped Her Majesty slip her arm through the coat. King Charles told an aide to 'come and help her' as his wife Queen Camilla was struggling to put a coat on while battling wind and rain in Jersey, a lip reader has revealed. The monarch, 75, told his wife to 'move your arm through the back,' while she struggled to get the brown trench on as the royal couple watched a military parade in St Helier on Monday. Footage shows the king looking frustrated as Camilla looks to put the jacket on, before turning to snap at an aide. After popping up a perspex umbrella, the Queen struggled to get her arm through her coat. Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out - before a turning to an aide to ask for help. The monarch looked visibly annoyed at the struggle to get the coat on, before the aide helped Her Majesty slip her arm through the coat. Speaking to FEMAIL, lip reader Jacqui Press said Charles told his wife: 'move your arm through the back' before turning to an aide and demanding 'come and help her!'. Camilla, who will turn 77 tomorrow, was meeting members of the public in St Helier as part of a two-day visit to the Channel Islands with her husband Charles. At one point the royal couple braved the rain and strong winds as they watched a military parade through the town. But after popping up a perspex umbrella, the Queen struggled to get her arm through her coat. Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out - before a turning to an aide to ask for help. The monarch looked visibly annoyed at the struggle to get the coat on, before the aide helped Her Majesty slip her arm through the coat. It comes after Camilla was whisked away from her engagements after a security scare. The royal had to make a quick exit from an ice cream van in Weighbridge Place where she was sampling the local delights when a member of her security team rushed over and told her the visit was being cut short. Thankfully, the scare turned out to be a false alarm and Their Majesties were soon able to continue with their planned programme of engagements. King Charles snapped at aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday Camilla, who will turn 77 tomorrow, was meeting members of the public in St Helier as part of a two-day visit to the Channel Islands with her husband Charles Buckingham Palace did not comment officially but it is understood there was a 'small issue of concern'. An investigation was initiated but it turned out to be a false alarm. Sources said every precaution was taken and the programme resumed shortly afterwards. It does not appear anyone was arrested. Members of the public including children who had been due to meet them were taken to the hotel so they could meet Their Majesties personally instead. Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out - before a turning to an aide to ask for help Queen Camilla uh odonned a turquoise belted dress upon arrival in the Channel Island - but added a waterproof trench coat and umbrella to her ensemble to take the rain into account. However, as the couple arrived via red carpet onto a stage in the Royal Square in St Helier, where an official welcoming ceremony was carried out before a sitting of the Royal Court and the State Assembly, Camilla realised she still had her waterproof layer on. In a comical clip as she stood with King Charles to be officially greeted by delegates, the Queen, in one swift move, jerked back her shoulders to shake off the coat. As the coat fell behind her in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, the Queen continued to stand to attention as if nothing has happened - and regained composure in an instant. However, her quick change was spotted by King Charles, 75, who couldn't help but smile as he watched her lose the coat. The Queen carried a lobster at the expo in St Helier, which took place after she and King Charles had been officially welcomed to Jersey in a ceremony in the Royal Square Queen Camilla was pictured in fits of laughter this afternoon in St Helier, Jersey, where she's undertaking a 2-day visit with King Charles, after two cows got frisky in front of her Elsewhere in the visit King Charles shared a joke with a veteran Ernest Thorne, the last D-Day veteran from Jersey Windswept royals! King Charles and Queen Camilla braved the elements as the wind picked up As the ceremony got underway, the King was presented with a handful of locally-laid ducks eggs as part of welcome ceremony on Jersey. His late mother, Queen Elizabeth, was given two dead mallards when she visited in 2001 but it is understood that His Majesty asked for eggs instead. King Charles said he was 'delighted' to return to Jersey, a 'beautiful and unique' island that had held such 'high regard and affection' for his late mother. As the heavens opened, they were greeted with huge cheers as they got out of the state Bentley and immediately sheltered under umbrellas. The King and the Queen, who wore a blue silk shirt dress by Anna Valentine, were led into the square by a Royal Mace, gifted to the island by Charles II in 1663 in recognition of the island's loyalty to the Crown. They walked down a red carpet lined with some 200 locals from the legal profession, Jurats, who act as judges, elected politicians and assorted guests. As the ceremony got underway in the Royal Square, the King was gifted duck eggs in a gesture once offered to the Queen Mother The guests stood to sing the national anthem as the King and Queen took their places on a dais. The Bailiff, president of the States Assembly, read out a Loyal Address welcoming the couple before Charles delivered his response. 'Mr Bailiff, I am most grateful to you and to the States for the warm welcome you have extended to both my wife and myself, and for the assurances of devotion, loyalty and allegiance to the Crown you have expressed on behalf of the people of Jersey,' he said. 'My wife and I have such happy recollections of the welcome we received when we were last here in 2012, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of my late mother. 'During that visit we met so many Islanders and learned of the high regard and affection in which she was held, and also a great deal about your beautiful and unique island. We look forward to doing so again today during our time here in St Helier.' Queen Camilla's blue dress was bright and summery amid the grey skies and rainy showers When the sitting transitioned to a Royal Court, the King was gifted locally laid duck eggs as a symbol of sustenance, replacing an 800-year tradition of presenting the monarch with two dead ducks. The ritual formed part of a homage paid by five senior seigneurs, or lords of the manor, each of whom stepped up and clasped hands with the monarch, one by one. When Elizabeth II visited Jersey in 2001, she was presented with two mallards on a silver tray as part of an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when six seigneurs, or lords of the manor, would pay homage to the sovereign as the Duke of Normandy. Just as the late Queen did not take the dead ducks home, the King will not be packing the duck eggs in his suitcase. Instead, he was shown the bowl of white mallard eggs by seigneur Pamela Bell, before they were accepted on his behalf by the Receiver General, the King's representative on the islands. The heavens opened as the King and Queen arrived in Jersey this afternoon for their two-day visit to the Channel Islands Umbrella up! The King, 74, looked cool in his suit and tie as he arrived while carrying an umbrella Despite the rain, King Charles couldn't help but smile as he sported another jazzy tie - this time featuring a zebra print Later on in the visit, the King and Queen were presented with heffer cows; that is, cows who have not yet given birth - and the Queen was left red-faced when two of the animals mounted each other in front of her. As they continued to be shown around an exhibition following their visit, there was a brief security scare which saw the royal couple whisked away to a nearby hotel for a short time. Thankfully, the scare was a false alarm and the King and Queen were able to return to their programme of engagements, including a public walkabout. Buckingham Palace did not comment officially but it is understood there was a 'small issue of concern'. An investigation was initiated but it turned out to be a false alarm. As he returns to the Channel Islands for the first time since 2012, the King, who is known as the Duke of Normandy in the islands, will highlight the relationship between the Islands and the Crown, which stretches back centuries. It comes as Charles returns to some public duties, despite his continued treatment for cancer. He attended the busy D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, at the beginning of June, followed by Trooping the Colour, the Garter Day ceremony and the Royal Ascot. The trip will end the day before the planned State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, which is also Camilla's 77th birthday. She is said to have urged him to take it easy, but told author Lee Child he 'won't slow down and won't do what he's told'. Later this week, as the King and Queen visit Guernsey, Their Majesties will attend a special sitting of the States of Deliberation and ancient ceremony of homage to the monarch, held outdoors on the St Peter Port seafront where islanders can watch the events. At official functions, islanders raise the loyal toast to 'The Duke of Normandy, our King'. Charles and Camilla will also head to the Crown Pier to learn about the island's heritage and traditions, biodiversity initiatives, local food, and the work to promote the language of Guernesiais - also known as Guernsey French. Both Jersey and Guernsey have announced special public holidays to mark the royal visits on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. When the visit was announced in June, Bailiff of Guernsey Sir Richard McMahon said: 'It will be a great privilege to welcome Their Majesties to the Bailiwick for the first time as King and Queen, the year after their coronation. 'Their visit this summer shows just how special the relationship between the Crown and the Islands is.' Deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Cinister of Guernsey, said: 'As is well known, His Majesty also has a special interest in global efforts to combat climate change. 'We are looking forward to showcasing our initiatives to support those efforts and promote sustainability across a range of sectors. 'That includes the pioneering green finance initiatives of our main economic sector, which have a global impact.' Both islands are forecast to see temperatures between 15C and 19C across both days, though the couple's visit to Jersey may get off to a wet start as the Met Office forecasts rain in the morning before a drier afternoon. Time constraints mean the couple will not be able to travel to the islands of Alderney and Sark, which are part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, had previously said Charles and Camilla were 'looking forward greatly' to the trip. 'The binding benefits of this special relationship remain as strong as ever and I know Their Majesties are looking forward greatly to their visit next month,' Vice Admiral Kyd said in June. The Crown Dependencies are not part of the UK but are self-governing possessions of the British Crown. When the late Queen Elizabeth II visited Jersey in 2001, she was presented with two dead ducks on a silver tray - part of an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when six seigneurs - lords of the manor - would pay homage to the sovereign as the Duke of Normandy with the mallards. The King was paid an unusual compliment in the Channel Islands today As King Charles undertook a walkabout in Guernsey today, royal fans who had queued up to meet the monarch and shake his hand were full of praise for him - although a couple of people who met the 74-year-old royal paid him an unusual compliment. Jacquie Gordon, 56, a resident of the Channel Island, said she thought the King presented himself as a 'proper worker' thanks to his 'rough' hands. She said: 'I shook the King's hand and it was rough, like a proper worker who does things with his hands.' Another royal fan, Christine Morton, 75, added: 'Yes, he has a proper handshake, which I like.' King Charles was paid an unlikely compliment by a royal fan today who said he had 'rough hands' that suggested he was a 'real worker' during his visit with Queen Camilla to Guernsey (pictured today) The monarch has, no doubt, perfected his handshake over the years after decades of meeting members of the public in walkabouts - however Charles may feel especially pleased with such feedback given he has previously been mocked over the appearance of his hands; specifically, his so-called 'sausage fingers'. However, it seems the people of Guernsey were on board with the monarch's strong handshake today as they met him during the walkabout on their second day in the Channel Islands. It seems the King and Queen were a hit all around, as royal fans were delighted to meet Their Majesties. King Charles has no doubt spent decades perfecting his handshake as he meets people from all around the world, but today he was complimented on his strong grip Barrie Ainsworth, who is 80 today, was wished a happy birthday by the King after being made aware that the Guernsey resident was marking a special milestone. The King told Mr Ainsworth, who had come out to see the King with his family, said: 'I hope they're looking after you. Make sure you have a very enjoyable day.' Brenda Ainsworth, Mr Ainsworth's daughter-in-law, wished the Queen 'a happy birthday for tomorrow' when Camilla will celebrate her 77th birthday. The Queen replied: 'Thank you. Sometimes you ought to forget them!' The King stopped to speak to a group of medical students who have come to Guernsey as part of their studies, telling them that they were 'desperately needed'. Ivana Barbalich, 23, a medical student on an overseas elective from her native New Zealand, said: 'I said Kia Ora to him, a traditional greeting from New Zealand. We said that we were medical students and he said that we were 'desperately needed'.' Guernsey has been granted a bank holiday today to mark the royal visit. The Channel Islands formally became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933, then Normandy and England came under common rule from 1066 after the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. After 1204, Guernsey pledged to remain loyal to King John of England when he lost his continental Normandy territory to the French King. And now, 820 years on, the Channel Islands are the only part of the former Duchy of Normandy which remains loyal to the British Crown. As the King and Queen arrived this morning the Royal Standard was raised on the Weighbridge Mast and a 21 gun salute fired. They then took part in a special sitting of the States of Deliberation. It is traditional that a special sitting of the States of Deliberation is held when the Monarch visits Guernsey for the first time and occurred in 1957 for the first visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Later in the visit, the King stopped to speak to a group of medical students who have come to Guernsey as part of their studies, telling them that they were 'desperately needed'. Ivana Barbalich, 23, a medical student on an overseas elective from her native New Zealand, said: 'I said Kia Ora to him, a traditional greeting from New Zealand. We said that we were medical students and he said that we were 'desperately needed'. The King and Queen are visiting the Channel Islands for a two-day visit King Charles joked he'd 'better not have too much' as he sampled a beer named in his honour during a visit to Guernsey with Queen Camilla on Tuesday. The monarch, 75, has joined his wife, 76, for a two-day visit to the Channel Islands and was touring the Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port. As Camilla enjoyed sampling some local cheese, Charles was presented with the 'Charles Beer', a craft golden ale named in his honour by the Little Big Brew Company for his Coronation last May. 'If you're tempted, Sir?' said the Bailiff, gesturing to the full glass of freshly poured beer on the table. The King asked when it was brewed and whether much had been sold before taking a sip, showing his typical good-natured sense of humour. King Charles samples the 'Charles Beer' brewed by the Little Big Brew Company during a visit to Guernsey on Tuesday The monarch, 75, joked 'I'd better not have too much' before taking a swig of the craft ale 'I'd better not have too much,' he joked, taking a sniff to enjoy its aromas. He then gestured to the watching media, saying: 'I'm sure they're all dying for some.' The Queen joked: 'They're queuing up.' Head brewer Daniel O'Brien said afterwards 'It's been a huge hit.' Simon de la Rue said: 'It's gone gang busters. 'The King seemed to really like it. He said it had a good aroma but that he shouldn't drink too much at this time of day.' The couple spent time chatting to those who'd turned out to see them before heading to the showcase of Guernsey culture, including heritage, produce and environmental initiatives. Charles, who appeared to be wearing a friendship bracelet potentially made by Princess Charlotte, also spoke of his love of seaweed and practised his French as he was introduced to various local business owners on the pier. He had a long chat to Ben Tustin, owner of the Guernsey Seaweed Food Co, telling him that his trade was 'so interesting'. King Charles III is shown a beer called Charles as he tours a showcase of Guernsey culture, heritage, produce and environmental initiatives on Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port Cheers! The monarch then picked up the pint glass of local ale before enjoying a sip The King took a sniff of the Charles beer before drinking it to enjoy its aromas The King asked when it was brewed and whether much had been sold before taking a sip The walkabout at Crown Pier saw the royals sample the finest Guernsey fare Mr Tustin said afterwards: 'He said he had grown potatoes on seaweed in Scotland and they were the best potatoes he'd ever tasted. 'He also said he liked eating seaweed.' The Queen said: 'It's very good for you isn't it?' Charles was shown some traditional Guernsey willow fishing baskets by three generations of the Gaudion family. The King asked whether they were repairable and suggested it must be 'quite tiring on the fingers' to make them. 'I bet they work very well,' he said. At the Guernsey Language Commission, the King asked how different the local language was to French. 'Are you trying to get more people to speak it?' he asked. 'Is the idea to teach it in schools?' Ouch: The Queen, who turns 77 tomorrow, appears to lean on her umbrella for support as she arrives sporting a bandaged ankle alongside King Charles in St Peter Port on Guernsey King Charles and Queen Camilla, co-ordinating with touches of royal blue, arrived on the Channel Island for day two of their royal tour King Charles offers a cheery wave to well-wishers as he arrives at Guernsey Parliament at Saint Peter Port on Tuesday Only blue skies above today: the King and Queen bask in the sunshine on a visit to Guernsey's Crown Pier The King spoke to many of the local residents crowded all the way down the pier hoping for a chance to shake his hand. He chatted in French to several of them, commenting that the island was not far from France and asking others which part of France they were from. He also said he was enjoying the sunny weather after yesterday's downpours. Meanwhile Queen Camilla toured local stalls sampling apple juice, ice cream and local cheese. The couple first unveiled a plaque to mark Charles' visit on the spot where the proclamation of his accession was delivered two years ago. And they greeted flag-waving well-wishers before watching 16 traditional Guernsey dancers, dressed in Victorian-style outfits. Camilla was shown a stall which produces the Guernsey jumper and said: 'They really do keep the cold out. They are originally a fisherman's jumper.' She also sampled rhubarb and ginger ice cream from Le Hetcher Farm and said: 'How delicious.' A right royal welcome: in the sunshine crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of their King and Queen this morning on the seafront at St Peter Port Bianvnus! Many islanders offered a traditional Guernsey welcome to the royal couple The Royal Standard is raised as the King and Queen roll into town This afternoon, the King and Queen met a four-legged VIP in the shape of Somerville Tamsin, a Guernsey goat The king looked delighted to be introduced to the animal, affectionately known as Tamtam, and hear about how she was washed with shampoo and conditioner yesterday ahead of her royal encounter Stepping out of his royal car, the King raised a hand to wave at those gathered on Tuesday She then sipped locally made apple juice from a glass from Rocquettes Cider. Dave Domaille, of Guernsey Dairy, handed the Queen some 'vintage cheddar cheese' and said: It's an early birthday present.' Inside a marquee at the end of the pier, the royal couple joined 77 locals and veterans for a tea party. At the first table they met the family of Capt Peter Voute who taught Charles how to fly at RAF Yeovilton, Somerset, in the 1970s. Peter, from Guernsey, died in February, aged 85-year-old. His Niece Nicky Gaudion wrote to King's office to say that Peter, who was also an usher at the wedding to Diana, was terminally ill. Sitting at the table, Charles reminisced about the old days. He said: 'It was an incredible time for me, we had great fun. I loved it and it was too short a time.' Peter's daughter Tricia Howitt said afterwards: 'We thought we'd get a generalised note from King's office passing on his condolence but we received a letter which moved us really deeply. With the sun gods smiling on them today, the King and Queen spent time greeting those who'd turned out to welcome them to the Channel Island Saying hello! The King was greeted by an array of smiles as he walked along the seafront on Tuesday A little hand to shake: Queen Camilla, 77 tomorrow, has a chat with a young islander An historic welcome: The King shakes hands with islanders in local dress as the couple head for Crown Pier in St Peter Port Carina Howitt, Peter's daughter, added: 'We were very surprised and we felt very touched that he remembered our father.' And said: 'Our father told us he (Charles) was one of the best and most natural pilots he ever trained and rated him extremely highly. Charles was joined by Camilla, who sported a bandage on her right ankle today. Aides said she has suffered an slight ankle sprain while on neighbouring Jersey - where the heavens opened for the royal visit - yesterday. The white dressing was clearly visible as she and King Charles arrived in St Peter Port to be greeted by huge crowds and blue skies. Camilla, 76, sported low heels with a royal blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare but appeared to be leaning on an umbrella as she walked. Despite the apparent minor injury, she looked delighted to be on Guernsey soil this morning, not least because the sun was shining. The royal couple faced a deluge yesterday in Jersey as their two-day tour of the Channel Islands kicked off in soggy style. It is the first official visit by a monarch to the Channel Islands since 2005, when the late Queen Elizabeth visited Jersey. While the Queen, who will celebrate her birthday during the royal visit when she turns 77 tomorrow, wore the striking royal blue dress jacket, the King donned a light grey suit, with a blue cornflower on his lapel. And the Queen was tempted by a lunchtime refresher too, taking time out to sample an apple juice produced on Guernsey Camilla, seen wearing an array of bracelets on her right wrist, raises a toast during the tour A cornet for Camilla: The Queen chats to local ice-cream makers, who use the Channel Island's famous milk to make their flavours The Queen is spotted deep in conversation with local artisans about the knitwear they make and sell The royal couple were greeted by hundreds of smiling well-wishers as they made their way along St Peter Port seafront to Guernsey Parliament. In some places, the crowds were five-people deep as they patiently waited to catch a glimpse of their King and Queen. When they did arrive, the Royal Standard was raised on the Weighbridge Mast and a 21 gun salute fired. They then took part in a special sitting of the States of Deliberation. It is traditional that a special sitting of the States of Deliberation is held when the Monarch visits Guernsey for the first time and occurred in 1957 for the first visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Seigneurs and Dames also paid homage to His Majesty. As he and the Queen took their seats in carved thrones. Guernseys links to the Crown stretch back centuries. The Channel Islands formally became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933, then Normandy and England came under common rule from 1066 after the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. After 1204, Guernsey pledged to remain loyal to King John of England when he lost his continental Normandy territory to the French King. And now, 820 years on, the Channel Islands are the only part of the former Duchy of Normandy which remains loyal to the British Crown. The Navy chaplains who presided over his funeral spoke to the authors about it A new JFK Jr biography lays bare many intimate details about his life and death Heart-wrenching new details about JFK Jr's burial at sea have been revealed for the very first time - 25 years after the former President's son was laid to rest alongside his wife Carolyn during the incredibly secretive ceremony. In a new book JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography, by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil, the two Navy chaplains who presided over the burial speak out about the event - which was, at the time, shrouded in mystery and kept largely hidden from the public. Chaplain Barry C Black discloses that he personally carried the urns containing the ashes of both John and his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. A Roman Catholic priest carried Carolyn's sister Lauren's remains after all three perished in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard on July 16, 1999. 'I've officiated at over a hundred funerals,' he says. 'I have not seen such palpable grief anywhere else in my life.' Unlike the mass held at the Church of St Thomas More on Manhattan's Upper East Side - which was attended by celebrities and politicians, and was covered by hundreds of journalists - the scattering of the ashes was a purely family affair. Heart-wrenching new details about former President John F. Kennedy's son JFK Jr's burial at sea have been revealed for the very first time (seen together in 1963) JFK Jr and his wife Carolyn Besette-Kennedy (seen together in 1998) were both killed in a plane crash off Martha's Vineyard in 1999, alongside her sister Lauren Now, the two Navy chaplains who presided over their burial have shared intimate new details from the ceremony - recalling devastating grief his sister Caroline (seen together) displayed Just 17 people were in attendance, including Ted Kennedy, John's elder sister Caroline and her husband Ed, Bobby Kennedy, and Maria Shriver. There was a single moment of controversy, recalls chaplain Louis Iasiello, explaining that civilians are generally not entitled to a burial at sea from a Naval vessel. However, he adds: 'President Clinton quickly put an end to that discussion. When the Commander in Chief says this is what's going to happen, that's exactly what happens.' The ashes of John, Carolyn, and Lauren, were scattered off the destroyer USS Briscoe, anchored close to where they had lost their lives in a plane crash six days earlier. 'When it came time to put the ashes in the water,' says Black, 'I first led the Bessettes down.' As the ashes went into the water, they clumped together, he recalls, then, 'like someone from Harry Potter touching it with a wand, the clump just disappeared.' Next, he led John's grief-stricken sister Caroline down the steps of the vessel. He says she touched the urn as if to signal that she wasn't ready to let go of her brother so quickly. 'I calmed her and we went down,' he says. 'I mean, oh my God, contorted with grief is not even an adequate description. I can still see her. 'She put the ashes in. As the ashes were pouring, she reached her hand into the water to put some water back on her.' He imagined her thinking: 'I'm not going to let go of his hand.' Another chaplain, William Petruska, then recalls how Teddy took Caroline in his arms as she came back up from the water. 'They embraced for a good long while... He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his jaw. It was such a grimace of pain.' He adds: 'We had taken three beautiful wreaths with us: red and white carnations with red roses. They were never used. One of the family members had a canvas bag with wild flowers. They each took some and threw them over the side as the ashes were scattered. 'I noticed that members of the Bessette family threw envelopes into the water as well.' The funeral was a star-studded affair, with attendees including Muhammad Ali Maria Shriver and her then-husband Arnold Schwarzenegger attend the funeral Senator Ted Kennedy (right, wearing sunglasses) and other members of the Kennedy family were taken to the USS Briscoe to scatter the ashes The flag is raised to half mast aboard the Navy Destroyer USS Briscoe Caroline was 'contorted with grief... As the ashes were pouring, she reached her hand into the water to put some water back on her' JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil, is published by Gallery Books John Kennedy Jr, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Lauren Bessette died in a tragic plane crash off Martha's Vineyard in July 1999. JFK Jr was piloting the aircraft, and the book includes an in-depth examination of what might have happened in those final moments, based on the National Transportation Safety Board's investigations. 'If I were sitting down with a friend and they asked what happened to JFK Jr, here's what I'd say,' recounts the NTSB's Jeff Guzzetti. 'He took off just after sunset from New Jersey. I don't think he intended on taking off at night, but it just worked out that way.' As he followed the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastline, he probably had no horizon to follow, says Guzzetti, because it was dark, the weather was hazy, and he was over the ocean. Those conditions would have required him to be trained in using his instruments - 'however, he was not trained for instrument flying. He was trained to look outside to get his visual cues. There were no visual cues.' Guzzetti believes he was on autopilot for most of the journey, but as he turned towards Martha's Vineyard, he disengaged either on purpose or by accident. and his flying became erratic. 'His flight path into the water is indicative of something called spatial disorientation,' he says, describing how his inner ears would have been playing tricks with his sense of orientation. 'Your inner ear says you're turning to the left and you're actually not. So you correct to the right, thinking that you're leveling the airplane.' Those actions had fatal consequences: 'His flight path into the water is consistent with what is known as a graveyard spiral. The airplane makes a spiral nose-down, down, down to the grave, kind of like going down a drain.' He believes the craft then went into one final turn before plunging, nose-down, into the Atlantic, killing all three passengers instantly. However, in her new book, Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, DailyMail.com columnist Maureen Callahan proposes a stunning alternative theory that JFK Jr was, in fact, on a murder-suicide mission on the night he and his passengers died. 'He had a death wish,' Callahan writes, 'not only for himself, but the women in his life. He had more near-misses in his teens and twenties than the public knew.' JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil, is published by Gallery Books Prince Albert of Monaco's son Alexandre Grimaldi has fuelled rumours of a new romance as he attended Goodwood festival with a glamorous influencer. Alexandre, 20, is the son of flight-attendant-turned-fashion-designer Nicole Coste, who dated the European royal in secret for seven years until 2004. Earlier this month, Prince Albert's eldest son - who is a student at Royal Holloway in London - attended Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex. During his visit, Alexandre was pictured having a meal with rumoured girlfriend Savannah Hennessy, who is the granddaughter of Princess Barbara of Orleans. The stylish couple - who attended several Milan Fashion Week shows together - were joined by her artist mother Melonie Foster and a male friend. Alexandre Grimaldi and Savannah Hennessy are seen front row at the Gucci Men's Spring Summer 2025 Fashion Show last month For the occasion, Grace Kelly's grandson was dapper in a navy suit and matching patterned tie. Meanwhile, Savannah - who boasts 12,000 Instagram followers - wore a black dress with a lace trim and white blazer. European media reports Alexandre has grown 'very close' to Savannah in recent months. In May, Savannah and Alexandre attended a perfume launch together and were also pictured sitting next to each other on the front row for Gucci Men's Spring Summer fashion show. As Alexandre's parents weren't married when he was born, he is not included in the line of succession. His father acknowledged his paternity as an infant, and despite growing up out of the spotlight he has increasingly come into the royal fold in recent years. In October 2023, Alexandre revealed he is 'really close' to his family in Monaco. Speaking to Tatler, Alexandre said that he often spends time with his half-sister Jasmin Grimaldi, 31, whose mother is American waitress Tamara Rotolo, and his twin siblings Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, eight, who Albert shares with wife Princess Charlene. Pictured: Alexandre Grimaldi with a male friend, rumoured new girlfriend Savannah Hennessy and her mother Melonie Foster While she has previously had a frosty relationship with Albert too - claiming he 'doesn't want to see his son' - she has recently lavished praise on the monarch - shairng a photo with him on his birthday with the caption: 'Happy birthday Albert.The world will recognise you as The Loyal, the Dignity, the KING The 20-year-old also revealed how he and Jasmin watch Grace Kelly's films together as a way to feel close to the grandmother who died before he was born, adding that Dial M for Murder is his favourite. 'We talk about her a lot, because of things we're currently doing especially Jazmin, as she's sort of following in our grandmother's footsteps in Hollywood. 'We always talk about that and how she wants to continue her legacy.' Alexandre, Jazmin and his half-brothers from his mother's first marriage also have a text group. Prince Albert's son Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste has revealed his father's ex Naomi Campbell 'treats him like a nephew' and has given him advice about being in the public eye Prince Albert pictured with his 'illegitimate' children Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste and Jasmin Grimaldi; the royal has a close relationship with his two older children. Alexandre's mother is Nicole Coste, 52, a former Air France flight attendant from Togo while Jasmin's mother is American waitress Tamara Rotolo 'We are all very close We actually have a text message group. Were having arguments about whos better: Erling Haaland or Mbappe. My sisters more Team Mbappe, but its more Haaland on the boys side. I like both.' The little ones [referring to Jacques and Gabriella, 10], are too young to have a phone, so itll take them a few years, he laughs. She added that his godmother and aunt Princess Stephanie is 'a lot of fun'. She's very funny, very down to earth. 'I am quite close to her. In the past few years, weve had dinners and lunches together to celebrate my birthday with my cousins. Shes been there for me as a godmother and an aunt. British students experience air taxis in China's Greater Bay Area 15:37, July 16, 2024 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online British students recently experienced an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in south China's Guangdong Province, offering a glimpse into the future of urban air mobility. eVTOL aircraft offer advantages over traditional helicopters, including smaller size, lighter weight, reduced takeoff and landing space requirements, and lower operating costs. These factors are expected to drive their adoption in urban air mobility. The experience was part of the "Touching the Greater Bay Area" cultural exchange program, jointly organized by Guangdong Radio and Television and People's Daily Online (UK). The program invites British university students to explore the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a key economic region in China. Watch the video to see the eVTOL aircraft in action and learn about its potential to revolutionize urban transportation. (Intern Hou Nuoshuqi also contributed to this story.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chengliang) King Charles received a lovely surprise in Guernsey this afternoon when he bumped into his childhood dancing partner. The monarch, 75, who is concluding his tour of the Channel Islands with Queen Camilla this afternoon, met Guernsey resident Caroline Freeman during a walkabout. Speaking to ITV News, Caroline revealed she was nine years old when Charles was four, and she helped to teach him at the Vacani School of Dance in London, stepping in to be his partner because they were a similar size. Upon seeing Caroline again, the King said: What was so marvellous was that I had the same dance teacher as my mama, she was terrific. And I promise you, all your tuition helped hugely.' As the pair parted ways, Caroline urged the monarch to keep up his dancing lessons - to which he joked: 'I need more!' The King bumped into his old dancing partner and mentor, Caroline Freeman, in Guernsey today while undertaking a walkabout Following the encounter, the former dancer revealed the King had told her he hasn't been dancing as much as he'd like recently; suggesting that his cancer treatment has stopped him from being as active as he once was. Nonetheless, Caroline said she thought her former dancing mentee looked 'really well'. Caroline recalled a four-year-old Charles was a 'talented dancer' and a 'very charming' little boy. Caroline (pictured left) was nine years old when she stepped in as a then-four-year-old King Charles's dance partner at the Vacani School of Dance in London She also revealed she had seen Princess Anne's moves as well - but added the King's younger sister was 'practically a toddler' when she attended the dance school. Elsewhere this afternoon, the monarch met with some royal fans and Guernsey residents who paid him an unlikely compliment. Jacquie Gordon, 56, a resident of the Channel Island, said she thought the King presented himself as a 'proper worker' thanks to his 'rough' hands. She said: 'I shook the King's hand and it was rough, like a proper worker who does things with his hands.' Another royal fan, Christine Morton, 75, added: 'Yes, he has a proper handshake, which I like.' The monarch has never been shy to show off his dance moves (pictured in Zanzibar in 2011) The monarch has, no doubt, perfected his handshake over the years after decades of meeting members of the public in walkabouts - however Charles may feel especially pleased with such feedback given he has previously been mocked over the appearance of his hands; specifically, his so-called 'sausage fingers'. However, it seems the people of Guernsey were on board with the monarch's strong handshake today as they met him during the walkabout on their second day in the Channel Islands. It seems the King and Queen were a hit all around, as royal fans were delighted to meet Their Majesties. Barrie Ainsworth, who is 80 today, was wished a happy birthday by the King after being made aware that the Guernsey resident was marking a special milestone. The King told Mr Ainsworth, who had come out to see the King with his family, said: 'I hope they're looking after you. Make sure you have a very enjoyable day.' Brenda Ainsworth, Mr Ainsworth's daughter-in-law, wished the Queen 'a happy birthday for tomorrow' when Camilla will celebrate her 77th birthday. The Queen replied: 'Thank you. Sometimes you ought to forget them!' The King stopped to speak to a group of medical students who have come to Guernsey as part of their studies, telling them that they were 'desperately needed'. Ivana Barbalich, 23, a medical student on an overseas elective from her native New Zealand, said: 'I said Kia Ora to him, a traditional greeting from New Zealand. We said that we were medical students and he said that we were 'desperately needed'.' Guernsey has been granted a bank holiday today to mark the royal visit. The Channel Islands formally became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933, then Normandy and England came under common rule from 1066 after the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. After 1204, Guernsey pledged to remain loyal to King John of England when he lost his continental Normandy territory to the French King. And now, 820 years on, the Channel Islands are the only part of the former Duchy of Normandy which remains loyal to the British Crown. As the King and Queen arrived this morning the Royal Standard was raised on the Weighbridge Mast and a 21 gun salute fired. They then took part in a special sitting of the States of Deliberation. It is traditional that a special sitting of the States of Deliberation is held when the Monarch visits Guernsey for the first time and occurred in 1957 for the first visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Later in the visit, the King stopped to speak to a group of medical students who have come to Guernsey as part of their studies, telling them that they were 'desperately needed'. Ivana Barbalich, 23, a medical student on an overseas elective from her native New Zealand, said: 'I said Kia Ora to him, a traditional greeting from New Zealand. We said that we were medical students and he said that we were 'desperately needed'. The Queen received some very special gifts from the pupils of Sark School Queen Camilla received a thoughtful birthday gift from a group of schoolchildren in Guernsey today as she concluded her tour of the Channel Islands with King Charles. The royal, who will celebrate her 77th birthday on Wednesday, received a poster filled with wishes from primary school pupils at Sark School in Les Cotils at L'Hyvreuse, in Saint Peter Port, wishing her many happy returns. The children also gifted her a map of Guernsey which had their school pinpointed on it. Dressed in royal blue for her tour of the island, which followed Their Majesties' trip to Jersey on Monday, Camilla proudly held up the poster and beamed while excited schoolchildren looked on. While the Queen carried out her engagements this afternoon, royal fans noticed she was sporting a bandage on her ankle. Queen Camilla beamed as she held up a poster containing personalised happy birthday messages from the pupils of Sark School in Guernsey today Aides said she has suffered an 'slight ankle sprain' while on neighbouring Jersey - where the heavens opened for the royal visit - yesterday. The white dressing was clearly visible as she and King Charles arrived in St Peter Port to be greeted by huge crowds and blue skies. The elegant royal sported low heels with a royal blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare but appeared to be leaning on an umbrella as she walked. The Queen, who turns 77 tomorrow, was also gifted a map by the pupils, which pinpointed their school on the island of Guernsey Despite the apparent minor injury, Queen Camilla looked delighted to be on Guernsey soil this morning, not least because the sun was shining. Admiring one ladys flat shoes she said: I wish I had a pair of those. She explained that she had caught her heel as she was walking and pulled the ligament. Its quite sore, she said. She also referred to her birthday tomorrow saying that she wouldnt have the chance to put her foot up and rest it as she will be at the State Opening of Parliament. The official ceremony will see King Charles read out prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's pledges for the next parliament after his Labour Party won a landslide victory in the General Election on July 4. However, while it will be strictly business for the Queen on the day of her actual birthday, Camilla has been able to enjoy some light-hearted moments during her visit to the Channel Islands. Today, she and King Charles granted a special title to a rare breed of goat in Guernsey by placing an engraved brass bell on a collar around an animals neck. His Majesty conferred the honour to eight-year-old Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey Goat. From today onwards the breed will be known as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat. Guernsey was keen to recognise the special significance of the visit being His Majestys first to the island as King and sought approval to give their native goats a Royal title. And yesterday, animal lover Camilla was pictured in fits of laughter after she viewed some Jersey cows during an expo to mark her visit - before one of the frisky creatures mounted the other right in front of her. Aussie fans can enjoy a new treat at McDonald's McDonald's Australia has launched a new treat for chicken nugget lovers to keep warm this winter. From Wednesday, July 17, diners can get their hands on free limited-edition McDonald's 'Nuggies' ugg boots as part of the restaurant's 'BootPursuit' giveaway. The snuggly merchandise has a nugget design and will be sure to keep your feet toastie warm. To enter, customers simply find a boot-shaped Chicken McNugget, follow the QR code on the pack, and scan in the McNugget for a chance to win. There are only 2000 Nuggies available so those eager to win should be sure to act swiftly. Liz Whitbread, senior brand manager for McDonald's Australia said: 'There exists a great debate, what is the best Chicken McNugget shape - the bone, bell, ball or boot? 'Crowned as the supreme dipping icon, we're celebrating the humble boot-shaped Chicken McNugget by bringing back one of our most sought-after merch collections - Nuggies, but this time we're giving away even more. 'Macca's fans, this is your chance to win your very own toasty pair of Nuggies by joining the Boot Pursuit this winter.' From Wednesday, July 17, diners can get their hands on free limited-edition McDonald's 'Nuggies' ugg boots (pictured) as part of the restaurant's 'BootPursuit' giveaway To enter, customers simply find a boot-shaped Chicken McNugget, follow the QR code on the pack, and scan in the McNugget for a chance to win Nuggies first launched in 2022 as part of a super-limited-edition giveaway, which saw more than 10,000 Australians vying for 50 exclusive pairs and allocations exhausted in under six hours. Customers can participate in the 'Boot Pursuit' from 9am AEST on July 17 until 5pm on August 6. It comes after McDonald's unveiled its new winter warming celebrations including new and returning menu items, such as Steakhouse Stack, Mozzarella Sticks with Sweet Chilli Sauce, Banana Thickshake, Banana Caramel Pie and Banana Caramel McFlurry. An advertisement has gained lots of criticism online for apparent mansplaining An Australian university has come under fire after eagle-eyed passers-by noticed something off about one of its billboards. The University of Adelaide has been ridiculed after an image resurfaced online that depicts a young man explaining something to five women who looked unimpressed, annoyed and bored. It didn't take long for others to point out how it looks like the student is 'mansplaining' - a term which refers to a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending way that assumes she has no knowledge on the topic. 'Apparently, you can now do a Masters in Mansplaining,' a caption posted alongside the image read. And thousands of people were quick to get on board. 'The women all have a PHD in the subject, he just read a Reddit thread,' one woman laughed. Another commenter laughed at how bored all of the women in the picture appeared. However, the university distanced itself from the ad, saying it is actually a separate advertisement placed next to theirs outside the old Royal Adelaide Hospital. The University of Adelaide is being ridiculed over a resurfaced image from 2018 that depicts a young white man explaining something to five women who looked unimpressed, annoyed and bored 'This image is not from a University of Adelaide advertisement. It is an ad by the South Australian Government organisation, Renewal SA, from six years ago that was unfortunately placed next to one of our ads about the university,' a spokesperson told FEMAIL. 'At that time, a cropped image was circulated online, which misrepresents both the actual ads themselves, as well as the University of Adelaide's values. 'The image in the ad was not approved or supplied by the University of Adelaide, nor are any of the people in the image our staff or students.' The resurfaced post quickly spread and caught the attention of more than 247,000 people. Both men and women alike poked fun at the ad and honed in on the joke while others took it more seriously. 'All the women in this photo are like "I'm pretty sure I literally just said that'',' one wrote. 'It's amazing how unimpressed they all look,' another said. One man joked: 'Just so we are clear: mansplaining is when a man explains something.' At the time the university distanced itself from the ad, saying that it actually belongs to Renewal SA hoardings outside the old Royal Adelaide Hospital But the joke didn't sit well with some who were 'offended' by the comments. 'Just because a guy explains something to a bunch of women doesn't mean he must be condescending, overconfident or patronising, or assuming they might not be knowledgeable of the subject. Yes, it's a joke but it's not funny because it discriminates against men,' one wrote. 'The meme implies that such an image must depict mansplaining, which is not true.' Another added: 'God forbid men explain things.' One woman wrote: 'Maybe you think it's harmful to label this as 'mansplaining' but I think it's harmful to still have ads that show five women looking inferior to a white man.' Others jumped on the thread to defend the university. 'The Uni of Adelaide had the misfortune of having an ad next to them. The photo was deliberately cropped to look like was the Uni but from another angle it was clear it wasnt. I am all for calling out the antiquated mansplaining of this ad but please dont tarnish the Uni incorrectly,' one woman wrote. 'Their marketing is really female focused too, which makes this fake news even more upsetting for them. I was devo to see it online tonight. And no one wholl see this post will know the truth.' READ MORE: Brit reveals why people should stay in the UK A young UK woman has been left feeling cashed-up after getting paid for a month's work in Australia. British backpacker Rae said she took home $3900 after a month of working as a waitress. She did the same job back home and earned a mere 600 ($1160 AUD) for her efforts. 'Why was I waitressing in the UK for such little money?' she said in a TikTok. Rae went on to explain she also works less in Australia - putting in 30-hour weeks instead of 45-hour weeks. 'Come to Australia. I am just waitressing, it is a simple job. I just give people their food,' she said. 'I get $30-per-hour on weekdays, $35-per-hour on Saturdays and $42 on Sundays.' Rae explained she got paid monthly in the UK and fortnightly in Australia. So she waited to receive two pay cheques from her Aussie boss before making the video. She works at a hotel and lives on the premises in a shared room with one other staff member. This costs just $150-per-week and is taken out of her pay before she sees the money. 'My first pay cheque was $1800 and my second was $2100,' she said in a second video. Even after the $600 was taken out of her rent she was making three times as much as she would have at home. 'I am not saying the grass is greener.. but,' she said. 'This video is to help any backpackers thinking about moving to Australia! I'm in no way bragging, spreading hate or misinformation.' In other videos she has revealed that Australia has he whole heart. But Australians were divided over the short clip. Some slammed Rae for making Australia look like a place of opportunity. 'No, don't move here, we have a housing crisis!' one said. 'Where can you work for that, I am Aussie and don't have a job that pays that for 30 hours,' another wrote. Casual wait staff get paid a minimum of $29.04-per-hour in Australia 'Yeah it's easy to earn that but rent is expensive - your rent situation is what's saving you,' another added. However, others agreed with everything she said. '$1000-per-week is pretty standard for Australia,' one wrote. 'For those asking you can look up our award wages for restaurants $29.04 per hour is the minimum for a casual,' someone else added. And other travellers from the UK chimed in to agree. 'Been trying to tell my little sisters this for ten years I've been here. Wages are super good,' one wrote Another said: 'Omg girl same, I'm on so much more than I would be in the UKand things are cheaper here too, it's a win win.' When there's a mass shooting, the killer often leaves a trail of clues. These days, it's usually a sinister manifesto, cries for help on social media or incriminating search history. But Americans have been left with sea of questions and few answers in the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump's life. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, has virtually zero online footprint. He has no known TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat. Nor does he have any friends who've come forward. And like other US assassins in history, his politics are ambiguous. He was a registered Republican and described by a classmate as 'definitely conservative'. Yet Mr Crooks also donated a small sum to a progressive movement in 2021. Dr Rachel Toles, a licensed clinical psychologist based in California, who specializes in the study of violent criminals told DailyMail.com that politics may have had little to do with the shooting - as astonishing as that may seem. Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to kill former President Trump at a campaign rally using a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle. He was shot dead at the scene by Secret Service From her experience, Dr Toles said that people in these scenarios often suffer from an extremely damaged ego, and have a desire to take out someone who has what they most covet - which could be success, popularity or good looks. It's possible that former President Trump could've represented something Mr Crooks deeply desired - fame, success or respect. 'Trump gets more attention than anyone on the planet. 'And now we're talking about an invisible kid who no one talked to in school unless they were kind of picking on him,' Dr Toles said. She added: 'So we're talking about somebody who feels incredibly invisible, and he's targeting the most visible man on the planet. 'So I do think it's more about that, than it is about political Donald Trump.' Dr Nicholas Kardaras, who has psychoanalyzed a number of high-profile teenage killers over the years, agreed that it could be 'Trump represents the alpha male that he [the shooter] couldn't be in school.' But he is not convinced there was no political influence at play here. Dr Kardaras said Crooks may have been radicalized by the extreme sides of either the conservative or liberal movements. The killer's donation to Democrats in 2021 may imply he was turned off Trump and viewed him as a threat to democracy after the January 6 riot at the Capitol. Or perhaps he felt Trump was not conservative enough during his presidency, which has been a criticism from the far right this campaign due to Trump's softening on abortion, for example. Psychologists spoke to DailyMail.com about a number of common drivers of violent criminals, saying that assassins have more in common, generally with mass murderers than serial killers Both Dr Kardaras and Dr Toles believe these killers share more in common with mass shooters than serial killers or people who kill someone in their personal life. Serial killers tend to be motivated by an internal drive to dominate and hunt other humans - and tend to have high self esteem, Dr Toles said. By contrast - people who try to shoot political figures or take a gun to a school usually are doing so in order to get attention. At this point, authorities are unsure what Mr Crooks personal beliefs were. So experts can only make predictions based on what science has discovered thus far. There's a long history of experts from the FBI and academia studying the minds of violent assassins, mass shooters and serial killers. Dr Kardaras said the political assassin normally falls into two categories - those driven by the idea that their actions will make large political or social change and those who are driven by the idea that murdering someone will make them 'immortal'. Both are likely to have some sort of mental health issue - be it delusions, depression or paranoia. Take John Wilkes Booth, for example, the man who murdered former President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Mr Booth did so under the impression that killing President Lincoln would lead to a revitalization of the South after the Civil War, Dr Kardaras said. He convinced himself that his actions could change the course of history. Former assassination attempts on sitting Presidents have been carried out by killers motivated by politics and insanity or infamy, which are Dr Kardaras two theories But assassins are much more likely to be driven by attention, infamy and a general delusion that murder will make them 'somebody' than by politics, like Mr Booth was. Take assassins like John Hinckley Jr - who attempted to shoot former President Ronald Regan, believing that doing so would impress the actress Jodie Foster, whom he had become fixated on after seeing her perform in the movie Taxi Driver. Mr Hinckley called his attempt on President Regan's life, 'the greatest love offering in the history of the world.' Other examples of this type of assassin are Mark Chapman, who murdered John Lennon in order to bring attention to the Book The Catcher in the Rye and rid of the world of the 'biggest phony of them all'. They are convinced that their actions will fulfill whatever their delusional desires are - or will fulfill their deep desire for attention. It could be that Mr Crooks was in this camp, hungry for attention, Dr Toles said. According the Secret Service Exception Case Study Project, which is one of the most extensive study of assassins or attempted assassins, many more assassins are driven by delusions and fame than by a desire to change the political landscape. Study author and psychologist Robert Fein, who interviewed 83 people who attempted assassinations, told NPR, 'it was very, very rare for the primary motive to be political, though there were a number of attackers who appeared to clothe their motives with some political rhetoric.' The shooter had an interest in firearms and was bullied at school, former classmates shared More commonly, Dr Fein said, these people, 'experienced failure after failure after failure, and decided that rather than being a "nobody," they wanted to be a "somebody"'. In Dr Kardaras' eyes, it's likely that Mr Crooks was motivated by a combination of these factors. He said it appears the gunman could've had an inferior, 'I'll show you' mindset, but 'the fact that he targeted a political figure shows me that there was also some, I would infer that there was also some political agenda there.' Another factor that could've contributed to his attempt on former President Trump's life is the fact that Mr Crooks had an interest in firearms, going back at least as far as high school. He tried out for his high school rifle team, but did not earn a place on the team. He also had a membership to a local firing range, The Clairton Sportsmen's Club, the BBC reported. Dr Kardaras said that an early interest in guns and violent video games is incredibly common in school shooters. 'Not every kid who plays violent video games becomes a school shooter, but every school shooter has been been heavily immersed in violent first person shooter games and then also secondarily had access to guns' he said. It's unclear if Mr Crooks played video games - but if he did, it's possible that this could've increased his aggression and blurred the line between reality and fiction, he said. He explained that constantly being immersed in violent graphic digital media combined with an extreme social media culture of virulent chat rooms (Crooks was on the popular site Discord) can be like going down a 'digital rabbit hole'. In extreme cases, especially for those who feel lost and empty and have underlying psychological issues, this can influence someone's aggression and also shape their political ideology and inform how they respond to the world around them. This is called 'social learning theory'. He added: 'if you run with the wolves, you're going to become a wolf.' A physical therapist has come under fire after suggesting online he was disappointed that Donald Trump's shooter missed. Stuart Eivers, who works in the Seattle area, wrote on X just hours after the attack: 'Bummed they missed.' It was uploaded in a post that tagged a CNN article revealing the former President had been rushed off stage during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Eivers quickly faced backlash for his comments, with some calling for him to be fired. His employer, MTI Physical Therapy in Washington, says it is 'managing the situation with this employee internally'. It adds that Eivers 'deeply regrets' posting his reaction online which is 'inconsistent with his deeper values of non-violence'. Eivers' post was first shared on the wildly popular X account Libs of TikTok. The physical therapist shared the above comment in the hours after the shooting Stuart Eivers is pictured above holding his Covid vaccination card It comes amid a wave of investigations and suspensions in America after healthcare workers, college staff and others were caught making fun of the Trump shooting. A nurse at a major New York City hospital and a pharmacy worker in Texas have both lost their jobs after posting online saying they were disappointed that the assassination attempt failed. Responding to Eivers' comment, one individual said: 'How different would a patient be treated if they'd walk in wearing a hat or shirt supporting a guy he felt comfortable enough wishing death upon? This absolutely matters.' A second said: 'Unprofessional and disgraceful. Seattle deserves better than Stuart Eivers.' While two others said, 'his employers should terminate him immediately', and, 'when will they learn... bro just lost his job with one post'. After the posts were revealed, Eivers has since deleted his tweet and his X account. According to LinkedIn, he has worked as a physical therapist in the Seattle area of Washington state for nearly two-and-a-half decades. MTI Physical Therapy posted the above statement on Facebook Responding to his comments, his employer said: 'MTI shares our nation's outrage at the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. As a healthcare organization, we do not condone or support violence of any kind. 'An employee posted a comment on his personal social media account, which doesn't reflect the views of our company. 'This employee has acknowledged that his post was inappropriate and inconsistent with his deeper values of non-violence. 'He deeply regrets posting this unthoughtful and emotional reaction and apologizes for his actions he realizes that his apology does not make up for exacerbating an already terrible situation. To be clear, he does not wish the former President, or anyone else, any harm.' They added: 'MTI is immediately managing the situation with this employee internally, and appreciates your patience and understanding.' The American Physical Therapy Association, which sets standards for the profession, says that physical therapists should remain impartial. In its code of ethics, it says: 'Physical therapists shall act in a respectful manner toward each person regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation, health condition, or disability. 'Physical therapists shall recognize their personal biases and shall not discriminate against others in physical therapist practice, consultation, education, research, and administration.' Donald Trump's minor injury could disguise far greater mental harm caused by being shot, an expert has claimed. Simon McCarthy-Jones, professor of clinical psychology at Trinity College Dublin, said the potential impact on Trump's mind cannot be ignored as he stands to become US President in November. Tens of thousands of Americans suffer non-fatal gunshot injuries each year and studies have shown the trauma can cause long-lasting damage, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe depression. 'Such experiences can shatter people's assumptions that they are living in a safe, understandable and controllable world, leaving them feeling unworthy, unsafe and unsure,' said Professor McCarthy-Jones. Donald Trump's right ear was grazed by a bullet fired by Thomas Matthew Crooks during a rally event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday Trump emerged from the shooting pumping his fist and chanting 'fight, fight, fight' Images of Trump's miraculous survival in the aftermath of the shooting have become iconic 'People may re-experience the event through flashbacks or nightmares. They may also have palpitations, sweating or breathlessness when reminded of the event.' He told The Conversation that sufferers of PTSD may try to avoid reminders of the event, lose interest in activities and feel numb, irritable and jumpy. They may be constantly watching out for threats, have difficulty concentrating, have angry outbursts and experience overwhelming emotions, he added. The problem may be worse for Trump because he is known to have a short fuse, so may be unable to understand or control his emotions. In fact, people's personality types can influence how they respond to a traumatic event like a gunshot injury. Extroverts may suffer less stress and fewer symptoms of PTSD. However, those with 'low agreeableness, low conscientiousness and low emotional stability' may suffer more severe forms of the condition. Professor McCarthy-Jones said those with high levels of narcissism, which Trump has been accused of displaying, may end up reacting to even minor threats with disproportionate aggression. However, others can experience 'post-traumatic growth'. Former President Ronald Reagan famously exhibited more empathy and humility after being shot in 1981. He believed God had spared him for a reason, spurring him to reduce nuclear tensions with the Soviet Union. 'How someone makes sense of their trauma can be crucial for its consequences,' said Professor McCarthy-Jones. 'Feeling shame or anger with others after experiencing violent crime is associated with a greater likelihood of developing PTSD. 'If the person can make sense of why the event happened or can draw something positive from it, better outcomes can be expected.' He said social support from family, friends and colleagues may be 'vital' to Trump's recovery. It will be important for him to feel a sense of safety and belonging to help him make sense of events and discourage 'risky behaviour'. As well as Trump himself, those who were around him at the rally in Pennsylvania when he was shot by a lone gunman on Saturday should be on the lookout for symptoms of trauma. Even members of the public who watched the incident live on TV may be at risk. Professor McCarthy-Jones said more attention needs to be paid to the potential damages caused by trauma, such as that suffered by Trump. He said: 'Recent events offer Trump an opportunity to positively drive such change. He could help destigmatise the struggles that many survivors of trauma experience. This could include busting the myth that it is a sign of weakness to seek support and help. 'As the world watches, the effect of these events on Trump, both personally and politically, will unfold. Everyone is deserving of compassion. Effectively dealing with the psychological effects of trauma will be crucial, not just for Trump but for society as a whole.' If former President Donald Trump wants his profile to look the same again, he'll need to pay up to $10,000. An assassination attempt over the weekend on the Republican presidential nominee left him with a chunk of his right ear missing, having been shot off at a Pennsylvania rally. Now, a plastic surgeon has revealed that Trump would have to undergo surgery to repair his shattered ear, which was covered with bandages when he made an appearance Monday at the Republican National Convention. Trump revealed the shooting caused him to lose part of the top third of his ear, as the bullet 'pierced' it and 'ripped through' his skin. Dr Dennis Dass, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, who has repaired hundreds of injured ears, said depending on the extent of the damage, fixing the injury could be 'complex.' The above graphic shows the surgical procedure Trump may receive to repair his damaged ear. He is pictured here at the Republican National Convention Donald Trump said he lost a chunk from the upper third of his right ear in the attempted assassination in Pennsylvania Dr Dass told DailyMail.com: 'An ear reconstruction is typically a complex procedure depending on the size and location of the defect. 'But the upper third of the ear, that is actually one of the easier areas to reconstruct.' In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Trump's ear was wrapped in bandages to stop the 'off and on' bleeding. These are expected to remain in place for a few days. Doctors say he may have also received antiseptic to prevent bacteria entering the open wound. Dr Dass said, unless Trump wants to wear his injury like a badge of honor, the former president would likely need to undergo a reconstructive surgery called a helical advancement flap which can cost up to $10,000 and take anywhere from one to two hours to complete. In this procedure, if the missing part of the ear cannot be reattached, surgeons first remove any damaged area of the ear and scar tissue. In order to close this wound, they will then make an incision along the inside rim of the ear to loosen the skin. This allows them to 'rotate' neighboring healthy tissue cartilage and skin over the wounded area to restore the ear's normal shape and improve its appearance. Stitches are put in to hold the stretched in place for about a week, with a patient's ear making a full recovery within six weeks. Trump is pictured above with a bloody ear following the shooting. He has since appeared with his ear wrapped in a bandage The healing process should not impact campaigning. Dr Dass said the surgery may leave a 'small mark,' but it would be minor compared to the damage initially visible on the ear. The surgery is normally done under local anesthetic, with patients still awake and the skin around the ear numbed. The Trump camp has not revealed if the former president plans to undergo any type of procedure on his ear. Dr Dass, who runs his own clinic, added: 'I am hoping for his sake that it is a rather small injury and the reconstruction can be pretty simple. 'It is a very unfortunate situation that he has been in, and it was simply horrifying. 'I wish President Trump well, and hopefully we can get a beautiful cosmetic result for his ear.' Dr Dass said if the damage is more extensive, then the former President may need more invasive surgeries. This could include a wedge closure surgery where a triangle is cut out of the ear, including the damaged area, before it is sutured together. He could also have a local skin flap surgery, where the skin around the ear is loosened and then shifted to cover up the damaged area. It was not thought that the damage to the outside of the ear Trump will affect his hearing, although the bullet whistling past it may have. Trump has not commented on whether he suffered any hearing loss. Dr Dass has not dealt with any patients with a bullet injury to the ear before, saying most of the time these patients have also suffered from gunshots to the head. He has previously carried out ear reconstructions following cancer treatment after a cancerous area is cut out of the ear and injuries from a piercing being ripped out. An expat who retired to New Zealand found there was no escaping a catalogue of blunders from HM Revenue & Customs, which wrongly hounded him to file tax returns for more than seven years. Michael Johnson, 77, left the UK to live in New Zealand in 2007 after a career in the Navy and the technology sector. Johnson heard nothing from HMRC for 10 years, until he got a letter out of the blue in February 2017. The letter was a 100 fine for not sending his tax return in both 2015/16 and 2016/17. The taxman cometh: HMRC could not be dissuaded from sending multiple fines and letters Johnson was not eligible to pay any tax in the UK, so sent HMRC a copy of his New Zealand passport, as well as photocopies of the taxman's letters. HMRC wrote back to apologise, confirmed he did not need to pay any tax, cancelled the 100 fine and paid 25 in compensation to say sorry for the mistake and for Johnson's time trying to fix the issue. The taxman said the mistake was due to wrongly recording that Johnson was self-employed, and said it had resolved the problem. Johnson thought that was the end of the matter - but a year later he received another HMRC letter demanding he file a tax return, as well as another 100 fine. Once again, Johnson sent a strongly worded letter to HMRC, telling the taxman he was 'a New Zealand citizen and intend to die here' and therefore owed no tax. HMRC apologised again, saying it had made the same mistake as in 2017. The tax body cancelled the fine and paid him 35 in compensation. Johnson said: 'I am now 77 and this stuff really distresses me. The letters, the wasted time, the copies and the threats from HMRC. Why am I being persecuted?' Another year went by, and yet again an HMRC letter landed on Johnson's doormat. This time the letter was not a fine, but a notice that the tax body had changed his tax code. Johnson objected, and the taxman apologised again, saying the error was due to Johnson's private pension provider changing his details with HMRC. In response, HMRC's computer system assumed the change meant Johnson was getting a larger pension, which he wasn't. Again, HMRC said sorry and paid another 25 in compensation. A few years then went by, but in 2021 Johnson received another 100 fine from HMRC for allegedly not filing a tax return. The exasperated Johnson sent another letter to HMRC, which said sorry, paid him 35 and said: 'We have clearly noted that you are exempt from UK tax with effect from 6 April 2010.' But Johnson got another HMRC letter in April 2024, saying he owed it 100 for not filing a tax return on time. An exasperated Johnson had finally had enough, and contacted This is Money to try to get the problem finally resolved. HMRC then apologised again, offered Johnson yet more compensation and promised the issue would not come up again. An HMRC spokesperson said: 'We have apologised to Mr Johnson and corrected his record to make sure this doesnt happen again.' However, Johnson is not confident the issue has finally been resolved. He said: 'On a personal level, I feel little confidence that this will not reoccur. I have no alternative but to believe what they say. 'I believe that the people at HMRC have intentions to sort it because errors waste their time, money and effort but the computer system took actions without human intervention and is then blamed without any obvious control.' Found yourself in a nightmare with the taxman? editor@thisismoney.co.uk Swatch shares fell to their lowest level in four years as weak demand continues to hit the watch maker. The Swiss group, which owns Omega, Longines and Tissot, posted sales of 3billion for the first six months of the year, down 14 per cent from the year before. Profits tumbled 70 per cent to 178million, down from 591million in the same period of 2023. Time team: Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber (pictured) are Swatch brand ambassadors The worlds largest watchmaker, whose brand ambassadors include supermodel Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber, blamed the fall on weak demand from Chinese shoppers. The worlds second largest economy has been hit by a debt crisis in its property sector, which has pushed up unemployment and dampened consumer confidence. Swatch said this backdrop would continue to the end of the year, sending the Zurich-listed stock down 10 per cent to its lowest level since the pandemic began in March 202 The construction industry has been hit by a very sharp rise in recruitment problems in a blow to Labours plan to see 300,000 homes built per year. Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to reform the planning system and set compulsory targets for councils to ensure 1.5m houses are built in the next five years. But a report by the British Chambers of Commerce suggests this may not be easy due to a very worrying shortage of workers. Target: Keir Starmer has pledged to reform the planning system and set compulsory targets for councils to ensure 1.5m new houses are built in the next five years It comes just days after FTSE 100 housebuilder Barratt Developments said it would build fewer homes this year. The firm, which is hoping to merge with smaller rival Redrow in a 2.5billion deal, said it intends to build no more than 13,500 houses in the year to June 2025 compared to 14,000 a year earlier. The BCC noted that 82 per cent of construction and engineering firms found it difficult to hire staff between April and June. Staff costs are putting pressure on businesses, with 76 per cent of construction and engineering firms outlining concerns, according to the report. BCC deputy director of public policy Jane Gratton said: Its alarming that recruitment difficulties have increased in recent months across all sectors. The very sharp rise in the construction industry is particularly worrying. People shortages and labour costs are ramping up pressure on firms and holding back growth. We need to prioritise help for people to get back into the labour market. Better planning for skills is crucial. The survey of nearly 5,000 companies by the BCC also found issues in hospitality and manufacturing. Burberry shares crashed to their lowest level since 2010 as its boss left after just two years at the helm. On a bleak day for the troubled British fashion label, it said Jonathan Akeroyd would be replaced by former Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo chief Joshua Schulman, who was handed a 9.2million golden hello. The FTSE 100 firm also scrapped its dividend as it warned it was on course to rack up a loss for the first half of the year. Shares plunged 16 per cent taking the value of the stock to almost 50 per cent of what it was at the start of this year and to 70 per cent of last years peak. The company famed for its check designs and trenchcoats is now valued at just 2.6billion having been worth 5.7billion when Akeroyd took over in March 2022. Ousted: Burberry said Jonathan Akeroyd (pictured with supermodel Naomi Campbell) will be replaced by former Jimmy Choo chief Joshua Schulman Losing 70 per cent of its market value in just over a year is embarrassing for Burberry, given it is meant to be one of the worlds shining lights in luxury goods, said Dan Coatsworth, an analyst at AJ Bell. If the actions of the person leading the business arent producing results, theyre shown the door. The ousting of Akeroyd comes just days after another British luxury brand Mulberry axed its boss Thierry Andretta, underlining the scale of the crisis gripping the industry. And Burberry shares have sunk so low there is mounting speculation it has become a takeover target, possibly for LVMH. In a statement to the stock market yesterday, Burberry said Akeroyd had left with immediate effect by mutual agreement with the board. Chairman Gerry Murphy said his replacement was a proven leader with a CV that would be key to realising Burberrys full potential. Schulman led handbag maker Michael Kors from 2021 to 2022 and luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo between 2007 and 2012. He will be paid as much as 9.2million for taking on the job including 3.6million in shares on top of his 1.2million salary and 4.4million in potential bonuses. Akeroyd was paid a 1.1million salary last year but did not receive a bonus due to how badly the group had fared. His departure was announced with a shock sales update that showed Burberry revenues in the first quarter of its financial year to June 29 came in at 458million down 21 per cent on a year earlier. One of its largest markets, China, has been especially tough with sales down 23 per cent in the Asia Pacific region. It warned it was heading to a loss for the first half and lower than expected profits for the full year if trading continues to be this poor. Murphy insisted it was taking decisive action to appeal to customers after a disappointing performance. As well as suspending dividend payments to shore up its balance sheet, it said it was looking at slashing jobs and making other cost savings. Akeroyd tried to take the brand more upmarket and slashed prices to shift unsold stock but this seemed to have made it lose its must-have allure. In recent collections, creative director Daniel Lee has attempted to take the label back to its origins by focusing on its trademark check print and staples such as the 1,900 beige trench coat. But the collapse of Burberry shares has sparked speculation it could be snapped up by a rival or that private equity predators could swoop on the 168-year-old firm. Investors in Ocado suffered fresh losses as City analysts questioned whether the online grocer should remain a listed company. Just a day before its half-year results, it plunged 10.4 per cent, or 39.60p, to 340.40p on its worst day on the stock market for two years. The sell-off came after analysts at Bernstein which had been one of the last bulls standing in its belief in Ocado turned on the stock. The investment bank cut its rating from outperform to underperform and slashed its target price from 1000p to 260p. Dumped: Just a day before its half-year results, Ocado plunged 10.4%, or 39.60p, to 340.40p on its worst day on the stock market for two years The jam tomorrow story is now less jam, more tomorrow, the analysts said, warning the next three years could be tough for Ocado, with online sales failing to bounce back after the pandemic. The stock hit a record 2895p in September 2020 but has since fallen nearly 90 per cent and last month left the FTSE 100 after six years. Bernstein said Ocados automated warehouses had struggled to meet expectations, while partnerships with retailers such as M&S had proved tricky. It added: We wonder if the cultural fit of a high-performing tech business like Ocado works well with slow-moving, traditional grocers. Bernstein now wonders if the public market is the right place for Ocado. It said the best option was Ocado being bought by the US retailer Kroger. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 closed the day down 0.9 per cent, or 69.95 points, to 8182.96, and the FTSE 250 closed the day down 0.1 per cent, or 13.37 points, to 21,189.52. Stock Watch - Destiny Pharma Shares in Destiny Pharma plunged 62 per cent or 5.25p to 3.25p after the clinical stage biotech group revealed it wanted to quit Londons junior market. The firm, whose chair Sir Nigel Rudd has been an investor for 20 years, said it could be forced into liquidation if it did not leave AIM. It said becoming a private company would secure a larger pool of capital to help its nasal gel XF-73 which aims to prevent post-surgical infections through clinical trials. Chemicals group Croda was a blue-chip faller after a broker downgrade from JP Morgan. Shares fell 2.5 per cent or 101p to 3973p. A US hedge fund disclosed a 10 per cent stake in Rosebank Industries less than a week after it listed on Londons stock market. Dallas-based Permian Investment Partners is now the largest shareholder in the firm, which is run by six former Melrose corporate raiders who hope to repeat their successes by following the buy, improve, sell model that proved so lucrative last time. The six bought 5million of the shares at 250p each on listing. Those shares also 10 per cent of Rosebank are now worth 14.3million after the stock rose 5.9 per cent or 40p to 715p. Cavendish Financial born after stockbrokers Cenkos and FinnCap merged last year racked up losses of 3.9million in the 12 months to the end of March on soaring staff costs. It also cut its dividend, sending shares down 8.4 per cent or 1.15p to 12.5p. ME saw demand soar for laundry machines and photobooths in supermarkets and petrol stations. Revenues rose 4.6 per cent to 150.4million while profit rose 10.3 per cent to 30million in the first half to the end of April. It aims to install 80 to 90 laundry machines a month and 2,000 to 2,500 photobooths by the end of its financial year. But shares were down 0.8 per cent or 1.4p to 180.40p. Molecular diagnostics firm Genedrive moved closer to US regulatory approval for a kit that aims to stop babies going deaf. The test detects a genetic variant in babies that leaves them at risk hearing loss if they are given an antibiotic. Shares jumped 31.4 per cent or 0.88p to 3.68p. New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery in a widespread corruption plot. He was accused of participating in a years-long foreign corruption scheme that earned him gold bars, cash and a new car. The long-time lawmaker sat for over eight weeks in a New York federal courtroom as witnesses and prosecutors revealed the scintillating details of his alleged plan to reward multiple New Jersey businessmen with favors in exchange for payment, prosecutors alleged. The jury deliberated over three days before reaching the verdict. On Tuesday, they found Menendez guilty on all 16 counts against him, including acting as a foreign agent. He faces up to 222 years in prison for his crimes. Sen, Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks after being convicted on all 16 counts July 16, 2024 Menendez used his high-profile position as the former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman to help one man negotiate a contract with Egyptian officials, prosecutors explained at trial. And he used his influence as the New Jersey's senior senator to quash a state investigation into another accomplice's state insurance fraud case, prosecutors said. Menendez's defense, meanwhile, argued the Democrat had a fear of going without and his Cuban heritage as the reason he stored gold and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash at his home. The New Jersey Democrat and his wife had been under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the last five years to carry out favors for three businessmen who are also charged in the case. In June 2022, the FBI raided the senator's home uncovering the fruits of his corrupt labors. They claimed the 13 gold bars, nearly half a million dollars in cash and the convertible Mercedes-Benz found during the search were all bribery payments to Menendez and his wife Nadine. A jury reached has reached a verdict in the bribery trial of New Jersey Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez, who has been accused of participating in a years-long foreign corruption scheme that earned him gold bars, cash and a new car The long-time lawmaker sat for over eight weeks in a New York federal courtroom as witnesses and prosecutors revealed the scintillating details of his alleged plan to reward multiple New Jersey businessmen with favors in exchange for payment, prosecutors alleged Menendez allegedly used his high-profile position as the former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman to help one man negotiate a contract with Egyptian officials The Menendezes pleaded not guilty to the corruption scheme. Nadine Menendez will be tried in a separate trial due to her recent breast cancer diagnosis. Two of the New Jersey businessmen indicted alongside the Menendezes, Wael 'Will' Hana - a halal meat mogul - and Fred Daibes - a real estate developer - also pleaded not guilty. Jose Uribe, a former insurance broker, pleaded guilty in the case earlier this year and since has testified that he bribed the Menendezes. 'I agreed with Nadine Menendez and other people to provide a car for Nadine in order to get the power and influence of Mr. Menendez,' Uribe told the court. Cash was found in envelopes inside a jacket with the senator's name on it Some of the gold bars found in Menendez's New Jersey home Bob and Nadine Menendez pictured at a reception honoring the Greek prime minister at the White House in 2022 He got her a convertible Mercedes-Benz for helping him 'kill' investigations into several of his associates by the New Jersey attorney general's office. As it would turn out, through both prosecutor's and Menendez's attorneys, Nadine was central to the case's alleged bribery arrangements - often acting as a go between for her husband and his criminal associates. After a jury ruled a mistrial in a previous federal corruption trial in 2017, Menendez, who has held his seat as New Jersey Senator since 2006, was ready to make himself anew. Part of that makeover involved a thrilling new relationship with Nadine Arslanian in 2018. Nadine, a tall, striking blonde Lebanese-American woman 13-years younger than Bob, was also divorced. She separated from real estate Raffi Arslanian in 2005 after getting together in 1989 and having two children, USA Today reported. The divorce left her with debt and little money. But her luck turned around when she began dating the wealthy and powerful Menendez in February 2018. Nadine introduced her future husband to Wael 'Will' Hana and quickly coordinated dozens of meeting between the two. A Mercedes Menendez and his wife allegedly received in the widespread bribery plot Cash found in the Menendez house following the FBI raid An image of the lawmaker's bedroom with closets open. Bribes were found stored all over the Democrats house, prosecutors testified Hana, a halal meat mogul, was well connected with Egyptian officials and Menendez's role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, was surely a helpful connection to have - prosecutors said. By the summer of 2018, Nadine and Hana had coordinated meetings with the Senator and Egyptian officials at the Democrat's D.C. Senate office and elsewhere. In May, Menendez requested State Department information on the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and then passed it along to Egyptian military officials. But his lawyers pushed back on this arguing the information was already public. Later in July, the Senator met again with Egyptian military officials who wanted a $100 million deal for tank munitions. Gold bars discovered at the Menendez home later found to be bribes After the meeting, which was coordinated by Nadine, Menendez texted her 'Tell Will I am going to sign off this sale to Egypt today.' Nadine sent the message to Hana, who later sent it to Egyptian officials, who gave it a thumbs up response. The couple kept close tabs on each other, tracking one another using their iPhones. At times Menendez would text Nadine if her tracker went dark. 'I lost you,' Menendez once texted Nadine. Prosecutors argued the tracking helped reassure the Democrat that his go-between was executing on his illicit deals, while the Senator's defense said Nadine's ex poses a threat to her, and Menendez was instead concerned about him. The Lebanon-born 57-year-old at times caused 'too much drama,' according to Menendez's lawyers. She has been known to party and socialize with cast members of 'Mob Wives' and 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey.' In December 2018 Nadine got into a car crash, leading to the death of a 49-year-old Richard Koop. After the crash she needed a new car because, and the couple could not free up cash quickly to buy her a new one, so they turned to get some help. Thousands of dollars in cash were found in the home, much of it stored in bizarre locations Menendez and his wife Nadine arrive for the State Dinner with President Joe Biden and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in June 2023 Prosecutors say cash was found scattered all over his house, including in a boot Hana and former insurance executive Jose Uribe had an answer. 'I remember saying to her, if your problem is a car, my problem is saving my family,' Uribe said during the trial. He went on to tell the jury how he handed Nadine $15,000 in cash at a restaurant parking lot. Uribe added that he financed Nadine's new Mercedes-Benz C 3000 convertible for years. In return, the former insurance broker asked that Menendez quash investigations by the New Jersey attorney general into his friends. Uribe recounted meeting the Senator at his home and discussing the investigation when Menendez rang a bell to summon Nadine. After hearing the chime she came out with papers. Menendez then wrote down the names Uribe told him, met with the New Jersey attorney general the next day. Later in 2019 the Menendezes went out to dinner at Morton's Steakhouse in Washington D.C., with Hana and Egyptian officials. Unbeknownst to the couple, businessman or officials an FBI agent was at an adjacent table monitoring the entire meeting. 'What else can the love of my life do for you?' Nadine asked the men at the table, the agent later testified. The Menendezes out to dinner with Jose Uribe in 2019 Days later Menendez called a Department of Agriculture official to urge him to rethink an export contract that would benefit Hana. As time went on, Nadine and the Senator's relationship progressed, leading to the Democrat proposing to the blonde divorcee outside of the Taj Mahal in India. The two wed in 2020, embroiling Nadine in more of the senators affairs. Some of those affairs included negotiations with Fred Daibes, a businessman accused of bribing the Menendezes with gold bars and cash to quash investigations into federal banking charges and to connect with Qatari officials. Daibes and Hana were both found guilty on all charges against them Tuesday. Following the guilty verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on Menendez to 'now do what is right to his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.' New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also called on the lawmaker to resign, and if he doesn't, for Congress to kick him out. 'I reiterate my call for Senator Menendez to resign immediately after being found guilty of endangering national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system. If he refuses to vacate his office, I call on the U.S. Senate to vote to expel.' But exiting the courthouse in New York Tuesday afternoon, Menendez said the bribery saga is not over just yet. 'I have never violated my public oath,' he told reporters. He then pledged to appeal his guilty verdict. Menendez's sentencing will take place a week before the election on October 29. Up to one in 22 residents in parts of England and Wales are immigrants who came to the country last year, MailOnline analysis suggests. Middlesbrough home to roughly 150,000 people, according to official estimates saw an influx of just shy of 6,800 international migrants in 2023. That implies international migration last year alone accounted for roughly 4.4 per cent of the town's total population. Coventry (4.3 per cent) and Newham in London (3.9 per cent) logged similarly high figures. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Sky-high levels of immigration meant some parts of the capital welcomed up to 240 more residents into each square kilometre last year, heaping even more pressure on housing, schools and the struggling NHS. Out of all 318 districts across England and Wales, only South Holland and the Isles of Scilly saw a higher number of international emigrants than immigrants in the year to mid-2023. This figure, collated by the Office for National Statistics, reflects people immigrating from outside of the UK. Movement around the UK known as internal migration is recorded separately. The ONS cautions there might be some overlap in the data, although it is unclear by how much because of the difficulties in examining population flow. For example, the same person could be classed as both an international immigrant and internal emigrant. They could also die, further confusing the picture. Birmingham logged the biggest net gain last year in international migrants, becoming home to nearly 25,000 citizens from outside the UK. Given the West Midlands city has a population of 1.2million, however, the effects of international migration aren't as stark as they are in Middlesbrough. The City of London technically had the highest share of its current population down to international migration in 2023 (20.8 per cent) although it is home to fewer than 20,000 people. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Government statistics yesterday revealed the population of England and Wales grew by 610,000 in the space of a year. The increase was the biggest since 1948, when people were returning to the country following the end of the Second World and there was a baby boom. Official data showed numbers hit 60.9million by the middle of 2023. Net international migration stood at 622,000, equivalent to the combined population of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Milton Keynes combined. Yet the 'natural change' in the population effectively ground to a halt, with only 400 more births registered than deaths the lowest since the late 1970s. The ONS figures will heap pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to make good on his promise to bring down immigration. Following their landslide election win, Labour immediately vowed to tackle the small boats crisis with its Border Security Command to counter trafficking gangs and people smugglers. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plan to send migrants to Rwanda was canned, however. Labour has pledged to reform points-based immigration system and adopt workforce training plans for health, social care and construction to avoid the UK's reliance on foreign labour. Revealed: England's five immigration hotspots, by Darren Boyle Middlesbrough Middlesbrough has witnessed its population grow from 138,368 in 2011 to north of 150,000 in 2023. Last year the total of new foreign migrants arriving in the town was 4.44 per cent of the total population, analysis suggested. Meanwhile, 480 housing units were started in the last financial year, while 600 were completed. The local NHS trust treats 61.6 per cent of patients within the 18-week NHS England target. Half of all patients in the area are treated within 14 weeks, while 92/100 patients wait 43 weeks for a consultation with a consultant. Some 97 per cent of primary school children and 83 per cent of secondary students receive their first choice option. Middlesbrough has reported the highest percentage of new arrivals to the UK over the past year compared with their population Leicester In Leicester, data suggests 3.6 per cent of the total population are immigrants who arrived in the area over the past financial year. The population of the city has grown by more than 13 per cent between 2011 and 2023, rising from 329,627 to 379,780. The city has seen 110 new homes started with a further 260 properties completed over the past 12 months. The local NHS trust manages to see 59.4 per cent of patients within the 18-week NHS England guideline. Half of all patients referred to a consultant receive their first appointment within 15 works, while 97 per cent of primary and 81 per cent of secondary pupils receive their first choice school. Leicester has reported that more than 3.5 per cent of their population has arrived in the UK over the past year Coventry In Coventry, the population has increased from 316,915 to 360,702 between 2011 and 2023, a rise of 12 per cent. Last year the number of new migrants to the city made up a total of 4.31 per cent of the population, MailOnline's calculations implied. Over the past financial year, 690 new homes were started while a further 730 were completed in the city. Some 54.2 per cent of patients being referred to a consultant at the local NHS trust receive their first appointment within 18 weeks. In schools, 94.5 per cent of primary and 81.8 per cent of secondary school pupils received their first choice. Last year the number of new migrants to Coventry made up a total of 4.31 per cent of the population Camden In Camden, the population of the borough has only increased by 0.37 per cent since 2011. Data suggests that 3.48 per cent of the population have arrived from overseas in the past year. The borough has seen 70 new homes started and 70 completed over the past financial year, while 59 per cent of NHS patients in the area receive their initial consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks. Half of all patients receive that consultation within 15 weeks, while 92 out of 100 were seen within 46 weeks. In schools, only 84 per cent of primary school students and 76 per cent of secondary school pupils received their first choice. In Camden, 3.48 per cent of the population have arrived from overseas in the past year Newham In Newham, the population has increased by more than 14 per cent between 2011 and 2023, jumping from 310,460 to 362,552 over that period. In the past 12 months, 3.94 per cent of the borough's population is thought to have arrived from abroad, however, with 2,080 new houses started and 1,480 completed, they had the largest number of developments of the five areas. Almost 55 per cent of patients referred for hospital treatment at the local trust are seen within the 18-week target. Meanwhile, 92 per cent of primary school pupils and 69.5 per cent of secondary school students receive their first choice options. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A couple who own a gym franchise on the brink of closure has shared the harsh realities of being small business owners in Australia amid the cost-of-living crisis. Adelaide couple El and Jon Trovas face losing their FitStop gym franchise in Kilkenny, which they opened just seven months ago, along with their family home. Mrs Trovas told Daily Mail Australia that she and her husband were first-time business owners on a steep learning curve when they opened in November. The gym has grown from 30 to 70 members, but the couple says that's still not enough to keep it open amid soaring rent, electricity, and insurance prices. In an effort to keep the business open, the couple begged for help in a social media video, warning they would go under if more people don't sign up. While many hard-working Australians symptathised with their struggle, some claimed they should have known the risks before opening a roughly $50-a-week gym amid soaring rents and a nationwide cost-of-living crisis. 'Sympathetic, but owning and operating a business requires planning and goals - nothing is guaranteed and this happens, plus in a saturated market,' one said. Another wrote: 'A lot of people are facing a cost of living crisis, and gym memberships are high on the chopping block, people are turning back to walking, running, cycling, swimming, or buying their own equipment.' El and Jon could lose their house and their FitStop franchise if they don't sign up 50 new members to their gym by the end of July (the couple and business partners are pictured) FitStop was founded by Peter and Bec Hull in 2013 (pictured, Fitstop members in January) However, Mrs Trovas said people should think twice before cancelling. 'I can definitely understand that. I've trained at other group fitness franchises and thought I could save the $59 a week and cancelled it,' she said. 'And I can tell you now that $59 a week is just going to go somewhere else and you don't actually see that return go back into your pocket. 'And then all of a sudden your mental health is declining, you don't feel as good within yourself, everything sort of declines.' Mrs Trovas and her husband have made changes to try and save money since opening the FitStop franchise. The couple, who spend $900 on electricity each month, try to save on their bill by turning the LED lights off in the gym between 10:30am and 4:30pm. 'In South Australia, to get out of debt [the government] sold the power distribution network to a Chinese company, so power is expensive in general,' Mrs Trovas said. 'My husband's mum lives in Queensland, her house lights are always on and it costs her half the price of what it is for us. So that plays a factor in it.' Mrs Trovas said she empathised with other small business owners amid a cost of living crisis Mrs Trovas says Aussies should think twice before cancelling their gym membership due to the physical and mental benefits (pictured, members at FitStop Kilkenny in May) Mrs Trovas said she empathised with other small business owners in Australia who are battling increasing operational costs. 'This is just the situation that we're in. People want to do something for themselves so they put everything into it. Some have big backings and big companies, so they've got more expendable cash,' she said, 'The small business owners who have put everything into it, I totally feel for them. My husband and I always try to support local business because we know how it feels.' Mrs Trovas said eight new members had signed up since the video went viral and that they would continue to fight for the 42 remaining members. 'I thought I would have 50 cancellations but it had the opposite effect,' she said. 'One of our members asked if we could raise prices for people already paying which means we wouldn't have to aim for as many new members. 'With my moral compass, I just can't do that. I can't just say "Hey, we're feeling the pinch so we're going to do this to you guys", I just wouldn't do that.' A felon serving a life sentence has dedicated his time behind bars to completing online law classes as he fights the Texas prison system over sleep deprivation. Michael Garrett, 54, who has been in jail since 1994, sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) more than a decade ago over what he claims is 'cruel and unusual punishment' and in violation of his Eighth Amendment rights. Garrett, who was convicted of aggravated robbery with a loaded weapon, aggravated sexual assault and theft, says that in any one 24-hour period, the prison's schedule is so full of frequent security checks that he is lucky if he manages to get four hours of sleep a night. Bedtime comes at 10:30pm when it's time to lock up in his 9-by-5-foot cell that he shares with another inmate. The men go to their cells and get into bed, but he says the bright lights from the hallway flow in, heavy doors slam and gates shut, while neighbors can be heard chatting, yelling out or listening to radios. Michael Garrett, 54, who has been in jail since 1994, has sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice over what he claims is 'cruel and unusual punishment' over a lack of sleep Garrett is serving a life sentence at Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas At 1am, the men are woken up for a headcount to which they must respond verbally to the guards. If they are able to fall asleep after that, they are woken up once again at 2am for breakfast with the rest of the day full of programming, check-ins, and appointments. Aside from the light and noise from other prisoners in the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas, together with the comings and goings of prison guards, Garrett says that only hours after he closes his eyes, he is awoken by yet another head count. As a result of the constant interruptions throughout the night, Garrett says he is now suffering from migraines, high blood pressure, and seizures. In the hope that he might somehow be able to change the schedule and force the the prison to allot six hours of scheduled sleep time each night, he took matters into his own hands with a series of online law classes. Garret's knowledge of the law has impressed even seasoned lawyers. The courts have dismissed his case three times. He wants to see a change in the prison schedule to allow for six hours of sleep There are noises of heavy doors slamming and gates shutting, while neighbors can be heard chatting, calling out or listening to radios making sleep extremely difficult An inmate works on a computer in his cell in the administrative segregation wing of the Estelle Unit (file photo) His first lawsuit against the TDCJ was filed in 2013 and was well enough equipped with the proceedings of law to represent himself. Eventually, a civil attorney helped prepare his case but federal district court judges ruled against Garrett three times. Incredibly, the convicted felon's dogged determination as seen him win on appeal in the higher court, managing to get the conservative Fifth Circuit to side with him three times. Garret's knowledge of the law has impressed even seasoned lawyers. 'He knows the rules. He knows the hurdles that lawyers face. He's patient, and he is in it for the long term,' criminal defense attorney, Naomi Howard, told the Texas Observer. 'I mean, the man survived the Fifth Circuit without any help from me.' Throughout, Garrett has conducted his own legal research, writing, and filings from his prison cell and the prison's law library. In his lawsuit, Garrett accused the TDCJ of 'intentionally' or 'wantonly' withholding sleep from inmates and that he only wants a simply change in prison policy. But the court said there is no constitutional right to sleep in prison. The judges also say that he is unable to prove the medical conditions he is suffering are directly related to hi lack of sleep. 'I knew [the suit] was going to be a long road. But I didn't think it was going to be this long.' he told the Observer. A real estate agent has sparked backlash for suggesting rental applicants who are struggling to get a property should dress better at inspections to boost their chances of being approved. Amir Jahan, 25, who recently opened his own agency A-Class Estate Agents in Parramatta, western Sydney, posted his thoughts to TikTok on July 6. The agent, who is known for his outlandish and creative marketing videos, said he had been asked for tips by a woman who had unsuccessfully applied for 50 rentals. In his video, Mr Jahan said the would-be tenant could not understand why she was getting so many knock-backs. 'She said, "I applied for 50 properties and I still haven't got it approved. Why do you think I'm not getting approved? What's going on",' he said. 'I had a quick look at her application online and I didn't see anything wrong. 'But I said "look, when you go to the inspection, I've seen this a lot of times, I've seen people come into the inspection it feels like they just walked out of bed.' Mr Jahan explained he could be faced with two applications of equal value, but recalls one of them had been dressed 'nice' at the inspection while the other did not. Amir Jahan, 25, (pictured) recently gave advice to people applying for a rental and he caused a stir online The agent (pictured) said people need to think of rental applications as a job interview and present themselves nicely - because they are applying to live in someone's biggest asset 'Which one are we going ahead with?' he asked rhetorically. Some prospective renters were infuriated by what they regarded as superficial standards. 'What a joke .. so now people are judged on what they wear,' one wrote. 'Let me tell you the ones dressed and wearing designer clothes are the ones who are trying to impress on credit cards and debt.' 'Where do real-estate agents get off .... honestly, the nerve,' another said. A third sarcastically added: 'Dress up like you're going to a wedding.' Others empathised with the woman who went to Mr Jahan for advice. 'My dad had applied for 40 houses in Dubbo - still nothing. He's living in his car for 9 weeks,' one wrote. Mr Jahan told Daily Mail Australia he was not trying to impose standards on anyone but genuinely trying to help prospective tenants boost their chances. 'I've got a lot of negative comments but when I made the video it was because I had been asked for tips and I just wanted to help,' he said. 'My intention wasn't to offend anyone, I just wanted people who have been unsuccessful to be aware that you need to represent yourself nicely. 'Because you are trying to rent someone's asset, you have to show you are going to look after it. 'I know people work hard these days, some seven days a week, especially in Sydney, but just spend that extra five or 10 minutes to present yourself properly.' The agent, who has four years of experience in property management, clarified it wasn't how he would necessarily judge a prospective tenant, but wanted to let people know many other agents might base their opinion on appearance. Mr Jahan (pictured) said being well presented can sway an owner to choose your application 'These days, people's brains are in their eyes,' he said. Mr Jahan wants renters to know that applying for a property is like going to a job interview. 'For a job interview, you put on your best clothes, perfume and present yourself properly,' he said. 'But when people want to rent out someone's asset, they don't try.' The 25-year-old said he gets between 30 to 50 people attending his property inspections, so in order to compete, appearance can be a factor in deciding who is most likely to keep up payments and look after the home. 'I know people don't have a lot of time but dress nicely and speak nicely,' he said. 'If there are two applications that are the same and one speaks nicely and dressed well but the other is in a cranky mood and not dressed well, some agents will go with the nicer person.' Mr Jahan clarified that may not be fair, but said repeatedly-rejected tenants should be aware that could be a reason why their applications were unsuccessful. After 29 days of tension and torment for the family of Jay Slater, a body has been found in the remote mountainous region of Tenerife where he disappeared. Shortly after midday yesterday, Spanish authorities on the island released a brief statement confirming that 'agents belonging to the Civil Guard' had discovered the remains of a young man. While police have stressed they are awaiting official identification, the Mail understands that this is little more than a formality. We can now say, with some certainty, that what was discovered at around 10am yesterday by a mountain rescue unit, were the remains of the 19-year-old trainee bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. The body was found in a ravine within the Rural de Reno Park near Masca village. While the exact location and cause of death have yet to be disclosed, the statement says that Jay 'could have died due to an accidental fall in the steep and inaccessible area where he was found'. A body has been found in the remote mountainous region of Tenerife. All evidence points to it being that of 19-year-old Jay Slater, who went missing on June 17 A rescue worker climbs the overgrown ravine where the body was found within the Rural de Reno Park near Masca village A T-shirt and shorts matching those Jay was wearing at the time of his disappearance were also found, and his possessions were also said to have been recovered. However, the authorities are yet to release an itemised list, and we do not know whether his phone was among them. The Mail understands that the body was discovered by officers working mainly for the Greim mountain team. And, although the official, large-scale search had been halted after two weeks on June 30, these elite officers had covertly continued their work. The body was lifted out of the ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. It will probably now be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. In Spanish territories such as the Canary Islands, the results of post-mortem examinations are not typically made public but are instead sent to an investigating magistrate. In this case, the Civil Guard has been reporting to a court in the town of Icod de los Vinos, which will receive the results. As and when those results will be made public is unclear. Jay had been missing since the morning of Monday, June 17. He had partied until the early hours at the Papagayo nightclub in the south of the island, on a notorious party strip, Veronicas, in Playa de Las Americas. It was the final night of the three-day New Rave Generation music festival that Jay and three friends Lucy Mae Law, Bradley Hargreaves and Brandon Hodgson had flown out to attend. A mountain rescuer is lowered into the ravine. The body was lifted out of the ravine which was described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' Although the official, large-scale search had been halted after two weeks on June 30, these elite officers had covertly continued their work After the event ended at around 5am, Jay chose not to return to his nearby accommodation. Instead, he got in the back seat of a rental Seat Leon and was driven 25 miles north, just beyond the small village of Masca, to the Casa Abuela Tina, a 40-a-night Airbnb. The property had been rented by the two men in the front seats of the car: convicted drug dealer and British national, Ayub Qassim, and an unknown associate who goes by the nickname Johnny Vegas. (A claim last week that Qassim and Vegas were the same person has since been discredited.) The Spanish police have now said these men are 'not relevant' to the investigation. At around 7.30am, Jay posted two pictures of himself on Snapchat outside Casa Abuela Tina and half an hour later he was spotted at a bus stop by Ofelia Medina Hernandez, whose brother owns the property. She later told reporters that she informed Jay the bus would not arrive until 10am. At this point, he apparently set off on foot. The journey home would have taken 11 hours a virtual impossibility in the ferocious heat. Strangely, he took the winding tarmac road north, though this meant walking in the wrong direction for his accommodation in the south. Mark Williams-Thomas, the former police officer who led his own unofficial investigation, noted that it is the route suggested by the navigation app, Apple Maps, downloaded on the teen's smartphone. At 8.50am, shortly after he called Lucy Mae Law to say he was 'lost in the mountains, with no water and 1 per cent battery', Jay's phone 'pinged' for the last time not far from the road in a dense thicket of cacti and brambles. So, after four weeks of speculation and competing theories online and in the Press, where does that leave us? The discovery of the body yesterday should provide closure and it should allow Jay's family to grieve. However, having spent two weeks in Tenerife investigating this case myself, I have been dumbfounded by the nature of this discovery. The truth is, the discovery of Jay Slater's body raises more questions than it does answers. Missing persons charity LBT Global, which has been acting on behalf of Jay's family, released a statement yesterday claiming: 'The body was found close to the site of his mobile phone's last location.' I know, from my own investigation, that Jay Slater's phone last 'pinged' in an area of thicket no more than a hundred yards from the major arterial road connecting the village of Masca to the north coast. This is a busy, winding thoroughfare. During time I spent on Tenerife reporting on this story for the Mail, I visited this exact location on no fewer than four occasions. It is a little more than a mile north of the Airbnb Jay was taken to in the early hours of June 17. Every time I visited, the area was crawling with local hikers and tourists, amateur sleuths and international journalists. It was a hive of activity. I even joined the scores of people who walked directly through the cacti-ridden thicket where the body has now been found. I saw nothing. In fact, over almost a month, the thousands who visited this spot noticed nothing untoward. Indeed, the official police search and rescue mission which lasted two weeks and was completed on June 30 focused on the area where the body is said to have been found. They even had expert sniffer dogs flown in from Spain the best of the best in this terrain, we were all told. So just how could the body of a young man suddenly be found in area that had been meticulously searched for weeks? Indeed, some of those searching the ravine speculated that if a body were there, it would attract local birds of prey, giving away its position. Jay's remains may indeed have been discovered in a 'steep and inaccessible area' and certainly, pictures emerged yesterday of mountain-rescue experts working in extremely challenging and difficult terrain, before removing the body by helicopter. The truly treacherous, even lethal, part of the ravine is where it drops into the sea, and where the rugged, Los Gigantes cliffs nicknamed the 'Wall of Hell' reach 600 metres into the sky. Unless Jay indeed somehow found his way here, it is extremely difficult to imagine how one could have a fatal accident at the flatter top of the ravine, although they could of course pass out here from heat and exhaustion. Jay was likely dangerously dehydrated and conceivably under the influence of class A drugs. How could the body of a young man suddenly be found in area that had been meticulously searched for weeks? asks Fred Kelly Spanish authorities on the island released a brief statement confirming that 'agents belonging to the Civil Guard' had discovered the remains of a young man Photos from the Papagayo nightclub show his jaw locked to the side in the hours before his disappearance, suggesting ketamine abuse. Should the post mortem examination be able to provide such detail, it would not surprise me if it confirmed that a drug and dehydration-induced delirium had played a significant part in his demise. Even sober, and with plenty of water and food, I found the unrelenting heat and disorientating geography of the ravine to be challenging. One can only imagine how Jay felt. There have long been rumours that malign actors played a role in Jay's disappearance. The boy's apparent knowledge of serious players in the European drugs trade raised suspicions that as I wrote in these pages he may have either fallen foul of their gangster codes and either been trafficked off the island or possibly murdered. It might therefore be foolhardy to rule out the possibility that the body could have been planted in the thicket over recent days. Let's not forget that Jay allegedly stole a Rolex watch from an 'eastern European man' outside the Papagayo Nightclub before being driven into the hills. And, indeed, that Mark Williams-Thomas said Jay was 'clearly worried about his own safety'. Furthermore, the official statement from Spanish Mountain Rescue and the local Civil Guard states that the body was found after '29 days of constant search'. They add that the discovery was only possible 'thanks to the incessant and discreet search' of local authorities. Again, this raises a slew of questions. Why, if the authorities were continuing their search, would they officially announce the end of the search and rescue mission on June 30? And why, on every single occasion my colleagues in the Press and I visited the area, was there no sign of this supposed ongoing search? A spokesman for the Greim mountain rescue team, understood to have found the body, said: 'The large-scale operation involving multiple units had been suspended but as we always said, we never stopped looking for Jay.' This too raises issues of transparency. Let us not forget that it was due to the belief that the authorities had too hastily halted their search that so many volunteers put themselves in harm's way and undertook their own expeditions. Former British military reservist, Chris Pennington, whom I interviewed last week, himself got lost in the ravine on Saturday while searching for the teenager. 'I was exhausted from the heat,' Pennington told the Press. 'Extremely tired, and couldn't make my way through.' Individuals such as him put themselves in danger on the case because they thought the professionals had given up on the job. It is no exaggeration to say that the teenager's disappearance has gripped the nation. Perhaps, with hindsight, it is easy to see why. The case was full of intrigue. It was a story of shadowy narco-gangsters set in a remote wilderness on an island that for decades thousands of Britons have called their second-home. But with the fascination has come a darker side, too. The internet has been awash with conspiracy theories. Indeed, as a journalist working on the case, I have been approached by people with utterly outlandish proposals, including fancifully suggesting that Jay may have had his vital organs harvested and sold. Such wild speculation has, of course, taken a great toll on Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan. In a statement last Sunday through LBT Global, she criticised the 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' surrounding the case. 'We cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family,' she continued, before concluding that her son was 'loved by everyone and has a close bond with his family and many many friends'. We can only hope that the heartache Debbie and the family brother Zak and father Warren are feeling will begin to abate now that the body of their beloved son has been found. But until the myriad of puzzling, unanswered questions is addressed, I sense there will no true closure for the Slater family or the millions gripped by this tragic tale. An Army instructor is being investigated after a video exclusively obtained by the Mail revealed his abuse of a black recruit. In the footage the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) was first seen forcing the junior soldier to lie in a puddle and do press ups. Then he leant over the terrified trainee, pulled off his cap and screamed that he would 'punch his head in'. The Mail has established the ordeal took place on a parade square at the Army's Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Catterick, North Yorkshire, in recent weeks. The NCO, from the Coldstream Guards, would likely have escaped punishment had the incident not been filmed on a mobile phone. An Army instructor is being investigated after a video exclusively obtained by the Mail revealed his abuse of a recruit In the shocking footage the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) was first seen forcing the junior soldier to lie in a puddle and do press ups The footage triggered an internal investigation which resulted in the instructor being removed from ITC. Further inquiries are being made, the Army confirmed today. Following an exercise, the NCO clearly singled out the errant recruit, shouting at him to 'get here' and pointing to a puddle. He then screamed a succession of obscenities at the junior soldier as he was lying face down in the water. Meanwhile, a squad of other recruits were standing in formation watching and listening to their colleague's ordeal. The NCO, who apparently holds the rank of corporal, then asked the recruit: 'Why are you giving me that f****** attitude? Stop eyeballing me or I'll punch your head in.' The instructor became more enraged by the second and the video, verified by the Mail, captures the moment he leant forward so his face was just inches from the recruit. He then used the 'c word' repeatedly to describe the recruit, amid other insults. Whether there was a racial element to how he treated the recruit remains unknown. The NCO's behaviour clearly appears to represent a breach of the Army's Values and Standards policy. The Mail understands he has been booted out of ITC pending an extended investigation. He could face further disciplinary action. Then he leant over the terrified trainee, pulled off his cap and screamed that he would 'punch his head in' In recent years, suicides among junior personnel have raised concerns the UK's armed forces are struggling to stamp out abusive behaviours. Only a fortnight ago, an inquest heard how a trainee Royal Marine was subjected to a barrage of personal abuse in the weeks before he took his own life. Connor Clarke, 18, had been singled out by instructors at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon in June 2021. He then fled the base at night. The following morning his body was found next to a railway track. In his suicide note he quoted some of the names he was called by senior Royal Marines. Violent swearing, as seen in the Mail's video recorded at ITC recently, was a factor in his death, the inquest heard. Today, lawyer Emma Norton, director of the Centre for Military Justice, said: 'The Army rightly expects to be able to discipline its soldiers, sometimes in ways that might seem harsh to us civilians. 'Public humiliation, screaming threats of violence and using foul, degrading language crosses that line and is completely unnecessary. 'It is particularly harmful if a young soldier is vulnerable in any way, as sadly lots are. 'And it is absolutely not the way to get the best out of your soldiers, as the best instructors will tell you.' Today, the Army said: 'We set exacting standards in training and expect our soldiers to be resilient and robust. 'But the behaviour of the instructor in the video is unacceptable and is under investigation. 'It doesn't reflect how the British Army trains, or how we treat our soldiers.' A vicious sex offender was let out of a secure hospital and went on a horrific four-day rampage of sexual violence against eight women, eventually raping a jogger at knifepoint. Louis Collins, 29, subjected his final victim to an hour-long ordeal after dragging her away from her running route just days after he walked out of Lambeth Hospital unescorted. The pornography addict hit the woman on the head from behind as she jogged in Marble Hill Park in Twickenham, south-west London. He showed her a knife and a broken bottle and said dont scream, nobodys going to help you, before ripping her clothes off and assaulting her. The serial sex offender had attacked seven other women across London during the previous 72 hours before he was eventually captured. Louis Collins, 29, was let out of a secure hospital and went on a horrific four-day rampage of sexual violence against eight women in August last year Collins left Lambeth Hospital (pictured) on August 18 after doctors agreed he could have an unescorted leave of absence Collins attacked and raped a woman who was jogging in Marble Hill Park in Twickenham, pictured. He showed her a knife and a broken bottle before assaulting her He pleaded guilty to 27 charges including rape, attempted rape and sexual assault between August 18 and 21 last year. Collins left Lambeth Hospital in south London on August 18 after doctors agreed he could have an unescorted leave of absence, Patricia May, prosecuting, told his sentencing hearing. Shortly afterwards he groped a woman at Clapham Common station as she rode up the escalator. Collins returned to the hospital later than he should have, but despite this was permitted to leave again. On August 20, he left the hospital again and went on to attack and attempt to rape two other women, sexually assault four more and threaten to kill a further victim. But Collins final attack at 8am on August 21 was his most horrific, Ms May told the court. The rapist hit the jogger over the head and forced her to the ground. The victim shouted for help and two women began to approach her, but Collins yelled f*** off or I will kill you and they left. In a statement read to Kingston Crown Court, the victim said: On August 21, my world turned upside down. What happened on that day shattered my sense of security, trust in people and justice. The victim said she had faced 18-month waiting lists for professional counselling to help her deal with the trauma. Siobhan Molloy, defending, said Collins, who is originally from Croydon in south London, claimed that voices in his head had compelled him to carry out the attacks but a doctor had found he did not have a psychotic illness. The South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, responsible for Lambeth Hospital, has been contacted for comment. Collins will be sentenced on Tuesday. Visitors to a Portland park were dumbfounded when they saw bizarre signs saying Ouija boards were banned from the area - but officials have confirmed the posters are nothing more than an odd prank. Signs were placed outside the bathroom in Fernhill Park over the weekend at one of the largest parks in northeast Portland. A Ouija board is a way to communicate with spirits and the dead, but many consider the boards as a Satanic practice, or believe it can lead to demonic possession. The sign, which said it was issued by the Multnomah County Parks Department read: 'DUE TO RECENT EVENTS OUIJA BOARDS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED AT FERNHILL PARK.' But a spokesperson with Portland Parks & Recreation has since been revealed the signs were not posted by any city official. The signs that hung outside the bathrooms this past weekend at Fernhill Park 'Fernhill Park is in our portfolio at Portland Parks & Recreation (the City of Portlands parks bureau), and the Multnomah County Parks Department doesnt exist,' Mark Ross told DailyMail.com. He also said he only learned of the sign when a local TV affiliate saw a blurb on Reddit. 'No idea who put them up but if theyre not already down, our maintenance staff will likely remove them by tomorrow.' He added: 'Ouija believe that people can be silly round here?' Before it was revealed it was just a hoax, one person went to Reddit and posted a photo of the sign, asking 'What happened?' A Ouija board has letters from the Latin alphabet and numbers Another person on the social platform indulged in the supernatural and paranormal activities even further. 'My guess is someone used it in the park recently and inadvertently created a portal to the underworld allowing a demon to enter the terrestrial plane,' they wrote. 'Happens all the time - people are freaking out over nothing.' One person walking their dog told the news outlet they've 'definitely never seen anyone play Ouija boards in the bathroom,' while another chimed in 'just dogs, kids and sports.' Ouija historian Robert Murch told Smithsonian Magazine that the origin of the Ouija board is from American 19th century obsession with spiritualism, and the belief, he said, that the dead are able to communicate with the living. Since he began his research on the story of the board in 1992, he was surprised how no one knew where the Ouija board came from since, he explained the board, 'strikes both fear and wonder in American culture.' Snow has fallen close to the Queensland border as a polar blast brings icy temperatures and heavy rain to the eastern states. Snowfall was recorded at Tenterfield, in northern NSW, overnight - just 25km away from the border of the Sunshine State. Possible light snow flurries are forecast across the Granite Belt region of Southern Queensland on Tuesday through to Thursday. Weatherzone explained a cold air mass originating in Antarctic waters was to blame for the subzero temperatures sweeping the eastern states. The chilly air will be accompanied by showers which could fall as snow on high ground above about 1,000 metres. These cold conditions will bring cool days, frosty mornings and possible snow flurries for parts of NSW, inland Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania as well. Victoria has the added threat of floods after heavy rain fell in parts of the state with a severe weather warning issued for the north-east. The Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said temperatures had been colder than usual across central and eastern parts of Australia. Snow could fall as far north as Queensland from Tuesday as a chilly Antarctic air mass crosses the border Ms Bradbury said forecast maximums will be 'up to eight degrees below average' with Canberra 'struggling to push into the double digits'. '[On Wednesday] our overnight temperatures will drop fairly low, through these inland parts of the east and central Australia,' Ms Bradbury said. Snow flurries were recorded at Guyra, about 170km south of the Queensland border with NSW, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in NSW the heaviest snow is expected to shift from the southern ranges and alps to the central ranges by Tuesday morning. The non-alpine falls include around Crookwell, Taralga, Oberon, Orange, Lithgow and possibly the Blue Mountains. By Tuesday night, heaviest snow falls will shift again to the upper Hunter and Northern Tablelands, and possibly in Armidale, Guyra and Glen Innes. An offshore low in the Tasman Sea will bring warm air on Wednesday which will restrict snowfalls back to the alps. Severe weather warnings were issued for parts of Tasmania and Victoria this week, including damaging winds and possible flooding from heavy rain. Senior meteorologist Jonathon How said southeastern regions of the country would bear the brunt of a low pressure system driving a 'cold snap' across the southeast, with strong winds hitting the areas overnight. Wind gusts of 115km/h have already been recorded in Wilsons Promontory in Victoria and gusts of more than 100km/h were recorded across parts of Victoria and the northwestern Tasmanian coast. Illawarra residents in NSW experienced gusts of more than 80km/h and those in the southeast of the state and regions near the ACT experienced rainfall totals of 20-40mm overnight. Weatherzone explained the cold airmass originating in Antarctic waters brought the subzero temperatures and is accompanied by sufficient moisture for occasional light showers which could fall as snow on high ground above about 1,000 metres Brisbane The Sunshine State is set for a wintery blast for the start of the week, with maximum temperatures of up to 19C and winds of up to 45km/h. Minimum temperatures will remain just below 10C for the rest of the week, but tops will reach the low 20s. Sydney Sydneysiders are in for a cold but mostly sunny week as maximum temperatures remain around the mid to high teens from Tuesday through to the weekend. Minimum temperatures are expected to drop as low as 6C on Friday. Possible showers are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, with up to 1mm of rain predicted on Tuesday and 4mm on Wednesday. On Wednesday, large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous especially for those taking part in coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing. Canberra Temperatures will plummet in the nation's capital over the coming week with days to remain cloudy and cold as air is trapped by a low-pressure system. Showers are forecast for Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, with the heaviest falls over the weekend of up to 7mm of rain. Minimum temperatures will drop to an icy -2C on Thursday and -3C on Friday. Snow commenced on Sunday afternoon across ski resorts and intensified Monday as the Tasman Low approached eastern Bass Strait Melbourne Residents in Melbourne are in for a cold and wet week. Heavy falls of up to 15mm is expected on Tuesday before easing to light showers from Wednesday through to the weekend. Maximum temperatures will struggle to climb over 14C across the week, with lows of just 6C on the weekend. Meanwhile, snow is expected to fall over elevated areas outside the Victorian Alps with the arrival of a prolonged outbreak of freezing air from Antarctica. A severe weather warning was issued on Tuesday morning for people in parts of East Gippsland and North East Forecast Districts. Damaging winds travelling south averaging 60 to 70km/h with peak gusts of around 90km/h are set to hit the Alpine areas of the north east above about 1,400metres. Possible locations affected include Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, with the latter recording gale force winds of up to 93km/h at about 8am. A watch-and-act warning has been issued for the Watts River in Victoria, and residents of Healesville are being urged to move to higher ground as moderate flooding is likely. 'The level of the Watts River at Healesville is at 3.11m, exceeding the minor flood level (2.80 metres) and rising,' the warning said. 'It is expected to peak around the moderate flood level (3.20m) early Tuesday morning 16th July.' Flood warnings also remain in place for the Dandenong Creek, the Latrobe River, Yarra River, Bunyip River and parts of Gippsland, Central, South West and North East forecast districts in Victoria. Hobart Tasmanians will shiver through yet another week, as rain, gusty winds and icy temperatures lash the state. Temperatures in Hobart are expected to drop as low as 3C on Friday and reach a high of just 11C for the week ahead. Showers are forecast well into the weekend, with the wettest day set for Tuesday as up to 10mm of rain is expected to fall. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch warning for parts of the state's north east, east coast, Huon, Dewent and south east catchments. There are also minor flood warnings in place for the Clyde River, St Pauls River, Coal River and Huon River. Maximum temperatures were 'up to eight degrees below average' across large parts of central and south eastern Australia Adelaide Adelaide is set for a cold and wet week as an extended burst of icy air from Antarctica spreads across the southeast. A high-pressure system is expected to follow and linger over southern parts of the country for the next five days, prolonging the cold weather. Maximum temperatures will remain in the mid-teens, while lows will alternate between 7C and 8C for the week. Rain is forecast for Adelaide from Tuesday through to the weekend, with the heaviest falls on Friday with up to 15mm. Perth Sunny conditions are forecast for Tuesday before a cold front moves through the state bringing heavy showers. Up to 6mm of rain is expected to fall on Wednesday before increasing to 40mm on Thursday. Showers will continue into the weekend with up to 3mm of rain forecast for Friday and Saturday and 7mm of rain on Sunday. Temperatures will struggle to get higher than 20C in Perth, with Friday being the coldest maximum temperature of 16C. Minimum temperatures will hover between 7C and 12C from Wednesday through to the weekend. Darwin Meanwhile, residents in Darwin will escape the cold weather with sunny conditions and temperatures ranging between the high 20s and low 30s well into the weekend. Minimum conditions will see some mornings drop to 14C and 15C. Republican National Convention attendees and delegates say they love JD Vance as Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate, but some don't know who the freshman senator from Ohio is. Trump announced Vance as his running mate Monday afternoon on Truth Social as MAGA fans gathered in a packed Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To much applause, blaring country music and flashing lights, the 39-year-old Marine Corps veteran, 'Hillbilly Elegy' author and lawmaker entered the convention and accepted his official VP nomination. It appeared the entire room had been Vance fans for years once the news came across the loudspeakers, given how loud the roar of approval was. But when DailyMail.com pressed the MAGA fans on what they admire most about the Ohioan, his youth and good looks and military service were top of mind. But some revealed they did not know much about him at all. U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance celebrate as he is nominated for the office of Vice President. Everyone who spoke to DailyMail.com about Vance's selection for VP had positive things to say about the young politician 'I don't know the gentleman,' Tina, a delegate from American Samoa, told DailyMail.com. ''But by looking and hearing that he is a senator from Ohio, I am at peace with that.' 'He's a handsome guy, he looks humble,' she said of her first impressions of Ohio's junior Senator. 'That tells me that Donald Trump and the whole RNC leadership have committed to pick the right candidate for vice president.' She said she took the 24 hour trip to Milwaukee to see former President Donald Trump and experience the festivities first-hand. Dale from Washington said 'I don't think we can do better' than Vance. 'I am thrilled to see JD Vance be the nominee for vice president. I think he is ideologically well aligned with Donald Trump.' Dale added that Vance's youth could mean he picks up the MAGA mantle. 'I think he has a high potential to be our standard bearer four year from now and I am delighted with that,' he said. Dale from Washington said Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, said the junior lawmaker would make a good standard bearer for the future of the Republican party. He said he was 'thrilled' at Trump's choice because the two are 'ideologically well aligned' Terry and Tess from Tennessee were both ecstatic over Vance as Trump's running mate. Though Tess later admitted she did not know who Vance was before Monday A crowd of RNC attendees turns to smile at the cameras as the event kicks off Monday 'I know that he came from a pretty humble beginnings and that he has excelled in life,' Dale continued. 'He's represented himself incredibly well in a variety of ways educationally, militarily and politically.' A pair from ladies from Tennessee - Terry and Tess - also expressed their excitement about Vance's potential new job. 'We are so excited,' the giddy pair proclaimed. 'Especially I love the fact that he served in the Marine Corps,' Terry said. 'So we have a VP who understands and respects how important it is, our military, and it is a wonderful day for the Republican party.' Tess, while still enthusiastic, may have not been as excited for the candidate as she was for the moment. She admitted she did not know who Vance was before he was announced as Trump's running mate. But, she added, 'President Trump, if he's for someone, I am for him.' Though Tess does not know Vance, she said if Trump likes him that is good enough for her Terry told DailyMail.com she knew the Ohio Republican, saying: 'He is a familiar name and face' from Newsmax and other conservative news outlets. Vance was joined at the RNC festivities Monday by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, who, like the senator, graduated from Yale Law School. The pair have been married for years and have three children together. Bill from South Carolina pointed to Vance's classic conservatism and family image as a positive for the Republican presidential ticket. Though, he said, Vance getting the VP nod did come as a shock. 'It was quite a surprise, but quite a pleasant surprise.' 'We've got a sharp young man, we've got a Marine, I'm proud military,' Bill told DailyMail.com. 'I am retired Air Force and to have a fellow serviceperson that could be vice president is fantastic news.' Another South Carolinian, Jerry, agreed, calling Vance's nomination 'absolutely great.' 'I love the balancing the ticket,' he said, and 'I love a hard fighting young man to balance it out.' Importantly, he noted, 'I think it will attract a lot of younger voters.' 'I knew he was a very good senator, believes in conservative principles and he was a fighter. Not somebody to be put in a corner, which I like, and he's a go getter.' Air Force veteran Bill from South Carolina was excited that Vance, himself a veteran, got the nod to be Trump's VP. 'I am retired Air Force and to have a fellow serviceperson that could be vice president is fantastic news,' he said Ann told DailyMail.com she believes vance is the right choice for an 'America first' candidate Ann, dressed in MAGA gear head-to-toe, said Vance is a thrilling 'America first' candidate. 'Im excited about it I am looking forward to seeing what he plans to do,' she said gleefully. 'I believe he is going to support trump fully.' Scott LoBaido is no stranger to raging in public. The MAGA-preaching Donald Trump supporter and activist once tossed slices of pizza over the fences of Mayor Eric Adams' City Hall - set off by a clampdown on coal-fired ovens. He spilled fake blood outside Manhattan DA Alvin's Bragg office to decry his woke crime fighting policies, and even posed with a fake electric chair bearing the words, 'Bring me back', outside a courthouse to push for the death penalty in New York. But when the Staten Islander watched the horror of a would-be assassin's bullet nearly killing Donald Trump Saturday night, LoBaido didn't take to the streets or turn to inflammatory rhetoric on social media to vent his pain and rage. He grabbed a paintbrush. 'I was up all night painting,' an emotional LoBaido, who had just wrapped an all-nighter painting his own version of the now-iconic image of a bloodied, but defiant, Trump pumping his fist in a show of strength and determination with the American flag in the backdrop, told Mailonline.com. 'It's going to be the most iconic image of our time,' said LoBaido of the work he has titled 'Fight.' Artist Scott LoBaido calls his painting of Donal Trump: 'Fight.' He said, 'it's going to be the most iconic image of our time' Former US President Donald J Trump is pictured on the first night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Fiserv Forum. His first appearance since his attempted assassiantion on Saturday night in Butler, Pennsylvania When the Big Apple artist, whose controversial career has been punctuated with arrests over some of his brash stunts, heard the news that Trump had been shot, he was shocked. 'I was horrified I didn't know what happened,' the patriotic portraitist said, adding that the rage he was feeling took him to his local studio to work out the pain with his palette. And he encourages all angry Republicans to do the same. He felt the adrenaline and rage coursing through his body. 'You lose your s**t,' LoBaido said, urging fellow Republicans to take that anger and channel it for the good. 'Use the First Amendment it can save this country if everybody finds out how to use it creatively,' he stressed. 'I'm using this as my therapy before I go out and do something stupid,' he said of his personal art therapy. 'I just sit and think and my mind gets occupied thinking about what I'm painting and why I'm painting it.' The Pro-Trump artist is known for his depictions of the US flag. Pictured: LoBaido painting the Betsy Ross American flag outside the headquarters of Nike in New York LoBaido's controversial art pieces include a guillotine with the words 'BRING ME BACK' written on, suggesting he is in favor of capital punishment It probably saved a wall from being punched and breaking my hand, he said with a laugh, adding that fellow Trump supporters need to take a beat. 'I tell everyone to stand down and calm down. Let's not get stupid. 'Whatever you want to do right now, hold it until November 5,' he said, calling for change through the ballot box. 'Get productive,' he advised. 'Get your 18-year-old nephew to register to vote, join poll watchers on Election Day or get 20 parents together and join the school board,' he said. 'There's so much that people can do, using that right to use that brain instead of sitting there with that rage not doing anything.' Through muffled tears, LoBaido said that he's learned to suppress any dangerous impulses by channeling them into his art. 'This is the blood of the innocent people of New York City getting slaughtered because of DA Bragg,' Lobaido, a self-proclaimed patriot activist and artist, said as he poured the fake blood 'Thank God I've learned how to do art as therapy and it keeps me from doing stupid things. Don't do drugs create,' he said. 'Art is the best f***ing therapy.' Unsure of where his paintbrush would lead him, the firebrand said he suddenly knew exactly what to do when he saw the image of the man 'who was just touched by the hand of God,' he said, explaining he believes it was a miracle that Trump's life was spared. 'If you're not religious, this will make you religious. This has never happened in the history of any shooting to miss by millimeters.' 'The image of this man who has no f***ing fear to get up with blood on his face, not even knowing what happened to him, and putting his fist up in the air' moved LoBaido to tears. 'Then the beautiful images of that man who has no f***ing fear, to put that fist up in the air - It's going to be the most iconic image of our time,' said LoBaido, who's the subject of the new documentary, 'The Relentless Patriot,' which depicts the artist's exploits. Scott LoBaido marched up to the gates of New York City Hall before flinging slices of margarita pizza over them in a protest against a proposed new emissions law Pizza gate is the latest stunt by the Staten Islander, who is known for his right-wing political art demonstrations and for depicting the American flag Though LoBaido, who said he worked 15 straight hours, fueled 'on cigarettes and a glass of vodka,' mulled over different versions, this was the one that was most poignant and reflective of the 45th president's might mental and physical. 'This is the most epic piece I think I've ever done,' he said of the image that will forever be seared into our consciousness, adding, 'Because that wil be the most epic image of our generation. It will be like the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima.' A resounding chorus of support - and would-be buyers - followed LoBaido's post of the freshly painted portrait on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Followers and Trump supporters gushed over the poignant piece, asking how to order it. 'I'm looking forward to seeing this hung in the oval,' one of them quipped hopefully. House has three bedrooms and two bathrooms Parents in a major Australian city have forked out $1.26million on a house complete with water and city views and an outdoor jacuzzi for their kids to live in while they go to uni. The bank of mum and dad came through for the uni students after their parents bought the house in Como, a southern Perth suburb, just 6km from the CBD. The house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is only 15 minutes walk from Como Beach. Ray White South Perth agent Jack Shaw told Domain the house was bought by a farming family for their sons to live in while they attended uni in the city. The buyers paid $1,268,000 for the home at auction on Saturday, beating seven other bidders. The property was advertised as: 'An enviable lifestyle awaits the fortunate buyer of this renovated and immaculately maintained, heart warming abode.' 'This property is situated in an elevated street front position on Comer Street in the highly sought after Como beach locale.' The house features a large master bedroom with built-in robes, open plan country-style kitchen and dining room, double lock up garage, reverse-cycle ducted air conditioning and a wood-burning fire, 'perfect for those cosy winter nights'. The uni students will be able to entertain their friends in the 'alfresco entertaining area' after their parents bought the house in Perth for $1.26million The uni students will be able to entertain their friends in the 'alfresco entertaining area' or the 'private front yard with new lawn' and catch up on their study in the outdoor jacuzzi. The house is only an 800m walk to Preston Street shops and 1.3km to the Angelo Street shopping precinct. 'Como Beach is very well regarded and the house is in a sought-after pocket and it's single level and renovated, plus there's no strata fees,' Mr Shaw said. 'The sellers are buying land on the outskirts of Perth and they are very happy with the result under the hammer and unconditional.' Mr Shaw said there is a shortage of property listings in Perth's Como area. Ray White published new data revealing Perth is now the fifth-most expensive housing market in Australia. The three-bedroom house in Perth features a wood-burning fire, 'perfect for those cosy winter nights', as well as an outdoor jacuzzi and water and city views The report stated the city's property market is experiencing price growth which outpaces Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Despite price increases in WAs regional market, it has stayed under a $500,000 median. The Ray White House Price Report revealed Perths media house median jumped 3.6 per cent monthly and 26.7 per cent over the past year. The median house price is $821,093, which means properties in Perth went up $985.31 a day, over a 30-day month. Commonwealth Bank's latest quarterly economic report published in June stated: 'The housing market in Perth is surging, but from a lower base due to weak longer-term performance, meaning housing affordability remains comparatively better than other cities despite recent price rises.' The ABC has been accused of bias over airing a Four Corners episode suggesting Donald Trump is a threat to democracy just days after an assassination attempt. The first of a two-part series on Trump titled 'Retribution - the battle for democracy' aired on Monday night hosted by journalist Mark Willacy, who travelled to the US for the program. Trump, the 45th president of the US who is making another run at the White House this year, survived an attempt on his life on July 13 when a bullet grazed his ear at a campaign event in Pennsylvania where one rallygoer was killed and two wounded. Despite the incident, the ABC aired the one hour-long program in which viewers are told by Willacy that if Trump is re-elected 'the great American experiment in democracy could give way to a surge in political violence'. 'In Donald Trump's vision for America, centuries old institutions are there to be dismantled, and the checks and balances established by the founding fathers are impediments to absolute power,' Willacy said. The program warns viewers that Trump wants to 'rebuild America in his own image'. One viewer took to X after the program to declare it a 'hit job' from the 'opening statement' and said they switched it off. Another said the tone of the program was along the lines of 'Dictator, authoritarian, danger, end of democracy' and slammed the taxpayer funded broadcaster saying it should 'at least pretend to be impartial'. Four Corners aired an episode calling Trump a threat to democracy just 48 hours after the Republican presidential candidate and former president was narrowly missed by a bullet which grazed his ear on Saturday The ABC flagship current affairs program was previously accused of bias after a 2021 report on TV network Fox's coverage of Trump's presidency One person asked on X whether the ABC had 'any intention of dropping' the second part of the program 'nobody asked for' about 'orange man bad' given the assassination attempt. 'I don't think you need to stir the tolerant lefties up any further,' they said. Another person claimed that it was 'an absolute disgrace that our national broadcaster is producing this garbage 48hrs after a failed assassination'. The Four Corners Facebook page has disallowed comments on a post promoting the episode. Central to the program is Project 2025 - a 900-page book drafted by conservatives containing policy proposals should Trump be re-elected. Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025 - though some of his advisors are involved - but Four Corners insists it is a blueprint on how Trump intends to 'reshape democracy'. Among Project 2025's stated aims is to 'deconstruct the administrative state' by, along with other measures, boosting the the number of political appointees to top bureaucratic roles, eliminating the Education Department and increasing the president's authority over the Justice Department. The Biden campaign has labelled Project 2025 'a threat to America'. But Trump claimed on social media in early July: 'I know nothing about Project 2025'. Those interviewed on the Four Corners program include strong Trump critics such as John Bolton, a former Trump national security advisor who has written a book about his time in the White House in which he claims Trump is 'unfit' to be president. Ex-CIA director Leon Panetta - who worked on the White House staff of the Clinton and Obama presidencies - is also interviewed, as is Anthony Scaramucci, who had a well-publicised feud with Trump after he was ousted as his communications director after 11 days. Trump and Bolton at the White House when Bolton was his national security adviser in 2018 Anthony Scaramucci was Trump's communications director for 11 days and later compared him to a Game of Thrones villain The Four Corners program also features a clip of Trump recounting a conversation with a fellow NATO leader. Trump said he was asked whether the US would still defend that country if it was attacked by Russia but did not meet the required quota of two per cent of GDP spent on NATO defence. 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent? No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want... You got to pay your bills,' Trump said. Four Corners has previously been slapped on the wrist over a similar two-part report in 2021 titled 'Fox and the Big Lie' which looked at Fox News' coverage of Trump's presidency. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in response to a complaint by Fox found the Sarah Ferguson hosted program 'omitted information... in a way that materially misled the audience.' The ACMA found that report 'came close to, but did not breach' the impartiality standards in the code. Trump has fronted the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee following the assassination attempt. Lawmakers are alarmed at how the would-be-assassin was able to open fire from a rooftop within 150metres of the former president and want to know what additional security requests have been made by Trump's campaign or protective team since November 2022. President Joe Biden has also directed an independent review of the security at the rally. The shooter was killed by Secret Service agents from Hawkeye, its rapid response team Secret service agents surround Trump (left) after shots fired at a campaign rally on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania The assassination attempt has forced Joe Biden's campaign to dial down its attacks, with the US president admitting he was wrong to say his rival should be put in the 'bullseye.' But Biden has more broadly defended his rhetoric describing his Republican predecessor as a threat to democracy, and is signaling he will not hold back for long while criticizing the man he beat in 2020. When Biden urged Americans to 'lower the temperature' in a rare Oval Office speech on Sunday after the Trump shooting, it seemed it could deprive him of his core attack line. Just last week the 81-year-old had tried to pivot his campaign back on to his Republican rival, following weeks of turmoil in the Democratic Party over his age and health after a disastrous debate performance. In the light of the Trump attack, Biden told broadcaster NBC on Monday that it was a 'mistake' to say in a call with donors a week ago 'to put Trump in the bullseye'. The Democrat said he was referring to how the party should 'focus on what he's doing' instead of calling on him to quit after his debate performance. Republicans have pointed to the bullseye comment in particular as they accuse Biden himself of contributing to the political conditions that led a shooter to try to kill Trump, ignoring their own candidate's history of encouraging violence. An Australian tourist has tipped off others travelling to Europe that beggars can be faking their injuries to invoke sympathy. The woman filmed a beggar on the Greek island of Paros who was asking for money while hobbling on a walking crutch. The next morning she spotted the same woman walking unaided along the street while carrying the crutch. Sharing the footage to social media, the tourist revealed she felt scammed by the beggar, having handed over money. The post caught the attention of other tourists who had encountered the beggar or others who used the same tactic. 'Literally just saw her 15 minutes ago and felt so bad, thank you for this,' one commented on TikTok. 'She did that to my boyfriend and I in Paros last year then hopped on the same ferry as us the next day,' a second wrote. A third said they saw a supposedly injured male beggar in Europe 'climbing a hill three minutes later'. An Aussie woman on holiday in Europe has warned others after giving money to a 'beggar' needing a crutch to walk (pictured) before she appeared to be walking fine the following day 'Once I saw a lady sitting hiding her other leg next to a wall for money,' another wrote. 'The wall was glass and when you went inside the shop you could see her other leg.' Others however were sympathetic toward the woman, claiming she may have a more complex injury or has been forced to beg by gang masters. 'I have a spinal injury, when my back plays up I have to use a cane or sometimes a wheelchair,' one wrote. 'But sometimes I don't (have to use disability support), don't judge too quick.' 'The way I see it, their government not helping so why should you from another country when your place probably has its own problems,' another said. Tourists have warned of beggars using the same trick across Europe's tourist hot spots for years. 'Once I saw a beggar guy without legs, as soon as police came his legs come out of nowhere and [he] started running away,' one Redditor said of his time in Prague. Other scams across the continent tourists should be aware of include pickpocketing and taxi drivers purposefully taking longer routes or charging exorbitant amounts. According to other tourists, the woman is commonly seen on the picturesque Greek island of Paros (pictured) during the Summer Personal finance expert at Finder, Sarah Megginson, said the fake injury scam has 'been around for decades' but is also 'relatively harmless'. 'But some of these scams have the potential to ruin your holiday if they get away with a decent chunk of your cash,' Ms Megginson told Yahoo. 'If something feels off, it probably is don't be afraid to speak up, ask for time to make a decision if you feel pressured, and walk away from a situation if you feel uncomfortable.' She added that tourists need to be particularly wary of pickpockets, urging them to carry cash in a money belt or an anti-theft bag and to be mindful of belongings when travelling through crowds. Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance has been chosen as former President Donald Trump's vice presidential pick and now a crowded pack of Republicans are gunning to replace him in the Senate. The perfect candidate would need to strike a delicate balance that wins the favors of both the even-keeled Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Donald Trump's MAGA base. The moment Trump posted on Truth Social that he'd picked Vance, dozens of ambitious Ohio politicians began privately expressing interest in the seat. Some sources believe DeWine will tap Matt Dolan - but he's already ran for the Senate seat from Ohio unsuccessfully twice. DeWine endorsed Dolan's 2024 primary race, though the state senator is not fully behind former President Trump which could also pose an issue. Some sources believe DeWine will tap Matt Dolan - but he's already ran for the Senate seat from Ohio unsuccessfully twice Former President Donald J Trump makes an early appearance on the first night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Fiserv Forum next to VP pick JD Vance 'If DeWine could pick Dolan he would, I think he knows he can't do that. And Dolan knows it too,' said one source involved in Ohio politics. Other members of Congress - Reps. Warren Davidson, Mike Carey and Dave Joyce - could also be under consideration - and have expressed interest in the seat. Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, hasn't ruled out the prospect. In conversations with half a dozen sources plugged in to Ohio politics, none seemed to agree on who the governor might be leaning toward. Another name thrown around is Vivek Ramaswamy - the Ohio entrepreneur who shook up the presidential debates in his own presidential run - though insiders say he doesn't appear to be currying DeWine's favor. 'He's after the wrong audience,' said one source involved in the Ohio political scene, suggesting Ramaswamy is more focused on firing up a national MAGA base than the Ohio governor. 'Who else wants JD Vances Senate seat to be filled by [Ramaswamy]?' Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, wrote on X. 'Sounds great,' Elon Msuk replied. Ramaswamy told reporters at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee that he'd be open to the role. 'Id keep an eye on Jane Timken,' said another source plugged in to Ohio politics. 'Balances MAGA and traditional Republican. Timken was the chair of the Ohio Republican Party from 2017 to 2021. While she lost the Senate primary to Vance in 2022, she tried to paint herself as a Trump loyalist. Another name thrown around is Vivek Ramaswamy - the Ohio entrepreneur who shook up the presidential debates in his own presidential run - though insiders say he doesn't appear to be currying DeWine's favor Frank Larose is the former Ohio secretary of state who lost a Senate primary to Bernie Moreno this year 'Wouldnt count [Frank] LaRose out but he wouldnt make it out of a primary when the time comes. The conventional wisdom is Dolan, but he'd have the same problem plus Trump team would veto that.' Larose is the former Ohio secretary of state who lost a Senate primary to Bernie Moreno this year. While Larose tried to burnish his MAGA credentials throughout the race, he couldn't shake his pragmatic centrist reputation. Another source mentioned Timken and Larose as 'dark horse' candidates. And another said state attorney general Dave Yost could be a 'dark horse' candidate to 'clear the 2026 governor primary for [Lt. Gov. Jon] Husted.' Yost was involved in Trump's efforts to overturn the election results in 2020 and played a key role in defending the Ohio abortion law that banned abortion after six weeks into a pregnancy. Vance, the Hillbilly Elegy author and first-term senator, sailed to victory in 2022 against Democratic nominee Tim Ryan 53 to 47. The final words spoken by a father-of-two who was gunned down at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania have been revealed, as his wife says she will not take President Joe Biden's phone call because the victim was a 'devout Republican.' Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed Saturday night while trying to protect his wife and daughter in the moments after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire. 'He's my hero,' his wife, Helen Comperatore, told the New York Post. 'He just said "Get down!" That was the last thing he said.' President Biden has since tried to offer the Comperatore family his sympathies, but Helen said she did not want to hear from him. 'I don't talk to Biden,' she said. 'I didn't want to talk to him. My husband was a devout Republican and he would not have wanted me to talk to him,' she explained. Corey Comperatore (pictured right) was killed while trying to protect his wife (left) and daughter after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire Corey Comperatore served as chief of the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company for about three years but was also a life member, meaning he had served for more than 20 years Helen added that she has no 'ill-will' towards the president. 'I'm not one of those people that gets involved in politics,' she told the Post. 'I support Trump, that's who I'm voting for, but I don't have any ill-will towards Biden. 'He didn't do anything to my husband, a 20-year-old despicable kid did.' Helen said she and her husband, who were high school sweethearts, were on the verge of celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary when they headed to the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania to support the former president. 'Me and the kids were all there as a family,' she said. 'He was just excited. It was going to be a nice day with the family.' Comperatore eagerly shared his plans on X. Trump was also shot in the right ear by Crooks, who opened fire with an AR-style rifle from a roof 130 yards from the MAGA event But the rally turned into a tragedy when Crooks opened fire from a rooftop just 130 yards away from where Trump was standing. As he tried to protect his wife and daughter, Comperatore - a former volunteer firefighter - was shot in the head. An emergency room doctor at Donald Trump's rally revealed how he performed CPR on Comperatore after he was hit by a bullet intended for the former president. 'I heard the shots. I thought it was firecrackers begin with. Somebody over there was screaming 'he's been shot he's been shot,'' said the man who had blood splattered all over his white USA shirt. 'So I made my way over. I said I'm an emergency department physician. Let me help you.' 'The guy had spun around was jammed between the benches and a head shot here,' he told CBS News. 'So I got him together so I got people there really helpful. I did CPR chest compressions as well.' But the 50-year-old was later pronounced dead. Helen said she now wants America to remember Corey as a 'very loving husband.' 'He was a simple man, but he put his wife and kids first all the time,' she said. 'I did nothing here. I didn't lift a finger. He did everything.' Helen said she now wants America to remember Corey as a 'very loving husband' An online fundraiser set up to help the Comperatore family in the aftermath of the tragedy has now raised over $1million. Donald Trump's campaign has also raised more than $4million for the families of the three men either killed and wounded during Saturday's assassination attempt. As of writing, the number on the Trump-sanctioned GoFundMe was at $4,328,763 - more than four times its initial $1million goal. All donations will be divvied up by Comperatore's relatives, as well as those of David Dutch, 57; and James Copenhaver, 74, who were injured in the attack. The Trump team confirmed the GoFundMe's authenticity to The Hill, as the two living victims are said to be at hospitals in stable condition. 'President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in todays brutal and horrific assassination attempt,' a description on the highly trafficked webpage reads. 'All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. 'May God bless and unite our nation,' it concludes. More than 358 people proceeded to comment to show their support - as an astronomical 56,5000 people opened up their figurative wallets. The top donation appeared to be from former Trump donor Steve Wynn, a billionaire former casino operator who has lobbied for the GOP frontrunner relentlessly. Secret Service agents rushed to keep the former president down as the shots rang out Corey was described Sunday as a 'girl-dad' who had just turned 50 years old That gift clocked in at an eye-watering $50,000, from a man handpicked by Trump to be finance chair of the Republican National Committee in 2017. 'The donations that are coming in across the community and across the country, it's more than I can even imagine,' Helen told the Post of the fundraisers. 'It's more than I can fathom, but he deserves it all. He deserves everything,' she said of her late husband. Trump was also shot in the right ear by Crooks, who opened fire with an AR-style rifle from a roof 130 yards from the MAGA event. The former president was seen grabbing at his head and ducked as screams front terrified onlookers ran out. He then stood, pumped his fist and chanted 'fight, fight, fight' as Secret Service rushed him off stage and into a motorcade. An investigation into the shooting is now underway, as officials question how the gunman was able to set up his AR-style rifle just over 100 yards from the former president. A man who was already in custody has now been charged with an array of offences relating to the alleged abduction, drugging and sexual assault of a woman in April. The charges were laid against the 37-year-old man on Monday at Silverwater Correctional Centre. A 29-year-old Victorian man was extradited to NSW last month to be charged over the same incident. The 36-year-old woman was allegedly forced into a Toyota Camry at Epping, in Sydney's north-west, at 6.45pm on April 20. Officers found the woman at a different address the next day at 1pm where she told them that she had been drugged and sexually assaulted. She was immediately taken to hospital for treatment. The 37-year-old suspect has been charged with: take/detain in company with intent to ransom, occasion aggravated bodily harm, assault person intend criminal activity of criminal group. Detectives extradited a man from Victoria in June where he was charged over the incident Items seized by investigators during a search warrant at Eastwood last month The additional charges were: aggravated sexual assault in company and deprive liberty, use intoxicating substance to commit indictable offence, intentionally record intimate image without consent and threaten to distribute intimate image without consent. The man was listed to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday. Detectives have urged anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 while its investigation continues. EXCLUSIVE A right-wing British author has claimed Australia is surrendering its larrikinism to the 'woke mind virus' and argued free speech is under threat in the country. Toby Young, 60, made the comments after wrapping up a nationwide speaking tour of Australia last week. Young authored 'How to Lose Friends and Alienate People' - which was turned into a 2008 Hollywood movie starring Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst and Megan Fox. Young, the founder of the Daily Sceptic which runs pieces challenging government positions on climate change and Covid, also founded the Free Speech Union. He says the union, which has chapters in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, protects the right to express opinions - across the political spectrum - from attempted restrictions by the 'radical progressive left'. Young told Daily Mail Australia the country was losing its famed free-spirit and anti-authority bravado - and had become more closed-minded than it was decades ago. 'These days it is as if Crocodile Dundee is languishing in a prison cell waiting for trial,' he said. 'Hes awaiting trial for hate speech somewhere in Victoria. 'The emergence of wokeism has introduced a puritanical intolerance into the left which has meant a downgrading of how much they value free speech.' British anti-censorship advocate Toby Young said Australia was losing its right to free speech Young argued free speech was in 'dire straits across the western world' because America had 'exported the woke mind virus'. 'Were seeing the gradual spread of the woke religion, the great awokening, across the media, universities, governments, officials, the museums and heritage sector, the arts and thats all been deeply depressing,' he said. 'And here you dont seem to have much at all to protect you.' Young said Australia's Online Safety Act 'has empowered your eSafety Commissioner to effectively run amok'. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recently made an unsuccessful bid to force X to take down images of the Wakeley Church stabbing from its platform worldwide. 'That was an extraordinary over-reach on the part of the eSafety Commissioner to demand not just a video be removed from X in Australia but globally,' Young said. 'That is indicative of just how unlimited the censorious ambitions of people like Julie Inman Grant are. 'They want to cleanse social media of any dissenting or heretical content that challenges their radical progressive views, under the guise of protecting people.' 'What does she think gives her jurisdiction, the authority to make a demand like that?' Young also took aim at the Albanese government's proposed laws to curb misinformation and disinformation online. He argued 'we all know' what misinformation and disinformation 'really means'. 'It is any opinion that members of the radical progressive left disagree with,' he said. 'The fact that the losing side in the Voice referendum blamed misinformation and disinformation gives you a clue as to what a chilling effect the anti-misinformation Bill would have on free speech in Australia.' Young argued free speech was in 'dire straits across the western world' because America had 'exported the woke mind virus' (pictured, Sydneysiders at Bondi) Young said these days an exemplar of Aussie larrikinism such as movie character Crocodile Dundee 'would be locked up in Victoria for hate speech' Young said he was a victim of cancel culture in 2018 when then-British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed him as a non-executive director of the Office for Students regulator. Young's education credentials were established when he set up the West London Free School, a first-of-its-kind school independent of the educational authority but which received government funding. Young said the board position was a 'nothing burger of a job' which was not paid and only required he meet with other directors four times a year. 'That was the invitation to offence-archeologists to go back through everything I had ever said or written from 1987,' Young said. 'Because I have been a professional journalist all my life, it didnt take long to find a Tutankhamun tombs worth of offensive content. 'After eight days of leading the news on 'resignation watch' I stood down and apologised for some of the more sophomoric things I had said on X late at night. 'I thought that would draw a line under it but it was just the opposite effect. It was like throwing raw beef to a shoal of piranha fish, there was blood in the water. 'They came for me in four other jobs so I ended up having to stand down from five other positions. So, I was well and truly cancelled.' It was that sequence of events that inspired to launch his Free Speech Union, which takes up the cause of other people who have been cancelled, fired or banned for expressing an opinion. 'When I recovered I thought what I really needed when that was happening to me to was a professional organisation who could provide me with really good advice, should I apologise or will that make things worse?' Young said. 'Should I get out and defend myself or will that just prolong the story? 'Is there anyone else this has happened to and you can put me touch with and give me a few pointers for support? 'But there was no organisation like that so thats why I decided to start the Free Speech Union.' Labour last night promised to recalibrate Britain's defences to thwart a 'deadly quartet' of threatening states as it launched a strategic defence review. The party warned how Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are 'increasingly working together' against the UK's interests, so Britain must meet the challenge they pose. But despite being pressed repeatedly, Defence Secretary John Healey refused to say when UK spending on its Armed Forces will reach the benchmark figure of 2.5 per cent of GDP. The review will be led by former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, retired General Sir Richard Barrons and former US presidential advisor Dr Fiona Hill. While Mr Healey said its findings would 'define defence for the next decade', he has already identified issues which must be tackled immediately. British Army soldiers join a full tri-service and Commonwealth rehearsal on the runway at RAF Odiham on April 30, 2023 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right), with Defence Secretary John Healey, at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, during his visit to the US to attend the Nato 75th anniversary summit Leaders take their seats for a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council during the NATO summit in Washington, July 11, 2024 The UK's Army, which is at its smallest since Napoleonic times, has been beset with recruitment and retention problems, which he said must be fixed immediately. The review is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Mr Healey said there would then be a 'fiscal event', at which decisions on defence spending will be announced. He said: 'At the start of a new era for Britain, we need a new era for defence. Hollowed-out armed forces, procurement waste and neglected morale cannot continue. 'Meanwhile, we need to be clear eyed about the threats we face, with the world becoming more volatile and technology changing the nature of warfare. 'We will work properly but apace and have assembled the best possible combination of external experts. 'On the 2.5 per cent, which hasn't been delivered since the last Labour government, this will be settled through a fiscal event and give us a framework through which to operate. 'But let's not kid ourselves that 2.5 per cent is a magic wand that is going to solve all our problems. We face a very serious situation to be able to defend Britain better.' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L), Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (C), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (2R) and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) attend a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council during the NATO 75th anniversary summit Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey (pictured) during a tour of the Sheffield Forgemaster's site Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks as he participates in a bilateral meeting with Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg on July 10 Lord Robertson described the 'deadly quartet' - of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea - as 'increasingly working together' to undermine the rules based international order. He said: 'So this country, and the NATO alliance, has got to be able to confront that particular quartet, as well as the other problems facing the world. We can bring fresh eyes and fresh thinking.' The 'root and branch' review has been commissioned by the Prime Minister and will be overseen by Mr Healey. It will consult serving military, veterans, MPs, those in industry and analysts. Submissions will be invited until the end of September. The review comes amid Vladimir Putin's illegal occupation of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and Chinese expansion in the Indo-Pacific. Mr Healey dismissed concerns that the cohesion of NATO could be threatened by victory for Donald Trump in the November US Presidential election. The former president, who is expected to return to the White House, has previously threatened to pull out of the defensive alliance. The US's geo-political priorities are also expected to shift, according to many observers, from Europe to the Indo-Pacific to respond to the rise of China. Mr Healey added: 'The UK strategy is NATO-first. The great thing about NATO, and the UK-US alliance, is that it has demonstrated the capacity to survive political ups and downs on both sides of the Atlantic. 'We will work with whatever president is elected.' Karl Stefanovic has blasted a construction union boss and accused him of covering up the organisation's alleged corruption in a bruising interview on live TV. In a fiery exchange on Tuesday morning, the Today host took aim at Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) national secretary Zach Smith. 'How long have you been covering up your union's alleged corruption for?' he asked Mr Smith. The organisation's Victorian branch faces ongoing allegations of intimidation, union thuggery and employing bikies and people with organised crime links on government-funded construction sites, following a Nine media investigation. The CFMEU's former Victorian state secretary John Setka resigned from his role on Friday, but denied the allegations, claiming the 'malicious attacks' did nothing but 'harm the work this great union does for its members'. Mr Smith insisted the 'union has covered nothing up' and said there was 'no place for criminality in our union'. He said the CFMEU had placed its Victorian branch into administration and had appointed an independent investigator to probe the claims. 'So essentially you're taking the 'I know nothing' defence?' quizzed Stefanovic. 'It defies belief.' Today Host Karl Stefanovic (pictured) has launched a scathing attack on embattled CFMEU boss Zach Smith, accusing him of 'covering up' the organisation's 'alleged corruption' Mr Smith accused Stefanovic of 'putting words into my mouth' and said the union needed to have processes that 'affords people the presumption of innocence and procedural fairness'. 'That's not an accurate reflection of what I said,' Mr Smith added. Further explosive claims published by Nine media on Tuesday revealed both then Victorian deputy premier Jacinta Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received letters detailing the CFMEU's alleged violence and intimidation in 2022. The claims made by an Indigenous labour-hire firm also detailed incidents of officials banning non-union affiliated firms from major state and federal construction projects. Nine newspapers revealed Mr Albanese's office did not respond to the letter, while Ms Allan took a year to respond and deferred the allegations to the federal government. Labor is now facing increasing pressure to end political donations from the CFMEU, with Ms Allan announcing a ban. The CFMEU is facing allegations of intimidation, union thuggery and employing bikies and people with organised crime links on government worksites (pictured, Mr Smith) Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the Australian Labor Party executive would consider the move in a meeting scheduled for Wednesday as well as a further sanctions against the CFMEU. The union has only been suspended from the ALP in Victoria, with South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas reportedly advocating for similar action in his state. 'That's a matter for the party and obviously that will be considered in due course,' Mr Conroy said. 'What I'm focused on ... is what can we do as a federal government to stamp out the sort of behaviour that's been reported and that's why (Industrial Relations Minister) Tony Burke has asked for options from his department and all options are on the table, up to and including deregistration of the union.' Incredible new video shows the chaotic aftermath of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and reveals what led to the former president visibly asking for his shoes back. The video follows Dailymail.com exclusive photos on Monday showing a ladder hidden behind trees and propped up on the side of the AGR building and leading directly to the rooftop where Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, unleashed his volley of shots directly at the stage. Secret Service - who have come under heavy scrutiny for their efforts that day - rush to surround the former president to insulate and shield him from further gunfire. Initially dazed, Trump told agents: 'let me get my shoes, let me get my shoes' as he got up from the ground. The video, posted by WBEN just as Trump was arriving at the RNC in his first appearance since the assassination attempt, covers an angle previously unseen amid the chaos from behind Trump as he spoke. It shows the Secret Service tackling Trump and removing his shoes and tossing them off the stage. A new video shows what knocked Donald Trump 's shoes off during the failed assassination attempt at him on Saturday Dozens of questions were asked in the wake of the shooting, where one audience member was killed and Trump himself miraculously survived. People have wondered why Trump kept asking, in the wake of the gunfire, to get his shoes back Trump himself has also seen the bizarre side of the incident, confirming what was visible on the video clip in the first interview he gave after the shooting. 'The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,' he said. Trump has praised the speed and strength of his security. He said he received a bruise on his arm just from a secret service member keeping him on the floor. 'That's just from a guy grabbing me,' Trump said. 'You know how strong you have to be to do that?' 'They did a fantastic job,' he added. 'It's surreal for all of us.' He told the Secret Service he wanted to try and go back to the podium and keep speaking. 'I wanted to keep speaking - I wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot. It's a very surreal experience, and you never know what you're going to do until a thing like that happens.' A ladder Concealed by dense shrubbery to the roof of the AGR building where Crooks shot Donald Trump The rooftop from where the shooter fired at the stage, barely 150 yards away A team of snipers were inside the building where Donald Trump's 20-year-old would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks from the roof and opened fire after being spotted climbing into his shooting position 26 minutes earlier, bombshell new reports claim. The shocking new allegations surfaced as authorities and the U.S. Secret Service face mounting questions over how Crooks was able to shoot the former president and kill a member of the rally crowd. One of the snipers saw Crooks outside the building and staring up at the roof where he would eventually commit the shooting, CBS News reported. Another sniper even took a photo of Crooks after he went back, sat down and checked his phone. Snipers began to take real action when Crooks got out a rangefinder, with one of them sending a radio message to their command post, before Crooks vanished once more. He returned once again, however, with a backpack. Multiple snipers radioed that he was headed to the back of the building. However, by the time backup arrived, he'd already gotten to the roof, with some officers hypothesizing that he used an air conditioning unit to make his climb. By the time state police arrived at the scene Crooks had already done his damage and been killed by a Secret Service sniper. Trump himself has also seen the bizarre side of the incident, confirming what was visible on the video clip in the first interview he gave after the shooting Shortly after Trump was raced away, the lifeless body of Thomas Matthew Crooks was seen on a rooftop surrounded by agents. His death was not confirmed until 7:24pm Yearbook images have surfaced of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who opened fire on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania A horrifying video shows witnesses pointing at the roof and shouting at officers trying to warn them. MAGA fans also say they alerted law enforcement to Crooks as he crawled to his shooting position, but he was still able to shoot. Law enforcement at the event in Butler, Pennsylvania are facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed the roof was flagged as a security 'vulnerability'. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said on Monday night that she would not resign despite mounting calls for her to step aside over the huge lapses that led to one of the most horrific acts of political violence in history. Local police, not the Secret Service, swept the building, but Crooks was still able to climb to the top and take aim at the former president. The former president, 78, survived the horrifying assassination attempt when the bullet missed him by less than an inch on Saturday afternoon. It came eight minutes after he took the stage at 6:03pm ET, where Trump began his remarks and pointed to a large graphic in the same direction where the shooter was perched atop an AGR International building. Even before he took the stage, Trump supporters said they spotted the gunman 'bear-crawling' across the roof with a rifle, but claimed their warnings to Secret Service were ignored. With the sun still high on a bright day, Trump emerged to 'God Bless the USA' playing over the loudspeakers at 6:03pm, and remained waving and shaking his fist at the crowd for several minutes. Trump grabbed his right ear as the first shots rang out at 6:12pm Trump brought out a large graphic with statistics on the migrant crisis at the southern border, and told the crowd at 6:11pm: 'That chart's a couple of months old...' 'If you want to really see something that's sad, take a look at what happened,' Trump continued - before he abruptly grabbed the side of his head as several 'pops' filled the event space. The 78-year-old dropped to the floor in an instant as five more shots rang overhead in quick succession, before four Secret Service agents raced to the stage and dove on top of the former president. Stunning images showed Trump cowered on the floor as agents protected him, with blood dripping down his cheek. Several more Secret Service agents continued to flood the stage, while four heavily armed officers lined the perimeter ordering attendees to 'get down.' The sniper, sat 400ft across from the rally on an exposed rooftop, fired another shot at the stage a second later while Trump fans streamed out of the bleachers. Secret Service scrambled to take control of the pandemonium where three attendees were hit, one fatally, within a matter of seconds. An emergency room doctor with blood spattered on his shirt later said he sprang into action to perform emergency CPR on one victim. Attendees claimed they warned the Secret Service over a man on the roof where the gunman was later killed 'The guy had spun around was jammed between the benches and a head shot here. There's lots of blood and he had brain matter,' he told CBS News. 'So I got him together so I got people there really helpful. I did CPR chest compressions as well.' Trump returned to public life and campaigning with a triumphant appearance at the opening night of the Republican National Convention on Monday in Milwaukee. Donald Trump last night named his Vice Presidential running mate as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. The former President said that Mr Vance, a former venture capitalist, was 'best suited' to the role and would 'fight for our Constitution'. Mr Vance is known for writing best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy about his working class upbringing in the Midwest which was turned into a film starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. He is seen as the telegenic face of Trumpism and staunchly defends Mr Trump during his frequent appearances on TV. Yet the 39-year-old, who was educated at Yale, once proudly called himself a 'Never Trump guy'. He previously claimed that the former President was an 'idiot' and that voters backed him for 'racist reasons'. But by the time Mr Trump tapped Mr Vance to be his running mate on Monday, the Ohio native had become one of the former President's most ardent defenders, standing by his side even when other high-profile Republicans declined to do so. Donald Trump last night named his Vice Presidential running mate as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance . The former President said that Mr Vance, a former venture capitalist, was 'best suited' to the role and would 'fight for our Constitution'. Mr Vance is seen celebrating after receiving the nomination at Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15, 2024 Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is nominated as the candidate for Vice President on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Eight years ago, in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Mr Vance was a bitter critic of Mr Trump, both publicly and privately. He called Mr Trump an 'idiot' and said he was 'reprehensible', as well as compared him to Adolf Hitler. 'I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical asshole like Nixon who wouldn't be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that he's America's Hitler,' Mr Vance wrote privately to an associate on Facebook in 2016. When his Hitler comment was first reported, in 2022, a spokesperson did not dispute it, but said it no longer represented Mr Vance's views. But Mr Vance did a complete U-turn in 2022 when he ran for a Senate seat in Ohio, his first run for elected office, and after kissing Mr Trump's ring, he won his support - and won the election. At the time the former President said that Mr Vance 'gets it now, and I have seen that in spades'. After Mr Trump was shot at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday, Mr Vance was one of the first to blame the Biden administration for it. He wrote on social media: 'Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. 'That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination'. Mr Vance last month admitted that he had been 'wrong about Donald Trump'. He told Fox News's Bret Baier: 'I didn't think he was going to be a good president. 'He was a great president, and it's one of the reasons why I'm working so hard to make sure he gets a second term.' Mr Vance, addressing his reversal on Mr Trump, added: 'When you are wrong about something you should change your mind and be honest with people about that fact.' He also argued that his changed stance on Mr Trump 'presents a real opportunity to talk to the American people because a lot of people didn't think Trump was going to be a good president and a lot of people were happy to be proven wrong'. A spokesperson for Mr Vance declined to provide further comment to MailOnline. Sen. J.D. Vance is seen pointing at former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio Mr Vance did a complete U-turn in 2022 when he ran for a Senate seat in Ohio, his first run for elected office, and after kissing Mr Trump's ring, he won his support - and won the election. Mr Vance is pictured alongside Mr Trump at a Save America rally in Delaware, Ohio, April 23, 2022 Donald Trump revealed Mr Vance as his VP pick with a statement on Truth Social on Monday afternoon that read like a resume, listing his career achievements Mr Vance is married to his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, a lawyer with whom he has three children. Mr Trump had already dismissed a rumour that Mr Vance's beard would disqualify him - the former president is reportedly averse to facial hair. On Truth Social Mr Trump wrote: 'As Vice President, J.D. will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Congratulations to Senator J.D. Vance, his wife, Usha, who also graduated from Yale Law School, and their three beautiful children'. The two other men on the shortlist to be Mr Trump's Vice President had been Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota, a wealthy former software executive, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Mr Vance's transformation - from self-described 'never Trumper' to stalwart loyalist - makes him a relatively unusual figure in Trump's inner circle. Democrats and even some Republicans have questioned whether Mr Vance, who wrote a bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' in 2016, is driven more by opportunism than ideology. Georgia state Senator Josh McLaurin, a Democrat who allegedly went to law school with Mr Vance, was heavily critical of him, calling the VP nominee a 'sellout'. 'I'm the guy JD Vance sent the "America's Hitler" text to in 2016,' Mr McLaurin tweeted. 'He was my roommate in law school. Obviously he's a sellout, but the bigger deal is he's angry and vindictive. 'The perfect fit for Trump's revenge. JD's rise is a triumph for angry jerks everywhere.' This is the moment Sen. J.D. Vance was nominated for the office of Vice President on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance celebrate as he is nominated for the office of Vice President alongside Ohio Delegate Bernie Moreno on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin But Mr Trump and many of his advisers see Mr Vance's transformation as genuine. They point out that Mr Vance's political beliefs - which mix isolationism with economic populism - dovetail with those of Mr Trump, and put both men at odds with the old guard of the Republican Party, where foreign policy hawks and free market evangelists still hold sway. Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, whom Mr Vance has described as a mentor, told Reuters that the Vice Presidential nominee shifted his views on Mr Trump because 'he saw the successes that President Trump as president brought to the country'. In particular, Mr Vance's vocal opposition to US aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia has delighted Mr Trump's most conservative allies, even as it has upset some Senate colleagues. Mr Vance is known for writing best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy about his working class upbringing in the Midwest which was turned into a film starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams 'He understands what Trump is running on and, unlike the rest of the Republican Party in Washington, agrees with it,' conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, a vocal Mr Vance supporter, has said. Mr Vance was born into an impoverished home in southern Ohio. His pick may help boost the Trump campaign's Rust Belt bona fides in a race that will be determined by voters in a handful of battleground states, including nearby Pennsylvania and Michigan, though his conservative views may be a turn-off for moderate voters. 'To the extent that he can do anything for the ticket, it would be to recapture being the voice of the American dream,' said David Niven, an associate professor of politics at the University of Cincinnati who has worked as a speechwriter for two Democratic governors, referring to Mr Vance's rise from poverty to US senator and vice presidential candidate. After serving in the Marine Corps, attending Yale Law School and working as a venture capitalist in San Francisco, Mr Vance rose to national prominence thanks to his 2016 book Hillbilly Elegy. In that memoir, he explored the socioeconomic problems confronting his hometown and attempted to explain Mr Trump's popularity among impoverished white Americans to readers. By 2022, Mr Vance's demonstrations of loyalty - which included downplaying the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol - were sufficient to score the former president's coveted endorsement. Trump's support helped put him over the top in a competitive primary. In media interviews, the Ohio senator has said there was no 'Eureka' moment that changed his views on Mr Trump. Rather, he gradually realized that his opposition to the former president was rooted in style rather than substance. J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance wave to supporters after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio Mr Vance married Usha Chilukuri in 2014. The couple share three children together For instance, he agreed with Mr Trump's contentions that free trade had hollowed out middle America by crushing domestic manufacturing and that the nation's leaders were too quick to get involved in foreign wars. 'I allowed myself to focus so much on the stylistic element of Trump that I completely ignored the way in which he substantively was offering something very different on foreign policy, on trade, on immigration,' Vance told the New York Times in June. In the same interview, Mr Vance said that he met Trump in 2021 and that the two grew closer during his Senate campaign. The Ohio senator's detractors see his shift in views as a cynical ploy to ascend the ranks of Republican politics. 'What you see is some really profound opportunism,' said Mr Niven, the politics professor. One issue where his position appears to have converged with Trump is abortion. Mr Vance implied in a 2021 interview that victims of rape and incest should be required to carry pregnancies to term, and in November he described a vote by Ohioans to add the right to abortion care to the state's constitution as a 'gut punch'. This year, he said he supports access to the abortion pill mifepristone, a view that Trump shares. Before Mr Vance developed a relationship with the former president, he grew close with Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, according to several people familiar with their relationship. Mr Vance has become close to Donald Trump Jr. who is seen campaigning with him in 2022 Donald Trump Jr. weighed in to back Mr Vance in March 2022, paving the way for his father's endorsement Mr Vance first caught Mr Trump Jr's eye when he opposed aid to Ukraine during the Ohio Senate primary in 2022, according to one of those people, a position that put him at odds with the other Republicans in the race. Mr Vance's personal relationship with Mr Trump developed for the most part during the Republican presidential primary earlier this year, that person said. His decision to endorse Mr Trump in January 2023, well before some other vice-presidential hopefuls, served as an important demonstration of loyalty, that person added. In February 2023, Mr Trump and Mr Vance visited East Palestine, Ohio, the site of a toxic train derailment, a trip that raised Mr Vance's national profile. They portrayed Democratic President Joe Biden's decision at the time not to visit the working-class community as a betrayal of middle America. The White House noted at the time that federal agents were on the scene almost immediately after the derailment, and that visiting a disaster site can distract from local recovery efforts. Mr Biden eventually visited East Palestine roughly a year later, in February 2024. Behind the scenes, Mr Vance has helped campaign for Mr Trump, according to two people with knowledge of the former president's fundraising operations. Mr Vance, for instance, helped put together a Bay Area fundraiser in June hosted by venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, one of those people said. Georgia state Senator Josh McLaurin, a Democrat who allegedly went to law school with Mr Vance, was heavily critical of him, calling the VP nominee a 'sellout' Off the campaign trail, some of Mr Trump's highest-profile allies - including Mr Trump Jr, Mr Carlson, and Steve Bannon - have been delighted by Mr Vance's brief tenure on Capitol Hill. All of those individuals have legions of conservative followers, and their approval may help drive Republicans to the polls. Mr Vance's skepticism of corporate America, support for tariffs, weariness of foreign entanglements and his youth make him a leading voice of a new Republican Party that is more focused on the working class than big business in the eyes of supporters. 'I think that in terms of bringing to the ticket, he can articulate the pain that American families are feeling better than almost anybody else,' said Mr Barrasso. Mr Vance has been criticized for just copying Mr Trump. 'Vance is an echo to Trump,' said Mr Niven, 'not a new voice.' A teenager who was arrested for jaywalking has had the last laugh after a judge threw out his ridiculous case. The 17-year-old was on the sidewalk with friends in the suburb of Dunleith on June 29 this year when the group realized cops were preparing to approach them. Perhaps sensing something was not right, he took out his phone and began filming the interaction, capturing the moment two officers pulled up to the group. In the clip, an officer is heard aggressively demanding they stop and provide identification, but is reluctant to tell them why. Within just one minute, the teenager is arrested. While he exacted some form of revenge when a judge later threw out the case, the teen's mother has since branded the officer's conduct as 'absolutely unhinged'. A black teenager from Delaware was stopped by police officers while walking along the street A group of black friends were walking on the street in Dunleith, a suburb of Wilmington when they were 'randomly' stopped Video sees several patrol cars pulling up alongside the group of teen before an officer can be heard yelling 'Stop it, you guys, stop!' When the teen asks why he is being stopped, the officer simply repeats his order: 'I'm telling you to stop.' 'What you stopping me for,' the teen asks again before the officer responds: 'You're about to be detained right now if you don't stop.' The teen can be heard asking for clarification for a third time - 'What you trying to detain me for? Tell us,' he asks. 'Stop walking and just chill. Right now, we're stopping you for a pedestrian violation,' the officer responds before he asks for ID. 'Pedestrian violation of what?' the teenager asks. But the patience of the officer appears to grow thin, fast and without warning immediately pulls out his handcuffs to place the teen under arrest. 'Alright, turn around and put your hands behind your back,' the officer demands. When asked what he was being searched for, the agitated officer simply says that he is being detained as part of a 'traffic stop'. 'Right now, you're being detained because you are uncooperating with a traffic stop,' the officer says. But the explanation seems far-fetched to the teen. 'How am I being a traffic stop? I'm not in a vehicle, sir,' the teen replies. The officer explained that it was a 'traffic stop' then changed his mind to a 'pedestrian stop' Only one teen member of the group was arrested by police and put in handcuffs Despite his arrest for jaywalking, it turns out the teen has had the last laugh with the charges against him being dismissed by a judge 'It's called a pedestrian stop,' the officer responds. But when the teen asks exactly what that means, the officer loses his patience. 'You want to shut the f*** up and let me explain it to you? You crossed the road without using the crosswalk.' The teen was the only one out of his group of friends to be ticketed but ultimately the charges against him dismissed by a judge. 'I don't understand if he thought it was going to get me angry or what he thought it was going to possibly do,' the teen said to Delaware Online. 'I don't know. I'm still in shock about it.' The boy's mother Paula Wright said the officer involved in the arrest was 'unhinged'. 'I think they're absolutely unhinged. To be honest with you, I think that they're the biggest gang in Delaware,' Wright said. 'The cop, for him to get out of the car and say "Stop right there. Give me your ID right now. I'm gonna detain you", What sort of approach is that?' she asks. The police have maintained they were right to stop the group of young people, claiming they had been observed behaving both 'recklessly' and 'suspiciously'. 'Officers witnessed the group run across New Castle Avenue without utilizing a proper crosswalk. While crossing the road, one of the individuals was observed running recklessly through active traffic, nearly causing an accident,' said Senior Cpl. Richard Chambers in a statement. It was claimed another teen was walking holding his waistband, possibly to give the impression to others that he might have been carrying a weapon in his pants. Officers said also said that two of the teens had been 'wearing hooded sweatshirts with the hoods up,' which also made officers suspicious. 'Officers observed this to be odd as it was approximately 80 degrees,' the statement said. A Labor MP has been accused of 'thuggery' after admitting he used the electoral roll to track down and visit people who made negative comments about him online. Barry O'Rourke, the state MP for Rockhampton, Queensland, told a local radio station on Monday that he did this as a 'bit of karma' and said he was a 'fairly big fella'. Mr O'Rourke said though it could be seen as 'a little bit stupid' to visit these people, he did not like that 'keyboard warriors' could make nasty comments about him anonymously. 'So quite often people put those really negative yucky comments, and then I go to Facebook and I track down who they are,' he said. 'Then I see if they're on the electoral roll and if they are I love going around to visit. 'And you should see them, they turn into the most placid people and just so nice to your face.' But James Ashby, the One Nation candidate for the neighbouring electorate of Keppel, slammed Mr O'Rourke's behaviour, which he said he listened to with 'disbelief' on the radio. 'Here's a member of the Queensland Labor government who finds it funny to access your private information from the electoral roll to then turn up at someone's front door and physically intimidate them because they've said something on social media that he doesn't like,' Mr Ashby told Daily Mail Australia in a statement. Labor MP Barry O'Rourke (pictured with then Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk) has been accused of 'thuggery' after admitting he used the electoral roll to track down and visit people who made negative comments about him online 'This needs to be referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission for a complete investigation, and it must be condemned by the premier (Steven Miles) himself as unacceptable. 'If this form of Labor thuggery isn't already a crime, it should be.' Mr O'Rourke was unrepentant when discussing his behaviour in the radio interview, though. 'I just think a bit of karma, I love it, you know it's probably a little bit stupid of me to do it sometimes. But as I said I'm a fairly big fella,' he said. When he was asked if he was trying to intimidate through his actions, he said there was never any excuse for abuse or intimidation, neither face-to-face nor online. 'I'm always willing to listen to the diverse views of the people I represent,' he said. In a social media statement on Tuesday, Mr O'Rourke confirmed he searches the electoral roll to see if certain social media commenters are from fake accounts or actually from his local area. 'When I see they are a real person, I will often make sure to include their home in the regular doorknocking I have done around town over the past seven years,' he wrote. 'I don't treat them any differently to their neighbours, I don't mention their behaviour on Facebook, I just introduce myself and have a chat.' Mr O'Rourke said doing this allowed the public to raise their concerns with him in person and that he found people who made rude comments about him online were 'perfectly polite and friendly' when they met him. 'I completely reject the notion that I've ever used "intimidation tactics",' he said. Under electoral law an MP is allowed to use the information on the electoral roll for purposes relevant to the performance of their duties. The MP added that the electoral roll, is a publicly accessible document. 'In the old days you'd look up people in the telephone book and this isn't much different. 'I am happy to defend myself for trying to take conversations offline rather than online,' he said. Mr Miles backed his colleague, saying what he had done was a valid use of the electoral roll. 'I doorknock all the time, I visit Queenslanders all the time, it's a key part of my job,' the Premier said. 'It's an entirely appropriate use of the electoral roll. 'I would encourage my MPs whenever they receive feedback positive or negative to reach out to those members of the community and talk with them.' Mr O'Rourke (right) is pictured with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (centre) and Labor MP for Keppel, Brittany Lauga (left) Mr Ashby, who is chief of staff to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, said 'it's frightening to know Mr O'Rourke likes to make inappropriate use of the Queensland electoral roll to intimidate people who say something he doesn't like. 'I'm curious to know what other ways Labor uses the public's personal details contained in the electoral roll.' Mr O'Rourke is set to retire at the October election. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr O'Rourke and Premier Steven Miles for comment. Qantas has launched non-stop flights from Australia to Paris for the first time ever just in time for the Olympics. The airline's first direct flight took off from Perth at 7.35pm on Sunday and travelled 14,264 kilometres before landing in the French capital at 6:55am on Monday. The 17-and-a-half-hour Perth-to-Paris flight is the world's sixth-longest and shaves three hours off what had previously been the quickest option. Another two hours and 45 minutes is clipped off for the Paris-to-Perth trip, making the total airtime for a return flight almost six hours shorter than it had been. Captain Phil Paterson was in the cockpit for the first flight and announced to the cabin upon takeoff that 'rule number one is: don't run into the Eiffel Tower.' This is the first time in 20 years Qantas has flown to Paris and it will be offering four flights per week during the European summer and 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson said that a 'significant increase' in passengers asking for non-stop direct flight led to the airline expanding its options. 'In recent years we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long haul routes and avoiding stop overs wherever possible,' she said. The first ever non-stop flight from Australia to Paris launched on Sunday from Perth The 17-and-a-half hour Perth-to-Paris leg shaves three hours off the next quickest option between the cities and is the world's sixth-longest flight 'Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network. 'With these new flights, our customers can depart Perth in the evening and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy brunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower.' Qantas now has three direct routes between Australia and Europe after launching its Perth-Rome flight in 2022 and it's Perth-London in 2018. Western Australia's Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said 23,000 French tourists visited the state in 2023. The new direct flight will open up an additional 75,000 seats between Europe and Perth annually. 'Not only is this an important link between WA and France, it will also provide better connections for dozens of other European destinations, boosting tourism opportunities across the region,' Ms Saffioti said. 'Perth will be the gateway to Paris for Australia. 'Reconnecting WA with the rest of the world has been a major focus for us since borders reopened post-pandemic' Qantas' new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will fly between Perth and Paris four times per week up until mid-August, after which it will be reduced to three. The plane carries 236 passengers across its business, premium economy and economy sections. Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson (centre) said that customers had been demanding more non-stop long haul flights Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry, created a French-themed menu for passengers travelling in business class. The dinner service includes a pumpkin and ginger soup with chive creme fraiche, sourdough and Pep Saya butter and fresh green leaf salad to start. The main dish is a coq au vin with pancetta, mushroom, potato puree and snow peas which is followed by a rum savarin with Chantilly cream and berries to finish. A specially curated selection of French movies will also be available across the international inflight system throughout July to celebrate the occasion. Qantas first launched Australia-to-Europe flights in 1947 and at the time it took four days and seven stops to get from Sydney to London. The airliner is looking to get flights to Europe running from the east coast again with its 'Project Sunrise' which hopes to bring non-stop flights to cities other than Perth. Project Sunrise has been delayed by aircraft delivery and certification but is expected to achieve its goal in two years. EXCLUSIVE Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and a high-profile Liberal senator ran up a taxpayer-funded bill of $21,084 for two private flights to talk about the cost of living crisis. Senator Price and Senator Jane Hume took a charter jet for the short 300km hop from Adelaide to Port Augusta, South Australia, on August 21 for a series of cost-of-living committee hearings. The total cost of that single 55-minute flight was $10,542, according to figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA). The following day, on August 22, they set off on a private charter jet from Port Augusta to Alice Springs at the cost of another $10,542. The flights were organised by the Cost of Living Committee Secretariat, which is a government initiative that is supposed to find ways of reducing cost of living pressures in Australia. Daily Mail Australia understands the committee - chaired by Senator Hume - decided private flights were the best and most economical way of transporting the senators and staff to hearings, even though the first was within driving distance. One-way Qantaslink flights from Adelaide to Port Augusta start at about $165, while a number of commercial carriers operate between Port Augusta and Alice Springs - with nonstop flights starting at around $300. Jane Hume (left) is pictured with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (centre) and Kerrynne Liddle (right) at the Cost of Living Committee hearing in Port Augusta on August 22 The $10,542 cost of the private plane was split three ways, between Ms Price, Ms Hume and the Department of the Senate at a cost of $3,514 each, with taxpayers ultimately footing the entire bill. They ran up an identical $10,542 bill for the second leg of the journey from Port Augusta to Alice Springs which was also evenly shared, according to the IPEA data. At the end of the trip, Ms Price and Ms Hume hit social media to talk about the cost of living committee and how locals are in financial turmoil. Standing side-by-side in an Instagram video on August 23, Ms Hume said: 'We've just capped off three days of hearings at the cost of living committee in Adelaide, in Port Augusta and here in Alice Springs. '[We have been] talking to communities, talking to business groups, and talking to locals themselves about how the rising cost of living is affecting them.' Ms Price said she had enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the cost of living committee, particularly in her home town of Alice Springs. 'The sort of things that are impacting our community include the devastation of family break ups, domestic violence, crime - those sorts of things, and cost of living is really contributing to that,' she said. 'It's great for the community members who have come out to share their personal stories, as well as stories involving their organisations and the way that they're struggling to support our vulnerable community members.' They then appeared on local radio in Alice Springs and spoke about the cost of living crisis. Jane Hume (left) is pictured with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (centre) and Kerrynne Liddle at the hearing Pictured: Senator Hume (left) and Senator Price (right) speaking on local radio in Alice Springs The committee has released a number of reports with cost of living recommendations, but it is unclear if those recommendations will be implemented. The Select Committee on the Cost of Living referred all enquiries on the flights to Senator Hume as committee chair. Spokesmen for Ms Hume and Ms Price said the flights were within the relevant rules and 'constitute a sensible use of public money, and were therefore reasonably incurred'. About a month earlier on July 6, Ms Price had spent a further $5,900 when she chartered a private plane from Alice Springs to Uluru. The trip was to carry out Parliamentary duties during NAIDOC week, which was in line with her roles as Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator for the Northern Territory. Senator Hume went on the trip in August, but she claimed the $7,028 share of the bill in the October-December 2023 quarter. During the same quarter, she spent $39,728 on domestic travel for seven staffers. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) is the Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator for the Northern Territory Last week, Daily Mail Australia revealed Opposition leader Peter Dutton billed taxpayers $63,015 for three private jet flights during a two-day cost of living trip to regional towns. Earlier, Mr Dutton was called out for claiming $23,000 in travel expenses after booking a private jet from Canberra to Tamworth to speak at a News Corp event - and again, to criticise the cost of living crisis under Labor. During the same three-month reporting period, Anthony Albanese charged Australian taxpayers $1million for everything from international travel to office supplies - including $298,899 for trips to Asia, the UK, the Middle East, and Europe. Further, climate change minister Chris Bowen spent $30,564 of taxpayer money on flights to attend three international environmental conferences in under six months, all while urging Australians to reduce emissions. A drag story time event was interrupted at a public library after noisy protestors gathered outside the object to it. The demonstrators armed thesmelves with loudspeakers and signs outside the Salisbury Community Hub in Adelaide's north on Monday morning. Performer Fifa LaDouche was reading to children during the 'Rainbow Storytime' event while police monitored the protestors outside. The event had been brought forward by an hour to 9am after Salisbury Council received more than 100 letters oppossing the event. The time change was not announced publicly, however protestors still managed to get wind of the move and gatecrashed the event. 'They are quite happy to let children get groomed,' one shouted while holding a sign. One man was dressed in black and hid his face behind a balaclava and reflective sunglasses while shouting through a loudspeaker. Protester Raina Cruise told 7News she thought the event was inappropriate for children. Police were called in to barricade a drag time story event and keep away protesters at a public library in Adelaide on Monday The small group of protesters made their voices heard though a loudspeaker outside Salisbury library 'Imagine a 10-year-old coming in and seeing a man dressed provocatively as a woman, and he is, doing story time and then going home and asking: "Mum. Is that a boy or a girl?"' Salisbury mayor Gillian Aldridge defended the event and said the children were undeterred by the noisy rally. 'They all came in really bravely and I was really impressed by them all,' she said. 'The story time went beautifully, it was lovely, we sand lots of nursery rhymes and clapped our hands to show us your are happy.' 'All sorts of people live in Salisbury, we care about them all and we include them all and that's why we're a very inclusive community.' Fifi LaDouche read two books including 'Chicken Divas' - which is about chickens secretly singing at Club Sparkles every night. The second book - 'Just the Way We Are' - was a story about non-traditional families. One Nation South Australian MP MLC Sarah Game labelled the event 'totally inappropriate for young children' and said it encouraged them to question their 'gender identity'. 'There's a growing concern in the community about teaching children about gender fluidity because we don't really understand the impact that has on young minds,' Ms Game said. South Australian One Nation MP Sarah Game claimed a number of parents had approached her to raise their concerns 'They're adult concepts and it's confusing for children. I think we just need to allow children to be children and let them grow up and be who they are without these other influences.' Ms Game said she was speaking out because a number of parents had expressed their concerns to her. 'I don't think any taxpayer funding should be used for events like this at all,' she said. 'I've had numerous people voice their opinions to me that shows with adult themes, such as drag acts are inappropriate for young children and public funding shouldn't be used for these events.' Salisbury Council told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday it would be offering no further comment. Sen. Tim Scott told a crowd of delegates at the Republican National Convention on Monday that the would-be assassin who shot at Donald Trump is the 'devil.' A very pastoral-sounding Scott took stage just hours after he wasn't picked to be Trumps' vice presidential running mate despite making the short list. He lauded Trump surviving the assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally on Saturday and called the former president an 'American lion.' 'Our God still saves, he still delivers,' Scott said on stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday evening. 'On Saturday, the devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle, but an American lion got back up on his feet,' he added, referencing shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) called Donald Trump an 'American lion' after surviving an assassination attempt. Scott's remarks came at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday, July 15 Scott said it was a 'miracle' that Trump survived and his team and those analyzing the angle agree. Trump turned his head to the right and looked at the jumbotron screen at his rally on Saturday at the exact moment a bullet grazed his right ear. If he had not made that movement, it's highly likely that the bullet would have struck him in the head and led to more critical injury and possibly death. 'Listen, if you didn't believe in miracles before Saturday, you got to be believing right now,' Scott shouted into the microphone at the Republican Convention. 'I thank God Almighty that we live in a country that still believes in the King of Kings.' Shooter Crooks was able to scale a rooftop of a manufacturing building 130 yards from the stage where Trump spoke to supporters in the swing state of Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon. He killed one man and critically injured two others, though they are now said to be in 'stable condition.' Trump's ear was hit by the AR-style weapons that the 20-year-old used to carry out the attack. He ducked behind the podium before he was swarmed by members of his Secret Service security detail. Trump was hit in his right ear when a would-be assassin opened fire at the former president's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday Scott called would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks the 'devil.' The 20-year-old was shot dead by Secret Service after he used his dad's legally purchased AR-style weapon to shoot at Trump on Saturday, July 13. Trump survived, but one man was killed and two others were critically injured The next day, he flew to Milwaukee for the Convention and on Monday announced that he was picking Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) as his vice presidential candidate in November. Scott was among Trump's shortlist for running mates, but didn't make the cut. But the former 2024 contender is still backing Trump in his bid for the White House this year. 'This November, we are not deciding simply the fate for the next four years. We're setting a course for the next 40 years,' Scott said in stumping for Trump's reelection after he became the official nominee earlier on Monday. President Biden said his mental acuity has been 'pretty damn good' and defended his fitness to serve as he bats down calls for him to step aside and not run for a second term. The 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief sat down for an interview that was at times combative with NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt at the White House where Biden was pressed on his disastrous debate performance last month. Holt asked Biden who he listens to on the 'deeply personal issues' like decisions to stay in the race or not. 'Me,' Biden said defiantly. 'I've been doing this a long time, but the Idea I'm the old guy. I am. I'm old, but I'm only three years older than Trump, number one. And number two, my mental acuity has been pretty damn good.' Biden claimed he has gotten more done than any president has in a 'long, long time.' A defiant President Biden defended his fitness saying his mental acuity is 'pretty damn good' Nineteen Democratic lawmakers have called on Biden to exit the race. The intensity of the criticism has subsided though since the attempted assassination on his political rival Donald Trump. When Holt told Biden that it appeared he was confused at the debate, the president became combative. 'Why dont you guys ever talk about the 18-- the 28 lies he told? Where-- where are you on this? Why doesnt the press ever talk about that? Twenty-eight times, its confirmed, he lied in that debate,' Biden shot back referring to Trump. Biden repeated his stance that he had a bad night and screwed up. President Biden went after the press during his campaign rally in Detroit on Friday in a move that was similar to his rival Donald Trump. He accused them of giving his GOP opponent a pass The president's criticism of the press comes after he also went after the media at his recent rally on Friday in Michigan. In a move that was similar to that of his political opponent, the president in Detroit accused the press of giving Trump a pass, and his supporters at the campaign rally booed the media. Biden and Holt went head-to-head over the coverage of the debate. Holt ended the exchange by stating they'll provide the president the reports. 'God love you,' Biden responded. President Biden accused the press of not covering his rival Donald Trump's lies during an interview with Lester Holt where the president at times was combative President Biden defended his appearances since his poor debate performance and specifically pointed out his press conference at the end of the NATO summit where he answered questions for nearly an hour Biden's campaign had been attempting to push past the poor debate performance and look ahead as the election season heats up. He has appeared for multiple interviews and campaign events since. 'What Im doing is going out and demonstrating to the American people that I have command of all my faculties, that I dont need-- notes. I dont need telepro-- I can go out and answer any questions at all,' Biden insisted to Holt. The president pointed to his press conference at the end of the NATO summit last Thursday. Biden spoke for just under an hour and called on ten reporters for a total 19 questions. Holt asked Biden what happens if he has another performance like he did at the June 27 Atlanta debate. 'I dont plan on having another performance on that level,' Biden said. When Holt thanked Biden at the end of the interview, Biden got in one last dig. 'Sometimes come and talk to me about what we should be talking about,' he said. The horrific final moments of a woman allegedly murdered by her partner have been revealed as friends paid emotional tributes. Mother-of-two Kierra-Lea Jensen, 28, was found with multiple stab wounds at a home on Flinders Drive in the Ipswich suburb of Leichhardt - south-west of Brisbane - on Monday morning after concerned relatives asked police to conduct a welfare check. Her partner Kitchel Kevin Shillingsworth, 36, was charged with murder (domestic violence) and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and is due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Neighbours remembered Ms Jensen as 'funny, kind and caring'. A close friend who asked not to be identified told the Courier Mail Ms Jensen 'always had a smile on her face and was always laughing.' The grief-stricken friend said Ms Jensen was very family oriented, loved her cats and dog, and was always happy to offer advice and would sit with her for hours. She said Ms Jensen visited her on Sunday the day before her death and she didn't realise it would be the last time she would ever see her. 'As she left I gave her a hug and told her she looked happy,' she said. A grief-stricken friend said Ms Jensen (pictured) was very family oriented and loved her cats and dog 'She told me she loved me, and I said it back.' A neighbour revealed they heard screaming and yelling coming from Ms Jensen's house on Sunday night. 'I woke up this morning and saw all the police outside, I can't believe something like this had happened.' The grim discovery of Ms Jensen's body on Monday sparked an urgent search for her partner Kitchel Shillingsworth, 36, who was allegedly seen leaving the home earlier that morning. After being spotted, Shillingsworth allegedly led police on an hour-long chase - including the use of a Polair helicopter - that ended when police used tyre spikes to stop his vehicle at Ipswich Boonah Road at Peak Crossing. Two crime scenes were established in relation to Ms Jensen's death - one at the Leichhardt home and another where Shillingsworth's car was stopped. Queensland Police also searched Wyaralong Dam for a knife suspected to be used in the alleged attack. Police officers at the scene of Ms Jensen's alleged murder at a house in Flinders Drive in the Ipswich suburb of Leichhardt south-west of Brisbane Emergency responders found Ms Jensen suffered several critical stab wounds in what Detective Acting Superintendent Garry Watts described as 'very traumatic' scenes. Detective Acting Superintendent Garry Watts confirmed Ms Jensen and Shillingsworth were in a defacto relationship. 'I can assure members of the community that the Queensland Police Service takes [alleged] incidents of domestic and family violence very seriously,' Supt Watts said. 'And we investigate those incidents as best we can and take action where appropriate. 'Our hearts go out to all involved in this tragedy, especially the family of the victim.' Shillington's vehicle was towed away from the scene of his arrest for forensic examination. Supt Watts also revealed that police attended the Leichhardt home last week but 'no offences were detected' or action was taken at the time. Ms Jensen was the 49th Australian woman allegedly killed in a domestic violence incident in 2024. Anyone with information that could assist with police investigations, is urged to contact police. The former vice-captain of a private school has been released from prison and given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to helping his father in the alleged murder of a homeless man on their family property. Marco Yandle appeared in the South Australian Supreme Court on Tuesday and was given 20 months in prison but, because he has already been behind bars for 16 months while awaiting his fate, he was immediately released from custody on a suspended sentence. A supporter of Steven Murphy, the alleged murder victim, reacted with fury to the sentence, crying out 'are you f**king kidding me' after the hearing had ended. Yandle admitted he helped his father Keith Yandle escape apprehension or prosecution, or to dispose of proceeds of the offence, following Mr Murphy's alleged murder on February 19, 2023. SA Police allege Keith killed Mr Murphy, a father of two, with an unlicensed firearm on a Kudla property in Adelaide's outer northern suburbs. Marco, 20, was initially charged with murder alongside his father, but the police downgraded the charges to assisting an offender. He has been in prison since April 6, 2023 while his case progressed through the courts. Marco, who had been vice-captain of Trinity College, signed a two-year good behaviour bond on Tuesday and will be supervised by Department of Corrections officers. Marco Yandle,20, (pictured left, leaving the Supreme Court with his Defence lawyer Stephen Ey) was given a suspended sentence for his role in helping his father allegedly murder a homeless man on their family property Yandle was the former vice-captain of Trinity College (pictured) Tears ran down his face as he faced his family after the sentence. Speaking at an earlier court appearance on July 5, Marco apologised directly to the Murphy family for his actions. 'The decision I made was shameful, reckless and weak,' he said. 'I chose my father over the law, and I completely understand I must face the consequences of that choice. 'Even if I am never forgiven, I will forever extend my apologies to the family of the deceased Mr Murphy.' The maximum punishment for the offence is 10 years in prison. Keith, 46, appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on February 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, having sought to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Marco was the vice-captain of Trinity College, a private co-ed school in Gawler that charges up to $7060 a year for senior school students. A 10-year-old foster child was found dead just minutes after asking a neighbor to adopt him and save him from his 340-pound abusive foster mother, who later allegedly laid on top of him for at least seven minutes. Indiana officials say Dakota Levi Stevens ran to his neighbor's home on April 25, telling the homeowner that his foster parents hit him and wouldn't let him speak to his caseworker. But his foster mother, Jennifer Lee Wilson, 48, found him speaking to the neighbor just a few minutes later and forced Stevens to get into her car and drove him back to her house, according to court documents obtained by the Kansas City Star. She then allegedly proceeded to lie down on top of the childuntil he stopped breathing. Wilson was arrested on Saturday, after a warrant was issued charging her with reckless homicide in the boy's death. Dakota Levi Stevens, 10, was pronounced dead at a South Bend hospital two days after his foster mother laid on top of him for about seven minutes Dakota was pronounced dead at a South Bend hospital two days after Wilson sat on him, and an autopsy determined he suffered organ and soft tissue damage, liver and lung hemorrhaging and other injuries, CBS News reports. The St. Joseph County Coroner's Office has since ruled Stevens' death a homicide, reporting that he died of mechanical asphyxiation. Prosecutors say Wilson and her husband were ready to relinquish their foster license because their three other children - former foster children whom they've adopted - were older and they wanted to travel. But they agreed to take Stevens in because they had provided respite care for him two years prior. Stevens' biological family told the Chicago Tribune he and his younger sister were removed from their biological parents' house because of their parents' reported drug use when Dakota was just five years old. His father died, and their mother eventually relinquished her parental rights. Dakota's sister was later adopted, while Dakota bounced between family members, foster homes and a mental health care facility before he was sent to live with Wilson again in early April. She has since claimed that the boy had 'verbal and physical aggression issues.' A warrant is now out for the arrest of the foster mother, Jennifer Lee Wilson, 48, charging her with reckless homicide in the boy's death Wilson told police that Stevens woke up on April 25 agitated after being told not to run in the house while playing Nerf guns with the other children, according to CBS News. She said she then told Dakota and the other children they could go outside to play after they finished their chores, but Stevens refused and stormed off. At first, she said she planned to give him time to cool off, but when she realized he was not in the backyard she got in her car to track him down. Wilson then found him talking to the neighbor, who informed the foster mother that the boy asked her to call the cops. But Wilson later told police she told the neighbor to mind her own business, according to court documents. Family members have said he and his younger sister were removed from their biological parents' house because of their parents' reported drug use when Dakota was just five years old She then reportedly forced Stevens to get into the car with her and brought him back to her home. At that point, Wilson claims he tried to run away. She told police she did not remember whether she tackled the boy or if they both fell to the ground 'however, her intention was to hold him.' For the next several minutes, Wilson allegedly video chatted with Stevens' caseworker, who she said tried to calm the boy over the phone - though Stevens would 'flail and move around.' Wilson also had a conversation with her husband through their Ring doorbell camera as she 'laid on [Dakota's] midsection' near the driveway, court documents say. She allegedly told her husband Stevens was having 'one of his days.' Wilson claimed Stevens had 'verbal and physical aggression issues' After several minutes, Wilson got off the boy - telling police she got out of breath due to her weight - and noticed Stevens was not moving. She then told the boy to get up and asked 'are you faking?' court documents allege. 'She then rolled [Stevens] over and it appeared his eyelids were pale,' the court documents say. 'She then began CPR and called 911.' Deputies from the Porter County Sheriff's Department arrived at the house at around 3:37pm for a report of an unconscious 10 year old who was not breathing, the Chicago Tribune reports. They then found Stevens on the ground near the driveway, where someone was administering CPR. Court documents say Stevens was not conscious, not breathing and had no pulse at the time, and an officer 'observed that the juvenile had bruising [on] his lower neck and chest area.' A police affidavit states Wilson was 'visibly distraught' when deputies arrived to her house on April 25, and found the boy not breathing and without a pulse on the ground A police affidavit states Wilson was 'visibly distraught' when the deputies arrived and told them that Stevens had just run away to a neighbors' house but was still 'acting up' and threw himself on the ground, saying he was leaving. 'Wilson stated that she laid on his midsection and called his caseworker,' the affidavit states, according to the Tribune. 'Wilson stated he eventually stopped moving and she thought he was faking.' 'She advised that she laid on him for approximately five minutes.' During the ensuing investigation, police obtained copies of Wilson's Ring footage, which they said began with her already lying across the boy - near his head and neck. Throughout the 20-second video, Stevens was screaming, according to police. He was 'still crying and screaming' in the next 20-second video, and in a third Wilson could still be seen on top of him - this time near his buttocks. Stevens arms were above his head in that video, and police say he 'does not move' for the entire six-minute, 48-second clip. Meanwhile, Wilson could be heard saying, 'I was laying on him and he was acting bad.' The St. Joseph County Coroner's Office has since determined that Stevens died of mechanical asphyxiation Stevens was initially transported to Northwest Health Porter for treatment, before being airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital. A doctor at Northwest Health later told police he had 'severe swelling in his brain, which would be consistent with deprived oxygen for an extended period of time.' 'He didn't deserve this. He was better than a lot of people here,' Nicole Rubalcava, Stevens' aunt, said at his private funeral, according to the Tribune. 'Even if he battled this stuff, this kid's heart truly was not made for this world,' she continued. 'He taught me so much, he truly did, and I didn't think a kid could teach you stuff like that.' Wilson's foster care license was placed on hold following the autopsy report, and has since been revoked Wilson's foster care license was placed on hold while pending revocation and pending any appeal from her after the coroner ruled Stevens' death was a homicide. She had been licensed as a foster parent since 2017 and was in good standing before Stevens' death, 'having completed the required training and education required to achieve and maintain licensure,' officials with the Indiana Department of Child Services told the Tribune. But her license was eventually revoked on June 30. Wilson is now facing a $20,000 bond. President Joe Biden gave his first public comments on J.D. Vance, on Monday and talked to DailyMail.com about whether he has faith in his Secret Service detail. On his way to Las Vegas for a two-day campaign trip, Biden stopped to talk to reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. He said of Donald Trump's vice presidential pick: 'A clone of Trump on the issues. I don't see any difference.' And when DailyMail.com asked him if he had faith in his Secret Service detail, Biden said: 'Yes i do.' The president has defended the Secret Service, who are being criticized for letting a shooter get on a roof so close to the security perimeter at Trump's rally, allowing a clear shot at the former president. Biden had a more visible security presence with him during his travel to the West Coast. Four agents flanked Marine One when it landed at Joint Base Andrews and the agents formed a tight perimeter around the president when he landed at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. President Joe Biden answered DailyMail.com's question about whether he has faith in his Secret Service detail Trump, meanwhile, joined the Republican National Convention on Monday night. He walked out on stage to cheers and calls of 'fight, fight, fight.' The former president had a white bandage on his right ear. Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks grazed Trump's ear when he fired on him at his rally at Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night. Trump sat in a box at the convention with Vance and several members of his family, including children Don Jr., Eric and Tiffany, to listen to the evening's speakers. Melania Trump was not there. The theme of the first night of the convention was 'Make America wealthy again. Biden, meanwhile, will spend the next two days in Las Vegas, where he will spend two days talking to black and latino voters as he struggles to reset his campaign in the new political reality. As part of the trip, he and his team will be testing the waters on how it can push forward with his candidacy without appearing insensitive to Trump. Several conservatives pointed to Biden's campaign rhetoric as a reason Trump was targeted. Both sides have spoken harshly of the other. There is one worry the president may be able to put to rest: calls for him to step down as the Democrats' nominee. Not a single Democrat has called for him to exit the race since Saturday's shooting. Members of the party now seem to think replacing Biden would cause even more chaos in the race, which was upended by the assassination attempt on Trump. And still more think the failed assassination attempt shifts the dynamics of the race to Trump's advantage. One Democratic donor told Bloomberg News that they previously believed that Biden should be replaced but it shouldn't happen now as it would contribute to a sense of chaos. And there is an impending sense that victory is Trump's for the taking - no matter who is on the Democratic ticket. Pollster Frank Luntz noted the shooting will 'guarantee that every Trump supporter now will be a Trump voter in November. Trump's voters are energized, Biden's voters are demoralized.' 'It's hard to imagine either Biden or any of the potential Democratic candidates delivering full-throated crowd-pleasing attacks on the former President now, taking away most of their ability to play the Trump card by labeling him a 'threat to democracy' when he just survived a real threat to democracy,' he wrote in a thread on X. 'The 2024 presidential election is now Trump's to lose.' Donald Trump with running mate J.D. Vance at the Republican National Convention Biden has tried to tamp down on the anxiety that spread across the political sphere after the horrific attempt on Trump's life. He addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Sunday where he called for an end to political violence, noting both Republicans and Democrats have been a target of it. 'You know the political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It's time to cool it down,' Biden said. 'Politics must never be a literal battlefield - God forbid a killingfield.' The president said it was time for unity. And he noted he had a 'short but good' call with Trump. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that the political attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment. They pointed in particular to a comment Biden made to donors on July 8, saying 'it's time to put Trump in the bullseye.' Trump, however, also has used fighting words and images of violence in his campaign rhetoric. Members of the U.S. Secret Service Counter Sniper team stand guard near Air Force One at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas While in Las Vegas, Biden will address the 15th NAACP National Convention on Tuesday and conduct an interview with BET. He'll also participate in an economic summit with Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford. On Wednesday, Biden is the keynote speaker at the UnidosUS Annual Conference at the MGM Grand and then he'll have a campaign event. His Vegas trip was supposed to be the second of two campaign stops this week. But his Monday visit to Austin, Texas, where he was to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, was canceled after the shooting attempt on Trump. An elderly pedestrian has been killed after he was hit by a car that knocked him onto a busy road where he was struck by a second vehicle. The 76-year-old man was first hit by a white Toyota RAV4 as the car travelled along Nairn Drive nearing the Safety Bay Rd roundabout at Baldivis, in Perth's south, about 4pm Monday. Police said the impact caused the man to fall onto the road where he was then hit by a black Mazda CX9 station wagon which was driving in the same direction. Both drivers are understood to have stopped after the collisions. The man reportedly suffered 'catastrophic injuries' and was rushed to Rockingham General Hospital but died shortly after. Major crash investigators are urging anyone with any information about the crash, or who saw the white Toyota RAV4, the black Mazda CX9 or the pedestrian in the area prior to the crash, to contact Crime Stoppers. A shopping centre has been thrown into chaos following reports of a stabbing. Police swarmed Bayside Shopping Centre on Beach Street in Frankston, south-east Melbourne, after a group of teens were allegedly spotted with 'an edged weapon' at 10:50am on Tuesday. One worker told the Herald Sun a 'substantial amount of blood' was spotted on the ground prompting staff to close their stores. Another female staff member added that she had seen 'quite a large machete' amongst a group of about five young people. A shopper said she and her mother had been escorted into a store after the pair saw the pool of blood. Leigh Warne, who was also shopping at the time, said he saw a teenager covered in blood running towards three others near a Country Road store. Mr Warne added that security took 'three to five minutes' to respond and there 'were no alarms going off'. 'People were walking around unaware,' he said. Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston, south-east Melbourne, was locked down after a shopper was allegedly stabbed on Tuesday morning Mr Warne said other shoppers were yelling at one boy in the group to 'throw the knife away'. He described the teens as looking like 'eshays' between 15-and-18-years-old and that they were seemingly fighting amongst themselves. 'I noticed three young kids running toward me with a knife, and then another kid running behind chasing them, he had a lot of blood on him,' he told the publication. Mr Warne said the group ran down a set of escalators near a Country Road store as other shops began shutting their doors. He added that the teens 'were just there for themselves' and 'not looking for members of the public to stab or injure'. 'It looked like some sort of fight between them,' he said. Others on social media also posted about what they had seen. 'My partner was walking down and all the doors were shut. He saw the kids with the knife and another kid that was bleeding everywhere,' one user wrote. Police responded to reports or 'teenagers causing trouble' in the centre (pictured) and a spokesperson confirmed that officers found 'an edged weapon in a nearby bin' A Victorian Police spokesperson said officers had responded to reports of 'teenagers causing trouble' at the shopping centre. 'During the incident, it is believed one boy had an edged weapon,' the spokesperson said. 'Officers attended the scene and located an edged weapon in a nearby bin.' Police claim no one was injured during the incident and that enquiries are ongoing. Any witnesses have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The incident had been resolved and stores inside the shopping centre were reopened by 11:45am. A man who was accused of raping, beating and waterboarding his girlfriend at a Minnesota college has reached a plea deal that will see him jailed for up to seven-and-a-half years. Keanu Avery Labatte, 20, of Granite Falls, Minnesota, has pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Labatte admitted to choking and sexually assaulting the woman, who was his new girlfriend, in her dorm room at St. Catherine University last September. In return, prosecutors agreed to dismiss four other charges. Labatte's attorney, Thomas Beito, said Labatte admitted to choking her during the assault. Keanu Labatte, 20, accused of holding his girlfriend captive in her dorm room at St. Catherine University for three days while raping, beating and waterboarding her, has agreed to a plea deal that will see him sentenced for up to 7 years 'He did not admit to the other kind of salacious details that were involved here, such as waterboarding, or holding her hostage or kidnapping,' Beito said to The Pioneer Press. 'We deny that any of that happened.' Labatte remains free on an $80,000 bond ahead of his sentencing in November. Beito said he will ask Judge Kellie Charles for probation, 'due to his age, due to the fact that he doesn't have any prior significant criminal history.' Dennis Gerhardstein, spokesperson for the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, said prosecutors will ask the judge to give Labatte the full seven-and-a-half year term. According to the complaint, Labatte went to the campus on a Thursday to visit his girlfriend of two months. After finding texts, pictures and social media content that 'infuriated' him, he took her phone and began his campaign of brutality, the complaint said. It is unclear what he saw on her phone that ignited the rage, but the criminal complaint says he used both hands around her neck to strangle her and threatened to kill her while calling her a s**t. St. Catherine University's baccalaureate College for Women is one of the largest private womens universities in the nation She says she felt lightheaded and saw stars while being strangled. Labatte threatened to kill her family and reminded her that he had previously held a knife to the throat of a prior girlfriend. She was strangled, threatened with a knife, forced to lie in a bathtub while Labatte covered her face with a washcloth and poured water on her, and sexually assaulted her, the complaint alleged. The St. Catherine's student said she was so terrified to the point that she would lay next to her captor and not move out of fear of what he would do next. She says the worst of the torture was on the Saturday when the waterboarding took place. Labatte filled a bucket, forced her to lay in the bathtub where he put a washcloth on her face and poured water over her. That same day, when threatening her with the knife, he held her arm and said he was looking for the right vein to cut deep enough so she could not be saved. It wasn't until three days later, on Sunday morning, she persuaded him to let her leave to get food from the cafeteria. He gave the victim her phone and told her she had to send pictures of where she was so that he could keep track of her. Once out of the dorm, she went to university's campus security office and told them she had been physically and sexually abused by her boyfriend. Campus security then called the police. Officers noticed marks on her neck, the complaint said. While speaking with police, Labatte called the victim repeatedly and she explained to authorities that he was paranoid she was away from the dorm and ready to leave campus. Labatte was found in the dorm room and arrested. After being read his rights, Labatte said 'I plead the fifth.' During a search of the room, police found an orange/black/silver folding knife in the front pocket of a green backpack and a wet red washcloth. The mattress was found on the floor, which the victim says Labatte moved to prevent others from hearing the bed squeak during the sexual assaults. Former President Donald Trump seated family members, key political allies and his newly picked VP - Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance - in the box where he was seated during his cameo Monday night at the Republican National Convention. In the front row at Trump's sides were former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Rep. Byron Donalds and House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as his wife Kelly. Behind the president were Kimberly Guilfoyle with her fiance Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and his wife Lara Trump and Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos. Melania, Ivanka and Barron Trump have yet to be seen at the Milwaukee convention. Trump made a dramatic entrance Monday night sporting an ear bandage - a reminder that he had been clipped by an assassin's bullet just two days before. Former President Donald Trump was surrounded by family and key political allies during his Monday night appearance at the RNC: (from left bottom) Tucker Carlson, Rep. Byron Donalds, Sen. J.D. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson (from left top) Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump Former President Donald Trump grins from his friends and family box Monday night at the Republican National Convention flanked by Tucker Carlson, Rep. Byron Donalds, Sen. J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson Trump arrived in Milwaukee Sunday but hadn't been seen at the convention site until slightly after 9 p.m. Monday. Cameras focused on him standing and waiting to come into the Fiserv Forum's hall, training on the large ear bandage. Lee Greenwood, the musician who plays Trump's classic walk-on song God Bless the U.S.A., appeared in-person to perform the tune. He spoke dramatically about Trump surviving Saturday's assassination attempt hailing his 'defiance against somebody that tried to kill him.' 'You will not take this man down,' Greenwood said. Earlier Monday, Trump had officially clinched the Republican nomination. The state of Florida put him over the needed delegate count and family members were there then too. Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Lara Trump and Tiffany Trump were seated together one row behind former President Donald Trump in a special friends and family box Monday at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Tiffany Trump (top left) applauds alongside her husband Michael Boulos (center) as Sen. J.D. Vance (right) is introduced Monday night as former President Donald Trump's (bottom left) running mate Seated in the friends and family box were (bottom row) Tucker Carlson, Rep. Byron Donalds, former President Donald Trump, Sen. J.D. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, (top row) Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Lara Trump and Tiffany Trump Eric, Lara, Donald Trump Jr., Tiffany Guilfoyle and Boulos huddled with other delegates from the Sunshine State and cheered for the new nominee. As that vote was happening, Trump let slip on Truth Social that he had made his VP pick and it would be Vance, a MAGA favorite and friend of Trump Jr. Vance and his wife Usha made their convention floor debut not long after, as the Republican delegates voted in unison to add him to the ticket. Trump wasn't officially on the schedule to appear at the Milwaukee convention Monday night, but made a similar move when he was the Republican nominee in 2016 - the last time traditional conventions were held due to the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago. In 2016, Trump bucked the precedent that candidates wouldn't appear at their conventions until near the end of the week. On day one in Cleveland he teased the crowd by appearing as a silhouette on-screen as Queen's We are the Champions played before walking out to greet them. A western Sydney man has pleaded guilty in court to destroying several hundred dollars worth of meat when he urinated on shelves inside a CBD Woolworths. Lochlan James Ebejer, 22, was arrested and charged early on Sunday morning after a public appeal for information following a bizarre incident inside the supermarket on the corner of Sydney's George and Park Streets on July 1. Police said the Sadleir man walked into the store and urinated on products, causing more than $311 worth of damage to various meat products, according to court documents. Footage from the incident, released as part of the public appeal, showed Ebejer tying up his drawstring pants as he exited up the escalator just before midnight. Supermarket workers had to spend several hours decontaminating the area following the incident. Last week, police released CCTV as part of an appeal for information and Ebejer was arrested at Hunters Hill early on Sunday morning. He was charged with contaminating goods with intent to cause public alarm and trespassing. He was granted bail after he appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday. Lochlan James Ebejer, 22, (pictured) was arrested and charged early on Sunday morning after a public appeal for information Police said Lochlan Ebejer (pictured tying up his drawstring pants afterwards) walked into the store and urinated on products, causing more than $311 worth of damage to various meats In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, his solicitor Liam McKibbin entered pleas of guilty to one count of contaminating goods with intent to cause public alarm and one count of trespass. The matter was adjourned for sentence on August 30. Mr McKibbin told the court that he would make an application on mental health grounds for Ebejer to be discharged into the care of a responsible person. Ebejer was also charged with offensive conduct while on enclosed lands, with Mr McKibbin telling the court it appeared to be a duplication and he would seek to have it withdrawn. Ebejer will return to court next month. The devastated family of a 15-year-old boy who tragically died after being sent home from hospital have donated his organs so his legacy will live on. Treva Ashton, 15, from Mt Druitt in Sydney's west, died from a brain infection on July 7 after his life support system was turned off. Trevas mother Sharon Gauci wrote on the family's GoFundMe: In memory of my son, my partner and myself have decided to donate his organs to needing families, we could save up to 10 or so kids so this tragedy does not seem meaningless to us. Ms Gauci told Daily Mail Australia, 'We donated both his eyes, both kidneys, lungs, heart and pancreas,' she said. 'My baby died a hero.' Treva's parents claim hospital staff and paramedics dismissed his symptoms as a stomach bug and the flu, and he died from a brain infection just days later. Treva first went to the doctor with his mum on June 24 after feeling unwell for about three days. The year nine student initially had a blocked nose but started feeling worse and vomited on the night of June 23. The family of Treva Ashton (pictured), 15, from Mt Druitt in Sydney's west have donated his organs so his legacy will live on Ms Gauci said her son was experiencing confusion at their initial visit to their GP, alarming the doctor. 'Our doctor said "he's not meant to be here" and gave us a letter to take to the hospital, which said he needed to be looked at straight away because he was "looking very unwell" and "confused",' she said. 'His temperature was 40C, and he had a low heart rate and low blood pressure.' But at Mt Druitt Hospital later that day, the family claimed they waited for about one-and-a-half hours - at which point they were told to take Treva home to rest and given two Panadol tablets. The family claims a triage nurse told them that Treva 'probably just has a stomach bug or the flu'. 'His eyes were rolling back, and he didn't know what was happening,' Treva's father Darren Ashton said. A teenage boy, allegedly dismissed by hospital staff and paramedics as having a stomach bug and the flu, tragically died days later because his sinus infection had spread to his brain Ms Gauci said her son was unwilling to wait any longer to see a doctor, and nursing staff said he was OK despite his high temperature, so the family returned home. But once they got to their house, Treva started vomiting. Treva could hardly eat and experienced headaches throughout the night, and was given Sudafed and Panadol. The next day the symptoms escalated further, with Treva complaining about losing movement in a leg. Overnight the family was woken by Treva's screams, and an ambulance was called to the house at 4.37am on June 26. But when the ambulance arrived, Ms Gauchi claims the paramedic was skeptical about the seriousness of the situation and suggested the teen just needed to drink plenty of fluids. 'But he was very white in the face. And I know my boy. Something wasn't right,' she said. 'You could see it in his eyes, he wouldn't look at you. I said there was something wrong with his brain.' 'And she (the paramedic) said "no, when you have the flu, you act like that".' When Treva's parents pointed out that he had lost movement in one of his legs, the couple said the paramedic blamed the loss of feeling on numbness. However, Treva's condition worsened that day and into the night. His family observed that his head was swollen, his vomit contained blood, and he was experiencing body aches. Treva said his head felt like it was 'going to explode'. An ambulance was called at 9.10am on June 27, and arrived soon after. This time, the paramedics rushed the 15-year-old to Nepean Hospital, where he quickly became unresponsive. Treva's parents said they are still in shock and want answers about how their 'cuddly' boy was not a priority 'I could hear the staff say "we're going to lose him, we're going to lose him"', his mother said. Once the teen was put into an induced coma and onto a ventilator, medical staff administered antibiotics to help kill the infection. But Treva's CT scan results showed he had fluid on the brain. 'They had to rush him into surgery to remove part of his skull so his brain could swell, as well as drain fluid and then put the skull back in later,' an emotional Ms Gauci said. Remaining sedated in the ICU and on antibiotics, Treva's surgeons had to perform another operation on July 1. 'They had to drill a hole in his eyebrow to help ease the pressure and clean out his sinuses,' MS Gauci said. But after the sinus operation, the pressure on Treva's brain kept rising, and the same day, the 15-year-old was rushed back into operating theatre - this time to remove the other front part of his skull. The family were told part of Treva's brain was dead, and the surgeon then delivered the tragic news that their boy would not recover. 'The surgeon said "there was nothing we could do". The nurses were crying because they don't normally treat children. Everyone was so upset,' Mr Ashton said. 'We also found out that in between the first ambulance and the second one, he had a stroke. 'We were also told that between the first and second operations, he had multiple strokes.' The family has started a GoFundMe to help them meet expenses and has become aware that unauthorised fundraisers have already been started in their son's name. In a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia, Western Sydney Local Health District and NSW Ambulance said that they 'extend their sincere condolences to the patients loved ones'. 'A review is underway and the family will be kept informed as the review progresses.' 'It is not appropriate to provide further comment at this time.' Treva's parents said they are still in shock at how quickly everything happened and want answers about how their 'cuddly, handsome, funny' boy was treated. 'It could have been prevented. I want justice for my boy,' Ms Gauci said. Treva's parents said they are yet to receive any apologies or explanations from the paramedics or NSW Health, but don't want to pursue any action until after the funeral. Three men will have to wait to learn their fate after they were found guilty of gang raping three teenagers during a bucks party weekend. Andrew David, 30, and brothers Maurice Hawell, 30, and Marius Hawell, 22, stood trial in the NSW District Court this year after pleading not guilty to sexual assault offences. The trio were accused of raping three teenagers at an Airbnb in February 2022 while they were staying in Newcastle to celebrate a bucks party for groom-to-be Maurice. Prosecutors claimed the men sexually assaulted two 18-year-old women on the Friday night before attacking a 19-year-old woman on the following night. Maurice and Andrew maintained that all sexual activity was consensual, while Marius claimed he did not participate in any of the sexual incidents during the bucks weekend. The jury of eight men and four women deliberated for eight-and-a-half hours before returning unanimous guilty verdicts for nine of the 11 charges on Monday. However, they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on two counts and were instructed to continue discussions. At lunchtime on Tuesday, the jurors found Maurice was guilty of sexually touching an 18-year-old without her consent on the previous night. Maurice Hawell has been found guilty of gang raping three teens on his bucks weekend The teen told the court Maurice had tried to sexually touch her upper thigh, near her groin, while she was lying in bed after consensual sex with another bucks party attendee. 'I don't, like, want that,' she recalled telling the groom-to-be. The jury also told the court they were unable to reach a unanimous decision about whether the Hawell brothers and Andrew had anally raped the same 18-year-old woman that night. The teen said she was held down on a bed in a dark bedroom and stripped naked by a 'swarm' of men. She described trying to bat away a man's peniss as he tried to put it in her mouth, while another man tried to place her free hand on his penis. The 18-year-old said she was then vaginally and anally raped, but she was unable to identify her attackers because the room was so dark. The allegations were denied by the three men. Although the teen could not identify her assailants, the jury on Monday found the Hawell brothers and Andrew had sexually assaulted the woman in the dark room. However, the jurors could not agree on whether the three men were guilty of anal rape. Judge Gina O'Rourke instructed the jurors to try to reach a majority decision on the charge of aggravated sexual assault in company against the trio. After just over an hour of consideration, the jury said they were unable to come to an agreement. The jury also returned guilty verdicts for Marius Hawell (pictured), the younger brother of Maurice Judge O'Rourke formally discharged the jury in relation to their obligations to provide a verdict on final allegations against the three men. The three rapists sat in the dock wearing prison-issued green tracksuits and blank expressions. On Monday, the jury found the trio were guilty of gang raping three teenagers over two consecutive nights of a bucks party weekend. The 18-year-old women told the court they had been sexually assaulted on the Friday night when they went to retrieve their phones as they prepared to leave the Airbnb. They said they were both thrown back into beds and pinned down as the men gang raped them in a dark room, leaving them unable to move or identify their attackers. The jury also found Maurice, Andrew, and Marius had gang raped a third teen on the following night after Maurice lured her into the rented Airbnb using a fake name. The court heard he persuaded the woman to come up to his apartment for pre-drinks, but instead ushered her into a bedroom. Andrew David was also found guilty of sexually assaulting three women Maurice pushed her onto a bed and they kissed before he asked if she wanted to have a threesome with him and Andrew. 'What? No,' she told him. Despite her refusal, the teen said Mr David pinned her to the bed by kneeling on her shoulders before he forced his penis into her mouth while Maurice raped her. The jury accepted Marius entered the room and used his phone's flashlight as the men took turns sexually assaulting the 19-year-old. The court heard the teen put her pants on backwards in her haste to leave the apartment after the gang rape and she was 'sobbing'. The owner of a popular Greek restaurant has been given a hefty fine after health officials uncovered dead mice and cockroaches strewn throughout the business. Director of Lambs on Lygon St in Melbourne, Stephen Yannoulidis, faced Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Monday after inspectors reported 'revolting' conditions. Melbourne Council had received several complaints of mice and cockroaches being 'observed' at the restaurant before sending officials in to inspect in March. The court heard the inspectors found evidence of 'live pest activity' where food was prepared for customers, including dead mice, cockroaches and rodent faeces. A dead mouse was spotted on the floor in the 'service bar' and rodent faeces were also found in the customer service area. Mice and rat faeces were also found in the cool room near raw onions and scattered throughout the business. On top of the pest infestation, dirt and food grime was found built up on a rotisserie spit holder, while marinating raw meat was seen in contact with plastic water bottles. It was just the latest failed inspection for the business after Yannoulidis was ordered to shut down the restaurant to rectify its health standards on March 10 last year. The director of Lambs on Lygon St in Melbourne (pictured) has been fined after a number of food safety breaches were detected at the restaurant The court heard that despite the closure notice, Yannoulidis kept his pest-riddled business open and serving customers for a week. He also defied an order to properly display signage notifying customers of the closure and health concerns. Yannoulidis' lawyers argued the restaurateur 'took his eye off the ball' because of personal reasons, the Covid pandemic and being short-staffed. They added that Yannoulidis, who has owned the restaurant since 1982, would suffer financially if the filthy details were revealed. 'It's not a perfect world, there are always pests and it's all about taking the proper steps to try and mitigate and minimise the risks,' his lawyer said, as reported by the Melbourne City News. 'Although he was engaging in pest control clearly he didn't engage them sufficiently, not enough was being done.' The lawyer argued that the deceased rodent found on the premises was killed because of pest eradication services. However, the eradicators hadn't removed the pests and the mouse was missed by Yannoulidis and his staff. The court heard Yannoulidis will stay as the head of the restaurant which will remain open. Melbourne Council inspectors found evidence of 'live pest activity' where food was prepared for customers, including dead mice (pictured), cockroaches and rodent faeces Magistrate Michael Gurvich said the food safety breaches were 'revolting' and 'simply unacceptable'. Mr Gurvich said the matter wasn't an isolated incident with prior incidents also being recorded. He added that the public is interested in 'ensuring that food outlets are hygienic' and entitled to a 'proper level of hygienic food service'. However, the magistrate accepted the 'defendants have taken the matter seriously and they have rectified the breaches'. 'Consequently there are good prospects of rehabilitation.' Yannoulidis and Lambs on Lygon St both avoided a conviction but were fined $25,000 each and ordered to pay $7727.50 in court costs. Dramatic footage has captured the moment a fisherman was recued off a remote part of the Australian coast after he was bitten by a sea snake. The man was on a fishing vessel in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, around 360km south-west of Darwin, when he needed urgent medical attention at 9.15am on Monday. Officials from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) were notified about the incident. The agency arranged for a LifeFlight rescue helicopter to be dispatched from the Truscott Airbase in WA before the aircraft arrived at the scene around 11.45am. Rescuers worked quickly to remove the man, aged in his 30s, off the ship before he was flown to the airbase. An AMSA spokesman told Daily Mail Australia crews from the Royal Flying Doctor Service transported the man to Broome Hospital. 'The AMSA Cairns-based Challenger was also on the scene to provide support,' the spokesman said. The man is currently in a stable condition in hospital. Rescuers (pictured) were notified that the man needed medical attention after he was bitten by the sea snake while on board a fishing vessel on Monday It is not known how the man came across the the creature though the snakes can be inadvertently caught in the large nets used by fishing trawlers. Sea snakes originate in Australian waters but the creatures have spread out to parts of the Asia Pacific and the Persian Gulf. Australia is home to around 70 species of sea snakes. The creatures are not aggressive and do not often bite, but they are venomous. A 23-year-old British man died after he was bitten by a sea snake while he was working on a fishing trawler in 2018 in the Northern Territory. Despite the incident, deaths caused by the reptiles are rare. Anyone bitten by the creature should be assisted using the pressure immobilisation technique and seek medical attention immediately. Doctors and clinic operators are being accused of 'systematic fraud' after it was revealed one practitioner triggered $1.5million worth of Covid testing in just one day. In that case the doctor requested 21,000 tests for a single day, which breached the rules that doctors must clinically assess each case individually. At the standard $72.25 bulk-billing Covid test billing rate the doctor would have been cost Medicare $1.5 million. Health economist Professor Stephen Duckett, who was the former Department of Health and Aged Care secretary, said it was a clear rort but was apparently signed off. 'This doctor could not have seen that number of patients and made an informed decision, whether this was a routine test, whether this was a symptomatic test, it just is not possible for that to have happened,' he said. The Department of Health and Aged Care received 47 tips alerting it to potential South Australian Covid testing frauds, according to Freedom of Information documents obtained by the ABC after a three-year battle for access. Companies that were recompensed for operating state and federal government funded pop-up and drive-through testing clinics were still claiming the full cost from Medicare and double dipping, the documents show. Tests were also being claimed for people who had no valid referral from a doctor or nurse. FOI documents reveal concerns over the rorting of Medicare payments for Covid tests during the pandemic Professor Duckett said it was clear there was 'systematic rorting on a very large scale' which had often charged Medicare instead of the state government. Professor Duckett said testing centres should have known whether they were set up by the state government and sent the bills there rather than Medicare. 'My own view is that it looks to me deliberate,' he said. Professor Duckett said documented co-claims for flu and RSV tests at drive-throughs should have been a red flag that potentially 'opportunistic' claiming was happened. The pop-up and drive-through clinics were designated to be solely for testing for Covid and anything else was 'not consistent' with the rules, Professor Duckett said. In response to testing concerns, the Department of Health wrote to nine pathologists and four pathology companies in October and November 2020 'reminding them tests needed to be clinically relevant to be claimed through Medicare'. Six more letters were sent to pathology companies in September 2021 telling them that asymptomatic or surveillance testing had to be claimed through the state government, not through the federal government's Medicare program. One doctor claimed 21,000 tests in a single day, which would allow a $15million Medicare claim In December 2021 seven pathology companies received such warnings but the names of the recipients have been withheld. Professor Duckett said it seemed the letters were being largely ignored. 'These are very powerful operators, but it looks like they're not being held to account and they ought to be,' he said. Peak body Australian Pathology chief executive Liesel Wett denied there was rorting and said testers were subject to routine compliance checks. 'To our knowledge, there has never been any significant findings of Medicare non-compliance against members of Australian Pathology during the period,' she said in a statement to the ABC. She also said there were also multiple checks and balances in the system and said during the pandemic you did not need a referral to be tested. 'The overwhelming public health messaging from all tiers of government was to get tested if you felt you had symptoms, or felt you had been exposed, particularly given they were required to isolate till they got the results of a test. 'It would have been absurd to refer patients back to a GP.' By January 2022 there had been approximately 27.8 million bulk-billed Covid tests at a cost of around $2.3 billion to Medicare Health economist Professor Stephen Duckett said there was plenty to suggest 'systemic rorting' of Medicare by Covid testers The Department of Health and Aged Care spokesperson said it had 'robust' compliance programs. While the Department said it could not detail all its 'investigations and treatments' it writing to pathology companies was the only measure it took. 'The department does not assume non-compliance from data alone. Generally, there is a need to assess additional information with the rendering health professional, testing provider or state government,' it said. 'Compliance activities undertaken at the time resulted in a significant shift toward compliant billing. Consideration of compliance in this area is ongoing.' By January 2022 there had been approximately 27.8 million bulk-billed Covid tests at a cost of around $2.3 billion to Medicare. NBC reporter Kristen Welker appeared stunned when asked at the Republican National Convention why the network downplayed the gunshots at a Trump rally as simply 'popping noises.' The network has been facing backlash since its breaking news story and posts about the shooting in Pennsylvania said the former president was rushed off the stage 'after popping noises' were heard. Its New York-affiliated station even seemed to describe the gunfire as 'loud crackling noises.' But Welker stood doe-eyed when Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez confronted her about the editorial decision on Monday night. She then proceeded to walk away with her crew in tow as she dodged Hernandez's questions. NBC reporter Kristen Welker stood doe-eyed when she was confronted about the network's reporting on the shooting at a Trump rally on Monday night Welker was led away by crew members and eventually exited the room as Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez tried to ask her about the network's decision to call the gunshots 'popping noises' In a video posted to social media Monday night, Hernandez could be seen approaching Welker in a hallway. 'Kristen, I have a question, when NBC reported that when Trump was assassinated - attempted assassination - it was popping noises that was initially reported. Would you like to respond to that?' she asked the Meet the Press moderator. But as she spoke, Welker turned away from her and said, 'I'm sorry.' She was then seen being led out by some of her assistants, at which point Hernandez turned the camera on herself. 'This is Savanah Hernandez and this is actually Kristen Welker right behind me of NBC News, the exact same network that reported after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump that it was just "popping noises,"' she told her followers. 'Kristen, would you like to say anything? No?' Hernandez persisted, as Welker exited the room. In its breaking news coverage Saturday night, NBC News reported that 'popping noises that sounded like gunshots' were heard at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania The New York affiliate even seemed to describe the gunfire as 'loud cracking noises' She then tried to ask other NBC crew members what they thought of the network's reporting. 'Would anybody out of NBC like to say anything about your faulty reporting?' Hernandez asks as crew members walk past her. 'Not at all? Ok. 'So that's your mainstream media ladies and gentlemen. And we have CNN here, we have MSNBC, we have NBC. So this week, I'm really going to try to ask all of these media members what their response is to their networks and this faulty reporting,' she concludes her video. Former President Donald Trump was struck in the ear at the rally, before he was led away from the scene by Secret Service agents NBC News was ridiculed for its decision to call the gunshots 'popping noises' in the aftermath In its breaking news coverage of the shooting at the Trump rally, NBC headlines read that 'popping noises that sounded like gunshots' were heard. But when anchor Jose Diaz-Balart eventually came on air, he did say it 'appears shots have apparently been and Donald Trump has been injured.' Still, many online ridiculed the network for downplaying the shooting. 'Imagine being the news syndicate to report "popping noises" when you can clearly hear gunshots ringing out,' Steven Berube commented on the network's livestream. 'If this was Biden, the country would be getting shut down at this moment,' he claimed. 'This is the exact reason why even Democrats are sick of their own party.' CNN also faced backlash for describing Trump as 'falling' from the stage without reference to the stage without referencing the assassination attempt An X user also expressed incredulity with NBC's decision to refer to the gunshots as 'popping noises. 'Assassination attempt wounds President Trump in the ear with a rifle shot! Just "popping noises???"' he wrote, before urging others to 'BAN NBC NEWS!' 'Why would anyone watch their propaganda?' he asked. DailyMail.com has reached out to NBC News for comment on the editorial decision. But NBC was not the only media outlet to face criticism for its coverage of the shooting. CNN was also lambasted for describing Trump as 'falling' from the stage without reference to the stage without referencing the assassination attempt. It also faced backlash after CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel pointed out that Trump got up and said 'fight, fight, fight' in the seconds after he was shot. 'What we're hearing from people is that's not the message that we want to be sending right now, we want to tamp it down,' Gangel said of the reaction. The former president's son, Donald Trump Jr., replied: 'Someone attempted to assassinate my father tonight, and this is what CNN is focused on. 'These people are vile.' Critics also hit out at The New York Times for its opinion piece and headline on the shooting Additionally, The New York Times was criticized for running an opinion piece called 'Donald Trump Is Unfit To Lead,' which encouraged voters to 'reject him in November' on the morning after the shooting. Printed against an ominous, backlit silhouette of Trump's side profile, the title page also reads: 'He failed the tests of leadership and betrayed America.' Others slammed The Gray Lady for its headline that morning, reading: 'Trump Hurt, But Safe, After A Shooting', presenting the atrocity in the mildest possible way. Some even pointed out the newspaper trimmed out the American flag, which was flying above Trump in the image of him raising a fist with blood across his face moments after a bullet struck him in the right ear. Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, PA, fired several rounds from a rooftop including one bullet which struck Trump in the ear. It came just days before the former president was to accept the Republican nomination for 2024. Crooks - a registered Republican who donated $15 to the liberal ActBlue political action committee on Biden's Inauguration Day in 2021 - killed former fire chief Corey Comperatore, and injured two more people before cops gunned him down. The Biden administration rushed the president back to the White House from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in the immediate aftermath, and he condemned the shooting on X. Aussies are being urged to check their televisions with popular streaming service Netflix to disappear from some devices next week. The affected televisions are 37 Sony Bravia model numbers sold in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, in 2014, with Netflix no longer supported from July 24. Similarly, from July 31 Netflix will no longer run on Apple TV second and third generation devices. The app can still be run on the affected Bravia TVs using a third-party streaming device such as a Google Chromecast. In February, Netflix announced the app would no longer be supported on a string of 2011-2013 Bravia models. Sony said the reason was due to technical limitations on the affected models. Customers can contact Netflix for further information. Popular streaming service Netflix will be unavailable on certain Sony TVs from next week Murder charges against a woman accused of killing her same-sex spouse before a destructive house fire have been dropped, though she will face other charges relating to the death. Anastasia Marshall, 29, was previously charged with murdering her ex-wife in a horror house fire in Adelaide last October. Krystal Marshall, 38, was found dead inside the Aldinga Beach home on October 20, 2023 after the fire was extinguished. While she will not be put on trial, Anastasia Marshall will still face charges of destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, arson of a building and three counts of assisting an offender, the Advertiser reported. Adelaide Magistrates Court heard that Jonathan Paul Parker, 48, is charged with murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice and arson of a building. Parker was charged last October, but his name was suppressed by court order until April. Anastasia Marshall was granted bail for home detention in May, but Parker remains in custody. Prosecutors previously alleged Marshall and Parker conspired so that she could avoid any blame for the death. Anastasia Marshall, 29, is pictured left with her former wife Krystal Marshall, 38, and one of their children The prosecution alleged she gave 'multiple versions' of the events leading up to Krystal's death, and that she discussed finding the home addresses of witnesses. Marshall's lawyer Craig Caldicott told Judge Mary-Louise Hribal that she would be entering a not guilty plea to the charges she faces. Stephen Ey, who is representing Parker, said he needed more time before his client could enter a plea as the case involved 'substantial' material. The case is set to return to court in August. Jonathan Paul Parker (pictured) is charged with murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice and arson of a building Krystal Marshall had been living with her ex-wife, their two children and a friend. Two dogs and a cat were rescued from the burning home by neighbours, who did not realise Krystal was also inside. 'The kids were at school. I went to pick up my youngest from school and I saw smoke coming out of the house when I was walking up the street,' Anastasia Marshall told reporters at the time. 'We weren't together for a couple of years but we never got divorced. We were together for 11 years.' A team of police snipers team saw Thomas Crooks scouting their command post three times in the minutes before he climbed on top of it and shot Donald Trump from just inches above their heads, it has emerged. Three police marksmen from Beaver County were using the single-story AGR International building as their watch-post when the would-be assassin chose it as his place to shoot from, CBS reported. And he may have been in place on the roof for up to 30 minutes before he unleashed his volley of shots that killed one man and nearly took the life of the 45th president on Saturday evening. A law enforcement official told the channel said that no action was taken after one of the snipers first spotted Crooks looking up at the roof of the building in Butler, Pennsylvania, just 130 yards from where the president would speak. The 20-year-old disappeared around a corner before he was seen a second time, sitting down and looking at his phone, prompting one of the snipers to take his picture. Thomas Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service officers on the roof of the police look-out just 130 yards from where former President Donald Trump was speaking on Saturday evening The 20-year-old would-be assassin was repeatedly seen and photographed by police officers before scaling their building and opening fire The sniper then radioed to a command post after seeing Crooks take out a rangefinder. But no further action was taken before Crooks reappeared a third time, this time wearing a backpack and disappearing from sight as he walked to the back of the building. A further radio report relaying the information was submitted by the sniper team who did not realize that Crooks was now scaling their building. Eight members of the Beaver County Police Department had been tasked with securing the outer perimeter of the rally, while the Secret Service concentrated on the rally itself. Pittsburgh's WPXI reported that a Beaver officer took a photo after seeing Crooks on the roof at 5.45pm, by which time he had already been photographed on the ground by a colleague. The final radio report by the three-strong sniper team prompted State police to send reinforcements to the building but it was not until 6.11pm that one climbed onto the roof and saw Crooks with his rifle. The officer from Butler County was forced to retreat when Crooks aimed his AR-style weapon at him, and it was seconds later that the killer unleashed up to eight shots, killing Pennsylvania fire chief Corey Comperatore, critically injuring two others and hitting Trump in the right ear. It is not clear whether Crooks had the rifle on him when he was first seen outside the AGR International factory building, or if he stayed on the roof for the whole time. A member of the public is seen talking with a police officer before the shots rang out, the building where Crooks was perched is to the right Trump grabbed his right ear as the first shots rang out at 6:12pm As Trump pumped his fist to the crowd, some were heard cheering his name and chanting 'USA' and 'Make America Great Again' But the shocking new allegations surfaced as authorities and the US Secret Service face mounting questions over how Crooks was able to shoot the former president and kill a member of the rally crowd. A horrifying video shows witnesses pointing at the roof and shouting at officers trying to warn them. MAGA fans also say they alerted law enforcement to Crooks as he crawled to his shooting position, but he was still able to shoot. Law enforcement at the event in Butler, Pennsylvania are facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed the roof was flagged as a security 'vulnerability'. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said on Monday night that she would not resign despite mounting calls for her to step aside over the huge lapses that led to one of the most horrific acts of political violence in history. The local Pennsylvania sheriff defended the police officer who confronted Crooks on the roof seconds before the shooting. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe confirmed on Monday that one of his armed officers encountered the gunman on the roof just before he unleashed carnage on the former president's rally. Slupe defended his officer's decision to retreat, telling KDKA he would 'have done the same thing.' 'All I know is the officer had both hands on the roof to get up on the roof, never made it because the shooter had turned towards the officer, and rightfully and smartly, the officer let go,' Slupe added. 'I mean, people think the officers are supermen like you hold on the roof with one hand while you are hanging on for dear life and pull a gun out. It doesn't work that way. Slupe also said that members of his department were alerted to Crooks' suspicious behavior before the rally began and started searching for him right away. Local police, not the Secret Service, swept the building, but Crooks was still able to climb to the top and take aim at the former president. Slupe acknowledged that Crooks was in the 'secondary ring' of protection when he opened fire. He said the Secret Service is responsible for the ring immediately around the president, but local police take control of the outer ring. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe insisted his officer was right to retreat after would-be assassin Thomas Crooks pointed a rifle at him just seconds before the fatal shots were fired Attendees claimed they warned the Secret Service after seeing a man on the roof where the gunman was later killed The former president, 78, survived the horrifying assassination attempt when the bullet missed him by less than an inch on Saturday afternoon. It came eight minutes after he took the stage at 6.03pm ET, where Trump began his remarks and pointed to a large graphic in the same direction where the shooter was perched atop an AGR International building. Even before he took the stage, Trump supporters said they spotted the gunman 'bear-crawling' across the roof with a rifle, but claimed their warnings to Secret Service were ignored. 'I'm thinking to myself 'Why is Trump still speaking, why have they not pulled him off the stage,''' one witness told the BBC. 'The next thing you know, five shots ring out.' With the sun still high on a bright day, Trump emerged to 'God Bless the USA' playing over the loudspeakers at 6.03pm, and remained waving and shaking his fist at the crowd for several minutes. Trump brought out a large graphic with statistics on the migrant crisis at the southern border, and told the crowd at 6.11pm: 'That chart's a couple of months old...' 'If you want to really see something that's sad, take a look at what happened,' Trump continued - before he abruptly grabbed the side of his head as several 'pops' filled the event space. The 78-year-old dropped to the floor in an instant as five more shots rang overhead in quick succession, before four Secret Service agents raced to the stage and dove on top of the former president. Stunning images showed Trump cowered on the floor as agents protected him, with blood dripping down his cheek. A timeline showing the dramatic events that took place on July 13 Several more Secret Service agents continued to flood the stage, while four heavily armed officers lined the perimeter ordering attendees to 'get down.' The sniper, sat 400ft across from the rally on an exposed rooftop, fired another shot at the stage a second later while Trump fans streamed out of the bleachers. Secret Service officers scrambled to take control of the pandemonium, and surrounded the injured ex-president before getting him off stage. Officers shot Crooks dead. A Baltimore mother is looking for answers over her son's death after he was restrained and sedated by medics. Trea Ellinger, 29, had left a Baltimore drug rehab facility last July and assured his anxious mother that everything was fine. He had his medications and was planning to meet up with his girlfriend. But by the following afternoon, he was dead not from the violence his mom feared he might face, but because he didn't survive an encounter with first responders in downtown Baltimore who claim to have found him in the middle of the street attempting suicide, and 'fighting people'. Ellinger, 29, died after being sedated and restrained. Despite repeated comments from police and medics at the scene acknowledging the dangers of lying face down in the prone position, responders failed to act urgently when the handcuffed Ellinger turned onto his stomach and remained that way for several minutes, according to investigators and experts. Trea Ellinger, 29, died after being sedated and restrained by police and medics in Baltimore last July Lori Ellinger holds a candle with a photo of her son, Trea Ellinger His death adds to a list of similar cases as the practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the nation over the last 15 years. The strategy, which was intended to reduce violence and save lives, has resulted in some avoidable deaths. In Ellinger's case, the autopsy determined that he died from overdosing on an antidepressant and methadone, which is commonly prescribed to curb opioid cravings. The findings didn't say if other factors might have contributed to his death. His mother, Lori Ellinger, questions the autopsy's findings and wants to know why paramedics decided to use an injectable sedative. 'I do believe they killed my son with that shot,' she said. 'He shouldn't be dead at 29 years old.' Independent experts say Trea Ellinger could have died from the combined effects of being sedated and lying prone, which can obstruct a person's airways. The Baltimore City Fire Department, which employs the city's medics, provided copies of its policies regarding the use of sedatives, physical restraints and other related topics. But the agency declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Ellinger's death, citing the potential for future litigation. None of the first responders involved have been charged, and Ellinger's family hasn't sued. Medics were first on scene but when police arrived they struggled to handcuff Ellinger so medics could sedate and treat him Ellinger, 29, of Maryland became unresponsive some time after being restrained by officers, and on an ambulance stretcher According to an investigative report released in May by the Maryland attorney general's office, a 911 caller reported that a man was lying in the middle of a downtown Baltimore street, speaking incomprehensibly, and acting combative and distressed. Police body camera footage of the encounter shows officers handcuffing Ellinger at the request of medics. Officers laid him on his side until he was injected with midazolam and then lifted him onto a stretcher. 'As long as he's not lying face down, that would be great,' one of the medics says. Ellinger was initially positioned on his side again, but his continued flailing shifted him onto his stomach while first responders affixed the stretcher straps, according to the report. Inside the ambulance, one medic started checking his vital signs while another sat by his head. He remained face down, sometimes struggling against the stretcher's straps, the report says. Four minutes later, the medics discussed getting Ellinger repositioned, but they didn't act immediately. After another minute passed, Ellinger was 'moving only slightly,' the report says. Inside the ambulance, while strapped to the stretcher, Ellinger continued struggling with medics and became unresponsive minutes later Finally, a medic released the straps and helped roll Ellinger onto his side, noting that his lips were blue. he same medic told his colleague he could administer Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Ellinger was unhandcuffed and placed on his back as medics began performing chest compressions, according to the report. He regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The report was produced under a relatively new state law that requires the Maryland attorney general's office to investigate all in-custody deaths. In this case, investigators specifically noted that they were only tasked with investigating the actions of the police officers, not those of the medics or other first responders. Eric Jaeger, an emergency medical services educator in New Hampshire who has no connection to the case, said the most obvious problem was that the medics left Ellinger prone for several minutes, potentially hindering his ability to breathe. He said he shows the bodycam footage to his students as an example of what can go wrong when a patient's airways aren't prioritized during sedation. 'I think Trea Ellinger would be alive today if he had been placed on the stretcher face up,' Jaeger told AP. Police removed the handcuffs for CPR to be applied, but Ellinger later died in hospital Photos of Trea Ellinger are seen on display in Lori Ellinger's home in Glen Burnie, Maryland He also questioned the initial decision to sedate Ellinger, saying medics should be particularly discerning about when to administer such drugs because of the risks they pose. When dealing with an agitated patient, fire department policy directs medics to 'place the patient in supine position (face up) as soon as practical.' A different policy says a restrained patient should be placed 'face up or on their side, if at all possible.' Fire officials declined to answer questions about the case, including whether the agency is conducting an internal review. The union representing firefighters and paramedics also declined to comment, and the mayor's office didn't respond to recent inquiries about the case. It appears the decision to sedate Ellinger using midazolam was in accordance with department policy. Gail Van Norman, professor emeritus of anesthesiology at the University of Washington, said the sedative could have depressed his respiration and relaxed the muscles of his upper airway, making him more vulnerable to cardiac arrest. 'The medics made a few medical mistakes,' she said. 'But this was a rapidly evolving situation where the unexpected happened. I don't envy them the decisions they had to make.' Lori Ellinger wears a guitar-shaped necklace that symbolizes the passion that her late son, Trea Ellinger, had for music Ellinger died in July 2023. In April, Baltimore prosecutors announced their decision not to bring charges. The investigative report was released the following month. Meanwhile, Lori Ellinger is still trying to process the untimely death of her only child. She wears a necklace shaped like a guitar that symbolizes Trea's passion for music. She scrolls through old photos on her phone and reminisces about his childhood. Trea Ellinger grew up in rural northeastern Maryland and worked for a concrete company after finishing high school. Despite his struggles with substance abuse, he spent much of his 20s crisscrossing the country with a traveling carnival, a job he loved. In the months before his death, he was trying to stay on track and taking methadone to curb his opioid cravings. His mom said he had been previously diagnosed with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Lori Ellinger visited her son at his rehab facility and brought him some groceries the day before his death. She said he seemed in good spirits but a couple of hours later, he called and said another resident had stabbed him in the shoulder during an argument. His injuries weren't severe, but the facility asked him to leave, she said. She believes he ended up sleeping on the streets that night. The following afternoon, he was seen stumbling around downtown Baltimore, falling repeatedly and acting disoriented, according to the investigative report. Watching the videos and reading the report, Lori Ellinger's heart breaks for her son. Clearly he was experiencing some sort of crisis, but she didn't get a call until hours later, when a nurse told her he had already died. 'I love and miss him,' she said. 'We had a lot of good years but not enough.' Jay Slater's best friend has posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged. The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Lancashire went missing on June 17, and yesterday Spanish police announced the discovery of a body with Jay's 'possessions and clothes' nearby. The teenager had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with his best mates Lucy Law and Brad Hargreaves before he vanished. In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' It comes as: Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for a holiday with best mates Lucy Law (right) and Brad Hargreaves before he vanished Jay was on his first-ever friends holiday with Lucy Law (pictured) and Brad Hargreaves when he went missing in Tenerife In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' A screenshot of messages between Jay and Lucy, which she posted on her Instagram in tribute to the teenager Lucy also posted a video tribute to Jay on her TikTok captioned: 'My thoughts are with your family Jay. We'll truly miss you.' Jay's family endured conspiracy theories and 'awful comments' being posted online during the search for the apprentice bricklayer, including hoax hostage videos. Pictured: Jay and Lucy The teenager had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island Alongside the message she published a collection of pictures and videos of the pair hanging out over the years. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but officers say that 'everything is pointing to it being' the missing teen. His grief-stricken mother Debbie Duncan, 55, has 'lots of questions which she hopes will be answered in the coming days,' a source close to the family said. 'Debbie is completely devastated,' the insider told The Sun, adding that the 'hardest' part for Duncan is that the remains were 'found so close to the original search site'. Brad Hargreaves, who had been helping with the search before flying back to Britain last week, also paid tribute to Jay yesterday. He posted two snaps of him and his friend alongside a heartfelt message: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' Authorities have not yet released the exact location in which they found the body, but it is understood that the remains were discovered in an 'inaccessible' and very remote area near the village of Masca. The Mirror reported that police found Jay's body a '20-minute walk' from where the teenager's phone last pinged. A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Video released by Spanish police shows how mountain rescue experts scoured through 'inaccessible' terrain, scaled rock faces and picked their way through scrub and thick undergrowth as they carried out the search The terrain is described as 'dense' and is understood to be full of uneven ground and shrubland. There is also no sign of any emergency services in the nearby village. The force released video footage of rescuers climbing rock faces and battling through scrub as they carried out the search. Part of the clip shows two members of the search team being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body had been found and recovered. While formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location, missing persons charity LBT Global said. Tenerife's Guardia Civil said on Monday that officers are waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death, which could take a number of days Formal identification has not yet taken place, but officers say that 'everything is pointing to it being' the missing teen. Pictured: Lucy and Jay (right) Lucy posted a tribute to Jay last night, describing him as the 'happiest person in the room' after a body was found in an 'inaccessible' area near the village of Masca Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday The post included a string of red broken hearts (seen above) Brad Hargreaves (pictured) said he spoke to Jay on the phone before he went missing While the Civil Guard said it had called off the official search after just 13 days, yesterday it was revealed that officials had been carrying on with the search, unbeknownst to anyone in a bid to stop internet sleuths from searching themselves. 'The discovery was possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with onlookers,' a statement read. Tenerife's Guardia Civil said on Monday that officers are waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death, which could take a number of days. Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered, the force said. Jessica Rogers, the girlfriend of Jay Slater's brother, took to social media yesterday to pay tribute to the teenager. She posted a photograph of Jay with a blue love heart, accompanied by the words: 'Will love you forever'. Members of the local community in Lancashire have been tying blue ribbons to posts to symbolise their support during the search. A local man told the BBC that 'everybody knows everybody around here'. 'It's a shame, everybody wants him home - everybody wants an answer.' Another local said it has 'hit the community hard'. He said: 'He's a local lad and he's well known. I feel sorry for the family going through this. It's hit hard.' Jay Slater's family have been informed that human remains have been found in the mountainous area of the Spanish island after a body was found (pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan) Part of the clip shows two members of the search team being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 Jessica Rogers shared this image on social media of Jay with the caption: 'Will love you forever' Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing Former British army reservist Chris Pennington walks the Masca mountains with the Daily Mail's Fred Kelly in search of the teenager after he went missing Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching The search in the village of Masca, near Mr Slater's last-known location, took place in a steep rocky area, including ravines, trails and paths. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.30am and 9am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall' Advertisement The teenager had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. He had travelled to 40-a-night Airbnb in the remote village with the two men, one of whom MailOnline revealed is a convicted drug dealer and the other whose identity is still not yet known, but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled 'not relevant' to the case. Masca is an hour's drive from the Papagayo nightclub in the party resort of Playa de las Americas. LBT Global, which supports the families of British people missing overseas, said: 'LBT Global is saddened to announce that a body found in Tenerife does look to be that of Jay Slater. 'It is understood the body was found close to the site of his mobile phone's last location. 'Although formal identification is yet to be carried out, the body was found with Mr Slater's possessions and clothes. 'A post-mortem examination and forensic enquiries will follow. 'LBT Global are supporting the family at this distressing time and ask for everyone to afford them space and privacy to come to terms with the news.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations today, with over 1,000 raised in the seven hours since the tragic news was announced. This brings the total to over 54,500 of the 30,000 target - which was reached within three weeks of the teenager disappearing. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. Jay's family endured conspiracy theories and 'awful comments' being posted online during the search for the apprentice bricklayer, including hoax hostage videos. On Sunday, Ms Duncan said she was aware of the 'vile' conspiracy theories about her son and claimed they were 'hindering' rescue efforts to find him. In a statement released through British overseas missing persons charity LBT Global, Ms Duncan said the family was 'desperate to find our beautiful boy'. She said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family. 'Jay is a typical young man who loves life, with a bright future ahead of him. This month will mark the end of his three-year apprenticeship with the world at his feet. 'He is loved by everyone and has a close bond with his family and many, many friends.' Ms Duncan criticised the 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and said were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. LBT Global chief executive Matt Searle said 'horrific things are being posted online, and even sent directly to family and friends' as he called for an end to 'the constant barrage of conspiracy theories and wild speculation'. TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas told The Mirror the family received 'two videos posted of separate people, meant to be Jay, having been beaten up'. One clip allegedly featured the 'We have your son', with the detective saying it was 'created for publication by someone wanting to give the impression they had Jay held hostage'. He explained that 'within hours' they had established that Jay was not the individual depicted in the videos. Details can be revealed about the troubled youth arrested by counter-terrorism police one week before his mother and disabled sister were found dead at home in unexplained circumstances. Jennifer Carrig, 53, and Ella, 13, were found dead in two separate bedrooms of their home on Menzies Rd in Marsfield in Sydney's north-west last Thursday. It was revealed today that Chris Carrig, 19, was arrested and charged with multiple offences just one week before Jennifer and his disabled younger sister Ella were believed to have died inside the family home. A family friend told Daily Mail Australia that the 'absolutely lovely' Jennifer Carrig had problems with her outspoken son, Chris, who attended Epping High School until 2022. Back in 2018, the young teen was obsessed with Game of Thrones, but since leaving school he had formed a group of friends with right-wing views. Chris Carrig, along with 20-year-old Taylor Bayly appear to have been living at the Menzies Road home when the pair were arrested just after 6am on July 2 by Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command officers. Chris Carrig (circled) with his mother Jennifer and younger sister, Ella, was arrested along with his friend, Taylor Bayly, 20 at the home a week before Jennifer and Ella's bodies were found at the Marsfield house They were taken to separate police stations to be charged with offences relating to the spray painting of 'extreme right-wing ideology' on a statue at Macquarie University back in February. Mr Carrig was also charged with offences dating from May at a Woolworths in north-west Sydney, while police took out an Apprehended Violence Order against him on behalf of another man. Chris Carrig was already banned from the Woolworths when he allegedly unlawfully entered the premises on the afternoon May 25, and is alleged to have stalked or intimidated the man. Police allege Mr Carrig and Taylor Bayly blackened their faces and then entered Macquarie Park - which has around 130 statues, inside Macquarie University - at around 12.17am on February 25. Court documents allege they used a spray can to mark objects on campus with the Nazi swastika symbol and the tag of the National Socialist Network, an Australian neo-Nazi political organisation. The couple were charged with intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging property, blacken or disguise face with intention to commit an indictable offence, possess graffiti implement and unlawful entry on enclosed lands. The Marsfield home had bottles stacked outside and several security signs about a dog and cameras, although it is believed only cats lived there and there are no visible exterior cameras An old friend said of Jennifer Carrig, 'you could not meet a lovelier person', but remembered her teenage son Chris as 'troubled' They were bailed to appear at different courts this month and next month. Just eight days after their arrests, the tragic discovery of Jennifer and Ella Carrig's bodies were made. The house has several signs warning about security cameras, and 'beware of the dog', although no actual exterior cameras can be seen on the property and it appeared two cats, rather than a dog lived there. Buckets full of bottles sit outside the front wall of the house, and clothes are piled up against windows. One upper floor bedroom window appears to have had a word written in blue paint in graffiti-style script on the inside, with dribbles of paint from the letters clearly visible. Jennifer Carrig (pictured left) and her daughter Ella (pictured right) were found dead inside their home last Thursday The home where the bodies were found (pictured) was raided by police a week prior in relation to alleged extremist vandalism Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Christopher Carrig had any involvement in the deaths of his mother Jennifer or sister Ella. NSW Police have launched a major investigation into the deaths of Ms Carrig and Ella, which is ongoing. Police initially revealed that the pair's deaths were not being treated as suspicious. Sources have since revealed that detectives are also investigating whether the deaths may have been the result of a murder-suicide. It remains unclear how the pair died as neither Ms Carrig or her daughter had obvious injuries. 'There was no bullet or stab wounds to the victims,' a police spokesperson said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment. The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of tributes to the pair, who had lived at the home for several years. New South Wales Police initially said the mother and daughter's deaths were not being treated as suspicious but are now reportedly investigating a murder-suicide theory Mother of-three Jennifer Carrig (pictured) was described by her friend as the 'best mumma' Ms Carrig has been remembered as the 'best mumma' to her family, including to her daughter Ella, who was disabled and needed full-time care. 'She was the best so caring and thoughtful,' Ms Carrig's best friend Samantha Thomas-Barber told the Daily Telegraph. 'A true treasure and warrior she was the best mumma to her family.' Neighbours in the quiet suburban street were 'absolutely shocked'. Many said they didn't hear or see anything out of the ordinary on Thursday morning until they saw the emergency vehicles in their street. One described the mother-of-three as 'very friendly and kind'. He told Daily Mail Australia that Ella had a disability and that her mother had just recently completed renovations on the home. Another neighbour said Jennifer used to babysit him and he knew her his whole life. 'It's sad,' he said. A family friend added: 'I can't believe this has happened,' Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. An angry surfer has demanded the man who caused horrific injuries to his wife while she was out surfing come forward. Cary Gilbert said the shocking incident happened on Thursday around 8.15am at popular surf break Currumbin Alley on Queensland's Gold Coast, which is infamous for surf rage and collisions. Mr Gilbert said his wife, Bebe, has more than than 25 years' surfing experience and is keen and competent. He shared graphic images of a deep laceration to his wife's head to a southern Gold Coast community Facebook group. 'I am looking for the surfer (male) who landed on my wife's head and didn't even get out of the water to help her through a pretty significant trauma to the head,' he wrote. 'My wife clearly stated verbally to him that she was not f***ing OK and had to go in.' Mr Gilbert added, 'Looks like he simply paddled back out for some more fun and (has) probably been getting some sick waves while she recovers at home with nine staples on her head and misses out on the action.' He urged the perpetrator or someone who knows him to come forward. 'If this is you or your mate please get in touch!' he wrote. Mr Gilbert shared graphic images of a deep laceration to his wife's head to a southern Gold Coast community Facebook group Mr Gilbert (pictured left) said his wife, Bebe (pictured right) has more than than 25 years' surfing experience and is keen and competent He wrote it's never too late to check in on the person you landed on and apologise for not realising. 'We don't need compensation, my wife is doing well, no fracture, no concussion, no headache and somehow very minimal pain, taking the week off work to recover.' He concluded his post, 'An acknowledgment to help her with her emotional process, find some sort of closure and get back out there feeling safe within our surfing community as soon as possible is where she is at.' Comments to Mr Gilbert's Facebook post shared his anger. 'This is so sickening, appalling behavior leaving her out in the water like that, did anyone help her? I hope he turns up,' wrote one Facebook user. 'That's appalling behaviour. Really sorry for your wife and hope she heals well,' wrote another. 'God mate. We wish her a speedy recovery. That looks nasty, some people just don't care.' Two members of Congress, a Republican and a Democrat are both answering the call from their leaders to seek bipartisanship and lower the temperature of the political climate after the failed attempt on Saturday to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The attempted assassination of Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania by the gunman Thomas Crook resulted in the the death of former fire department chief Corey Comperatore, 50, who died shielding his family from the bullets that were fired at the president. Comperatore and his family were standing behind the president as he delivered his remarks at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He was an engineer and former chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company. Now both Republicans and Democrats want to honor Comperatore's sacrifice with a Congressional resolution. The former fire chief for Buffalo Township, Corey Comperatore and his wife Helen Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla and Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla announced a resolution to honor Corey Comperatore, a Trump supporter who died shielding his family from bullets fired at President Donald Trump on Saturday Sources tell DailyMail.com that Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz have joined forces to file a resolution in the House of Representatives honoring former fire department chief Corey Comperatore, who was killed while shielding his family during the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump. The resolution proclaims that Comperatore died a hero to his family and hero to his country for his service, after giving his life to shield his wife and two daughters from the bullets fired at former President Donald Trump. It calls on United States politicians to condemn the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump and 'political violence in all its forms.' Corey Comperatore should not have lost his life exercising his First Amendment right by going to a political rally,' Gaetz said in a statement, praising his 'selfless and courageous actions' to protect his family. 'This resolution seeks to commemorate his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to public service after he heroically sacrificed his life while shielding his family from gunfire intended for the President Trump,' Gaetz concluded. Rep. Moskowitz also praised Comperatore for his heroic actions. The former fire chief for Buffalo Township, Corey Comperatore, was the person killed in the crowd at the Trump rally in Butler County 'No matter what side of the aisle youre on, those are the brave qualities we should all salute. He deserved the ability to go to a political rally and return home,' he said. 'I hope that my colleagues will join us in honoring his sacrifice.' Comperatore's daughter Allyson memorialized her father on social media Sunday, describing him as 'the best dad a girl could ask for.' 'He loved his family. He truly loved us enough to take a bullet for us,' she wrote on Facebook. Comperatore's wife also memorialized her husband in an interview with the New York Post. 'Me and the kids were all there as a family,' she said. 'He was just excited. It was going to be a nice day with the family.' She described her husband as a 'hero' that jumped to save his family. 'He just said, "Get down!" That was the last thing he said,' she recalled Comperatore's sacrifice drew praise from Democratic governor Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania who ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of his sacrifice. 'Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family,' said Shapiro. She almost died of neglect 18 months beforehand A six-year-old girl was brought to hospital 'minutes from death' due to neglect about 18 months before she was allegedly killed by her parents' religious group, a court has been told. Eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs died at the family home in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, on January 7, 2022, after her parents and 12 others allegedly withheld her diabetes insulin medication for six days in favour of prayer. Brendan Luke Stevens, the 62-year-old leader of the Christian group calling itself 'The Saints', is on trial for murder along with the girl's father, Jason Richard Struhs, 52, in the Brisbane Supreme Court. Elizabeth's mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, 49, and the other 11 members of the congregation are charged with manslaughter. Queensland Children's Hospital senior endocrinologist Louise Conwell testified on Tuesday during the judge-only trial's fifth day before Justice Martin Burns. Associate Professor Conwell said Elizabeth was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Brisbane in July 2019 after her then-undiagnosed type-1 diabetes left her relying on adrenaline doses and a ventilation tube to keep her heart and lungs working. 'It was extremely rare ... she was the most seriously unwell child I have ever seen,' Assoc Prof Conwell said. Under questioning from crown prosecutor Caroline Marco, Assoc Prof Conwell said she explained diabetes to Jason and Kerrie Struhs and that lifelong medication would be necessary to keep Elizabeth alive. Elizabeth Struhs (pictured) was allegedly killed after members of a faith-healing church group withheld her insulin for days in early 2022 Queensland Children's Hospital senior endocrinologist Louise Conwell (pictured) said she explained to Elizabeth's parents that lifelong medication would be necessary to keep her alive 'I explained she was near to death at that time and was still critically ill ... she would require ongoing insulin treatment,' the specialist said. All 14 defendants are self-represented and have refused to enter pleas with Stevens telling the court they had reasonable belief that God would cure Elizabeth's diabetes. Camellia Claire Stevens, 28, one of the 11 charged with manslaughter, cross-examined Assoc Prof Conwell and asked if Elizabeth's recovery in 2019 had been 'quite miraculous'. 'It was very fortunate. She had excellent treatment from the moment she was taken to Toowoomba hospital. It is a testament to her prompt treatment and continued care ... without that treatment she would have died. She was minutes from death,' Assoc Prof Conwell said. Jason Struhs told police he had taken Elizabeth to hospital against the wishes of Kerri Struhs, who would later be imprisoned for five months for failing to provide Elizabeth with the necessities of life in 2019. Kerrie Struhs told Detective Sergeant Andrew Lowe that 'God can work the seemingly impossible'. 'I believe thoroughly that God is in our life. He has promised healing,' Mrs Struhs said in a police interview played to Justice Burns. Elizabeth Struhs died on January 7, 2022, after her parents and 12 others allegedly withheld her diabetes insulin medication for six days in favour of prayer When asked what treatment she provided to Elizabeth as her undiagnosed diabetes worsened, Kerrie Struhs said she gave her nappies to wear at school. Assoc Prof Conwell earlier testified that Elizabeth had suffered incontinence as her body tried to rid itself of excess sugar. The other defendants are Loretta Mary Stevens, 67, Andrea Louise Stevens, 34, Acacia Naree Stevens, 31,Therese Maria Stevens, 37 Keita Courtney Martin, 22, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, 34, Samantha Emily Crouch, 26, Zachary Alan Struhs, 21, Sebastian James Stevens, 23, and Alexander Francis Stevens, 26. Nick Coatsworth has hit out at a proposed tax on sugary treats arguing that '$8 cans of coke' will only punish the poor and fail to fix the nation's obesity crisis. A recent Senate report recommended a 20 per cent tax on unhealthy products such as soft drinks in order to curb surging obesity rates, particularly in children. But the prominent doctor, who became the face of Australia's Covid vaccine campaign as the national deputy chief medical officer, argues that implementing a so-called 'sin tax' is misguided and echoes the draconian government overreach seen during the pandemic. 'It's hard to escape the conclusion that sin taxes are proposed by rich people looking down on the behaviour of the sinful masses,' Dr Coatsworth told Daily Mail Australia. 'Can you imagine a can of Coke costing $8? Is that what it will take to reduce consumption? 'In regional and indigenous communities I predict it will reduce consumption by precisely zero.' He noted that while governments can legitimately regulate things such as age of consumption of products such as alcohol and penalise people who sell harmful products to children, it should be cautious in applying such restrictions to adults. 'The recent trend to is to make penalty and prohibition the first choice and not the last resort, and this is leading to bad policy choices,' Dr Coatsworth said. Nick Coatsworth has hit out at a proposed tax on sugary treats arguing that '$8 cans of coke' will only punish the poor and fail to fix the nation's obesity crisis A recent Senate parliamentary report recommended placing a 'sugar tax' on sweetened drinks 'If you're struggling to make an income and support your family there is much less capacity to make good health choices, and the 'sins' help you get through a tough day. 'A sin tax that does nothing to lift people into a position that they can make positive health choices.' Dr Coatsworth also warned there are limits in trying to legislate people into being healthier. 'We've just been through a very disturbing episode in our lives where we criminalised or harshly penalised legitimate actions of citizens in the name of public health,' he said referring to the Covid period. 'As a basic principle public health should operate by consent of the community not by coercion. 'This applies as much to current debates as it did to Covid.' The Australian government already imposes similar taxes on tobacco products and raises the excise every year to make it prohibitively expensive. It currently stands at about 75 per cent of the sale price. Although the rate of smoking has decreased from above 20 per cent in 2001 to 11 per cent now, illegal vaping rates have soared along with the illicit tobacco trade. 'It's a law of diminishing returns,' Dr Coatsworth said. 'Tobacco excise had climbed so high that a black market has blossomed.' 'It's clear that the Australian Federal Police can't stop illicit tobacco coming into the country, let alone illegal vapes and it's creating a problem for state policing who now have to deal with the emergence of organised crime. 'It's bizarre that the same people who acknowledge that a 'war on drugs' is the wrong way to tackle hard drug use passionately declare that a 'war on vapes' is likely to work.' Despite Dr Coatsworth's opposition to raising taxes on unhealthy food and drink, he does agree that there is an 'obesity crisis in Australia and that diabetes is an enormous cost-burden for our health system'. Although the rate of smoking has decreased from above 20 per cent in 2001 to 11 per cent now, illegal vaping rates have soared along with the illicit tobacco trade (stock image) 'There is a big gap between agreeing with that and asserting that sugar taxes will have a meaningful impact on either,' he said. 'The classic behaviour of the activist is to surf a moral panic and then criticise an opponent as being an enemy of the public good. 'Labelling someone as being an enemy of public health is a very effective way of silencing debate.' Earlier this month a Senate report recommended the federal government implement a levy on sugar-sweetened beverages and look to international examples to fix prices. It pointed to the British example of 'tiered tax' where the levy grows with the amount of sugar in a product. The Parliamentary Budget Office estimated applying a 20 per cent tax on all sugar sweetened drinks would bring in about $1.4billion annually. Jay Slater's 'absolutely broken' family believes he was 'killed instantly after falling from height' - after a body was discovered in a mountainous area of Tenerife yesterday. The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out on the Spanish island on June 17, prompting a huge search operation involving police, volunteers and family members which spanned almost a month. On Monday morning, the Spanish Civil Guard tragically discovered a body with the apprentice bricklayer's possessions and clothing, near to where his phone last pinged. Formal identification is yet to take place, but officers - who found the body after continuing a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' - say that 'everything is pointing to it being' the missing teen. Amid questions over how a body was missed for 29 days, Jay's family now say they can 'appreciate the remoteness' of the area and say he 'would most likely have been killed instantly'. A family spokesman told MailOnline today: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. Initially they thought how could he be so close and yet be missed but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' It comes as: Spanish police yesterday found a body in the search for missing British teenager Jay Slater (pictured) Jay's family are 'absolutely broken' after a body was found. He is pictured here with mother Debbie Duncan (left) and brother Zak Slater (right) Jay Slater's family have been informed that human remains have been found in the mountainous area of the Spanish island after a body was found (pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan) Spanish police released footage showing officers searching the area in the hours before they found a body. They had continued a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 in the absence of full identification. The first investigations reveal that he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found.' The family update follows Jay's best friend Lucy Law penning an emotional tribute to the 'happiest and most smiley person'. Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with Lucy and another friend, Brad Hargreaves, before he vanished. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Advertisement In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Brad, meanwhile, wrote: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' It comes after the Spanish Civil Guard revealed that they had continued a 'discreet search' despite saying they had stopped looking in the area on June 30. The shock decision after just 13 days led to amateur sleuths vowing to continue their own search through the rugged Tenerife mountains, while Jay's family refused to give up and leave the Spanish island. The high-profile investigation saw internet sleuths jet out from the UK to Tenerife, while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook were awash with vile conspiracy theories which Jay's mother claimed 'hindered' efforts to find him. Announcing the discovery of a body yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard said: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. Jay, 19, vanished on the island of Tenerife last month, prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. At around 9.04am, Jay is reported missing and his friends spend the day searching but to no avail. The following day, local police and mountain rescue teams scoured the rugged landscape and his family flew out to Tenerife to join the search. On June 19, the search was temporarily moved to the Los Cristianos area in the south of the island because of a potential lead, but this is quickly discounted and the search returned north. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, said she feared her son had 'been taken against his will'. Emergency workers continued to comb bushes, overgrown terrain, hillsides and rivers back in the Masca valley, but failed to find the missing teenager. The Spanish police also came under fire for rejecting support from the Lancashire Constabulary back in the UK. On June 28, after having no luck in finding Jay, the Spanish police appealed for a mass army of volunteers such as firefighters and mountaineering experts but only six people turned up the following day. On June 30, Spanish police then called off the search but insisted the case 'remains open'. Jay's family and friends stayed in Tenerife, while TikTok sleuths also vowed to continue helping. One TikTok detective subsequently quit the search after saying he and his group had not received any of the money raised to help find Jay on GoFundMe. But Jay's mother hit back, claiming she had given him 740 of her own money for accommodation, adding: 'We don't need hikers, we need experts.' TikTok explorer Paul Arnott was also helping in Tenerife, as was detective-turned-investigator Mark Williams-Thomas. Nevertheless, Spanish police officers were discreetly continuing their own search of the mountains. On July 14, Debbie spoke of her 'heartache' and criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' about her son's disappearance. Jay's father Warren Slater and brother Zak pictured during a search and rescue last month Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Part of the clip shows two members of the search team (pictured) being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body (not pictured) had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay In a statement released through LBT Global, Ms Duncan said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.' Ms Duncan said the family wish to thank the public for 'their continued support and well wishes' and praises the British Embassy and police for 'doing all they can to support us'. But she also criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and says were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. Just 24 hours later, a body was found by Spanish police. Charity LBT Global said that while formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca on Monday. The force said Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where the body was discovered. The body was lifted out of a ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing It will likely be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said that the 'lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search'. They added: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days.' Parts of the countryside were 'preserved' so they were 'not filled with curious onlookers', they told Sky News. Officers continued: 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 - in the absence of full identification. 'The first investigations reveal he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations since the tragic update was revaled. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. Keir Starmer told Cabinet the critical King's Speech will focus on the 'mission of economic growth' today. The PM and his senior team met to put the final touches to the legislative plans - designed to show that Labour has hit the ground running with its 'change' promise. Ministers heard there was a 'packed agenda' that would make progress on the government's desire to get GDP rising. Strategists have warned Sir Keir has a narrow window to get the public on board with his plans, after securing on of the biggest landslides in history on just 34 per cent of the popular vote. A national truant register, treating Channel boats gangs as terrorists and a Net Zero push are all set to feature tomorrow as the monarch kick-starts the Parliamentary session with the usual pomp and ceremony. The package of around 35 bills could include moves to scrap the remaining 92 hereditary peers - although the mandatory retirement age of 80 in the Lords could wait. Spiking drinks will be made a specific criminal offence, and police will be ordered to tackle lower-value shoplifting. Keir Starmer is gathering Cabinet today as he prepares to unveil a critical King's Speech tomorrow Defence Secretary John Healey and Lord Robertson, who is overseeing a review, arriving for Cabinet today Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in Downing Street today Lords leader Baroness Smith and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson arrive for Cabinet A national truant register, treating Channel boats gangs as terrorists and a Net Zero push are all set to feature in Labour 's first King's Speech tomorrow (pictured, the King delivering the Tory government's speech last year) Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wants to extend powers under the Terrorism Act to organised immigration crime There is also likely to be action on the target of shifting to clean power by 2030, planning reforms to build 1.5million new homes in five years, and workers' rights reforms - with Tory curbs on union powers due to be repealed. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wants to extend powers under the Terrorism Act to organised immigration crime. She is now headhunting a former top spy such as Sir Alexander Younger, the ex-MI6 chief to fill the role of Border Security Commander. A total of 590 Channel migrants arrived between last Tuesday and Friday. What will be in the King's Speech tomorrow? The government says there will be at least 35 bills in Labour's first legislative package. Measures are set to include: Extending powers under the Terrorism Act to cover gangs organising people-smuggling across the Channel Crackdown on truancy with creation of national register of so-called 'ghost children' A new Mission Control tasked with 'turbocharging' the UK to switch to clean power by 2030 Planning reforms to hit target of building 1.5million homes over the Parliament Workers' rights overhaul repealing laws curbing union powers Specific law against spiking drinks Police ordered to tackle shoplifting of under 200 Making it a legal requirement for the OBR to assess all Budgets Scrapping the remaining 92 hereditary peers in the House of Lords The ban on current under-15s ever buying cigarettes, which was lost when Rishi Sunak called the election Advertisement Ms Cooper is also planning to increase by 50 per cent the number of specialist officers from Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) stationed within Europol, the EU's crime-fighting agency, as part of the new drive. The government is keen to look tough on the issue, after a former border chief claimed yesterday that Kurdish people-smuggling gangs were calling Sir Keir the 'friendly one' after he scrapped Rishi Sunak's plan to send migrants to Rwanda. Ministers want to impose a legal duty on councils to keep a register of so-called 'ghost children' - who barely attend school - and make parents formally declare when they are home-schooling. AI will be deployed to help schools, GPs and councils work together more closely, according to the Sunday Times. The Education Bill, which is being prioritised, will also include a legal requirement for breakfast clubs in every primary school. And schools will be banned from requiring pupils to wear more than three branded items of uniform. Downing Street has signalled that a law will be proposed to create a new Mission Control tasked with 'turbocharging' the UK to switch to clean power by 2030. The strengthening of the OBR, which was outlined in Labour's manifesto, is designed to ensure 'nobody can play fast and loose with the public finances ever again', Downing Street said. The action of putting a drug into someone's drink or into their body without their consent is already a crime covered by other legislation. But party sources last night confirmed that the Government want to create a new, specific offence so that police can respond better to incidents. Figures show that spiking cases have soured in London in particular. The Met Police alone received 1,383 allegations of spiking in 2023, with the majority of incidents occurring in public places such as bars or nightclubs. Overall, police received 6,732 reports of spiking in the year ending April 2023, including 957 cases involving needles. The average age of victims was 26, with women accounting for 74 per cent of all cases. The Home Affairs Committee, which the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously chaired, have previously recommended that spiking be recognised as a standalone crime punishable by up to 10 years in jail. A report produced last year, when the committee was being charged by new policing minister Dame Diana Johnson, read: 'Several offences may be used to prosecute spiking but there is no specific offence. 'This, together with limited reporting, investigation and prosecution, means there are few deterrents for offenders. 'As part of our recommended national anti-spiking communication campaign, the Home Office should send a clear message to offenders that there is no acceptable defence for spiking, that it can have devastating consequences for victims and that it is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.' Ministers want to impose a legal duty on councils to keep a register of so-called 'ghost children' - who barely attend school (file picture of pupils in class) Initial moves to scrap the remaining 92 hereditary peers are also expected in the plans - although the mandatory retirement age of 80 in the Lords (file picture) could wait until later in the Parliament The Conservative government took strong measures against spiking last year, including training door staff to spot perpetrators and help victims, and investing in spiking testing kits for venues. Ex-Home Secretary James Cleverly said: 'Spiking is a perverse crime which can have a lasting impact on victims. Our comprehensive new measures are designed to help police and staff in bars, restaurants, pubs and other premises to protect victims and bring more offenders to justice.' The Tory general election manifesto also pledged to create a new offence for spiking as part of a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. In picking JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate, Donald Trump has sent a clear message to Britain and set alarm bells ringing in all European NATO states concerned by Washington's ongoing commitment to continental security. Speaking last week at the National Conservatism Conference (NatCom), Vance, a 39-year-old senator from the Midwest, sensationally declared Britain had become the first nuclear-touting 'Islamist state' under a Labour government. 'What is the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon? Maybe it's Iran, maybe Pakistan already kind of counts... and then we finally decided maybe it's the UK since Labour just took over,' the 39-year-old Senator said, prompting chuckles from the crowd. 'To my Tory friends I have to say, you guys really gotta get a handle on this,' he added. The comments were made tongue-in-cheek, as Vance jokingly acknowledged he was 'beating up on the UK'. But the sentiment only adds to fears that the US relationship with Britain and European partners will decline sharply should Trump emerge victorious from November's presidential election. In an earlier interview with the FT, Vance also echoed Trump's rhetoric that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security amid thinly veiled threats Washington could dramatically scale back defence funding. 'The United States has provided a blanket of security to Europe for far too long,' Vance said, going on to describe America's contributions to NATO and aid packages for Ukraine as 'an implied tax on the American people for the security of Europe'. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attend the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024 Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attends the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears with vice presidential candidate JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee Vance, a 39-year-old senator from the Midwest, sensationally declared last week that Britain had become the first nuclear-touting 'Islamist state' under Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government In picking Vance as his vice presidential running mate, Trump has sent a clear message to Britain and set alarm bells ringing in all European NATO states concerned by Washington's ongoing commitment to continental security (Starmer speaks at NATO summit, July 11, 2024) Trump named Ohio Senator Vance as his running mate last night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, just days after cheating death when a would-be assassin's bullet grazed his ear at a rally in Pennsylvania. The former President said that Vance, a former venture capitalist, was 'best suited' to the role and would 'fight for our Constitution'. Vance is known for writing bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy about his working-class upbringing in the Midwest which was turned into a film starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. He is also seen as the telegenic face of Trumpism and has in recent years become one of the former President's most ardent defenders, standing by his side even when other high-profile Republicans declined to do so. But such vocal support for the Republican presidential nominee represents a dramatic U-turn from the Yale-educated 39-year-old, who previously proclaimed he was 'never a Trump guy' and once dubbed the former President an 'idiot' and 'America's Hitler'. Britain's deputy PM Angela Rayner today dismissed Vance's comments and said she looked forward to meeting Trump's running mate should the Republican nominee win in November. 'I think he said quite a lot of fruity things in the past as well,' she told ITV's Good Morning Britain. 'Look, I don't recognise that characterisation. I'm very proud of the election success that Labour had recently. We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of the country. And we're interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also working with our international allies. 'I look forward to that meeting [with Vance] if that is the result. It's up to the American people to decide.' Britain's shadow veterans minister Andrew Bowie this morning told Times Radio Labour is 'absolutely not' creating an Islamist country and that JD Vance's comments are 'quite offensive' to his Labour colleagues. 'I disagree with the Labour Party fundamentally on many issues, but I do not agree with that view... I think it's actually quite offensive, frankly, to my colleagues in the Labour Party. 'We need to relearn how to disagree agreeably and have those full, frank disagreements out in public... the coarsening of public debate and the rise of political violence that we saw with repercussions just this weekend in the United States of America is something that we've all got to work to combat.' Donald Trump last night named his Vice Presidential running mate as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance . The former President said that Mr Vance, a former venture capitalist, was 'best suited' to the role and would 'fight for our Constitution'. Mr Vance is seen celebrating after receiving the nomination at Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15, 2024 Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is nominated as the candidate for Vice President on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Eight years ago, in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Vance was a bitter critic of Trump, both publicly and privately. 'I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical asshole like Nixon who wouldn't be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that he's America's Hitler,' Vance wrote privately to an associate on Facebook in 2016. When his Hitler comment was first reported, in 2022, a spokesperson did not dispute it, but said it no longer represented Vance's views. Vance did a complete U-turn in 2022 when he ran for a Senate seat in Ohio, his first run for elected office, and after kissing Trump's ring, he won his support - and won the election. At the time the former President said that Vance 'gets it now, and I have seen that in spades'. After Trump was shot at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday, Vance was one of the first to blame the Biden administration for it. He wrote on social media: 'Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. 'That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination'. Vance last month admitted that he had been 'wrong about Donald Trump'. He told Fox News's Bret Baier: 'I didn't think he was going to be a good president. 'He was a great president, and it's one of the reasons why I'm working so hard to make sure he gets a second term.' Vance, addressing his reversal on Trump, added: 'When you are wrong about something you should change your mind and be honest with people about that fact.' He also argued that his changed stance on Trump 'presents a real opportunity to talk to the American people because a lot of people didn't think Trump was going to be a good president and a lot of people were happy to be proven wrong'. A spokesperson for Vance declined to provide further comment to MailOnline. Sen. J.D. Vance is seen pointing at former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio Mr Vance did a complete U-turn in 2022 when he ran for a Senate seat in Ohio, his first run for elected office, and after kissing Mr Trump's ring, he won his support - and won the election. Mr Vance is pictured alongside Mr Trump at a Save America rally in Delaware, Ohio, April 23, 2022 Donald Trump revealed Mr Vance as his VP pick with a statement on Truth Social on Monday afternoon that read like a resume, listing his career achievements Vance is married to his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, a lawyer with whom he has three children. Trump had already dismissed a rumour that Vance's beard would disqualify him - the former president is reportedly averse to facial hair. On Truth Social Trump wrote: 'As Vice President, J.D. will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Congratulations to Senator J.D. Vance, his wife, Usha, who also graduated from Yale Law School, and their three beautiful children'. The two other men on the shortlist to be Trump's Vice President had been Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota, a wealthy former software executive, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Vance's transformation - from self-described 'never Trumper' to stalwart loyalist - makes him a relatively unusual figure in Trump's inner circle. Democrats and even some Republicans have questioned whether Vance, who wrote a bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' in 2016, is driven more by opportunism than ideology. Georgia state Senator Josh McLaurin, a Democrat who allegedly went to law school with Vance, was heavily critical of him, calling the VP nominee a 'sellout'. 'I'm the guy JD Vance sent the 'America's Hitler' text to in 2016,' McLaurin tweeted. 'He was my roommate in law school. Obviously he's a sellout, but the bigger deal is he's angry and vindictive. 'The perfect fit for Trump's revenge. JD's rise is a triumph for angry jerks everywhere.' This is the moment Sen. J.D. Vance was nominated for the office of Vice President on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance celebrate as he is nominated for the office of Vice President alongside Ohio Delegate Bernie Moreno on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin But Trump and many of his advisers see Vance's transformation as genuine. They point out that Vance's political beliefs - which mix isolationism with economic populism - dovetail with those of Trump, and put both men at odds with the old guard of the Republican Party, where foreign policy hawks and free market evangelists still hold sway. Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, whom Vance has described as a mentor, told Reuters that the Vice Presidential nominee shifted his views on Trump because 'he saw the successes that President Trump as president brought to the country'. In particular, Vance's vocal opposition to US aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia has delighted Trump's most conservative allies, even as it has upset some Senate colleagues. Mr Vance is known for writing bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy about his working-class upbringing in the Midwest which was turned into a film starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams 'He understands what Trump is running on and, unlike the rest of the Republican Party in Washington, agrees with it,' conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, a vocal Vance supporter, has said. Vance was born into an impoverished home in southern Ohio. His pick may help boost the Trump campaign's Rust Belt bona fides in a race that will be determined by voters in a handful of battleground states, including nearby Pennsylvania and Michigan, though his conservative views may be a turn-off for moderate voters. 'To the extent that he can do anything for the ticket, it would be to recapture being the voice of the American dream,' said David Niven, an associate professor of politics at the University of Cincinnati who has worked as a speechwriter for two Democratic governors, referring to Vance's rise from poverty to US senator and vice presidential candidate. After serving in the Marine Corps, attending Yale Law School and working as a venture capitalist in San Francisco, Vance rose to national prominence thanks to his 2016 book Hillbilly Elegy. In that memoir, he explored the socioeconomic problems confronting his hometown and attempted to explain Trump's popularity among impoverished white Americans to readers. By 2022, Vance's demonstrations of loyalty - which included downplaying the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol - were sufficient to score the former president's coveted endorsement. Trump's support helped put him over the top in a competitive primary. In media interviews, the Ohio senator has said there was no 'Eureka' moment that changed his views on Trump. Rather, he gradually realized that his opposition to the former president was rooted in style rather than substance. J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance wave to supporters after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio Mr Vance married Usha Chilukuri in 2014. The couple share three children together For instance, he agreed with Trump's contentions that free trade had hollowed out middle America by crushing domestic manufacturing and that the nation's leaders were too quick to get involved in foreign wars. 'I allowed myself to focus so much on the stylistic element of Trump that I completely ignored the way in which he substantively was offering something very different on foreign policy, on trade, on immigration,' Vance told the New York Times in June. In the same interview, Vance said that he met Trump in 2021 and that the two grew closer during his Senate campaign. The Ohio senator's detractors see his shift in views as a cynical ploy to ascend the ranks of Republican politics. 'What you see is some really profound opportunism,' said Niven, the politics professor. One issue where his position appears to have converged with Trump is abortion. Vance implied in a 2021 interview that victims of rape and incest should be required to carry pregnancies to term, and in November he described a vote by Ohioans to add the right to abortion care to the state's constitution as a 'gut punch'. This year, he said he supports access to the abortion pill mifepristone, a view that Trump shares. Before Vance developed a relationship with the former president, he grew close with Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, according to several people familiar with their relationship. Mr Vance has become close to Donald Trump Jr. who is seen campaigning with him in 2022 Donald Trump Jr. weighed in to back Mr Vance in March 2022, paving the way for his father's endorsement Vance first caught Trump Jr's eye when he opposed aid to Ukraine during the Ohio Senate primary in 2022, according to one of those people, a position that put him at odds with the other Republicans in the race. Vance's personal relationship with Trump developed for the most part during the Republican presidential primary earlier this year, that person said. His decision to endorse Trump in January 2023, well before some other vice-presidential hopefuls, served as an important demonstration of loyalty, that person added. In February 2023, Trump and Vance visited East Palestine, Ohio, the site of a toxic train derailment, a trip that raised Vance's national profile. They portrayed Democratic President Joe Biden's decision at the time not to visit the working-class community as a betrayal of middle America. The White House noted at the time that federal agents were on the scene almost immediately after the derailment, and that visiting a disaster site can distract from local recovery efforts. Biden eventually visited East Palestine roughly a year later, in February 2024. Behind the scenes, Vance has helped campaign for Trump, according to two people with knowledge of the former president's fundraising operations. Vance, for instance, helped put together a Bay Area fundraiser in June hosted by venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, one of those people said. Georgia state Senator Josh McLaurin, a Democrat who allegedly went to law school with Mr Vance, was heavily critical of him, calling the VP nominee a 'sellout' Off the campaign trail, some of Trump's highest-profile allies - including Trump Jr, Carlson, and Steve Bannon - have been delighted by Vance's brief tenure on Capitol Hill. All of those individuals have legions of conservative followers, and their approval may help drive Republicans to the polls. Vance's skepticism of corporate America, support for tariffs, weariness of foreign entanglements and his youth make him a leading voice of a new Republican Party that is more focused on the working class than big business in the eyes of supporters. 'I think that in terms of bringing to the ticket, he can articulate the pain that American families are feeling better than almost anybody else,' said Barrasso. Vance has been criticized for just copying Trump. 'Vance is an echo to Trump,' said Niven, 'not a new voice.' A cyclist sent flying after being hit by car at a busy intersection when he ran a red light has divided the internet. Dramatic dashcam footage showed the moment a white sedan struck the BMX rider crossing the intersection of Richmond Road and Third Avenue in Blacktown, in Sydney's west. The bike went airborne and landed several metres away, which sparked a furious reaction from the cyclist. The cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, had crossed the road despite a red pedestrian light showing. The rider then started banging on the passenger window of the car, abandoning his mangled bike in the middle of the road. The cyclist's female companion, who had already crossed the road, was also seen repeatedly trying to open the car door. Footage of the terrifying incident was shared on the Dashcam Owners Australia Facebook group on Monday and has since attracted 192,000 views. The clip was also inundated with hundreds of comments. A cyclist who ran a red light was hit at a crossing in Blacktown, in Sydney's west Aussie drivers were divided about who was to blame, but many believed that the cyclist was at fault. 'The audacity to punch the window out of anger when it was his stupidity,' one viewer commented. Another added: 'Perfect example why bike riders must dismount to cross roads.' A third person wrote: 'Rider shouldn't be crossing when the driver has a green light.' A fourth person commented: 'It was the cyclist's fault.' A fifth person commented: 'Good reason why [cyclists] should pay rego and have insurance.' Another said: 'Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.' NSW Police is aware of the footage, a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. A gang of builders who preyed on 'vulnerable and elderly' homeowners across England and Wales to rake in a staggering 1.2million, have been jailed. The victims, most of whom were pensioners, were told they needed urgent work done on their properties - for which they ended up overpaying. Prosecuting the case at Teesside Crown Court, Jamie Hill KC said: 'The fraud involved failing to undertake those works or not undertaking them reasonably, overcharging for the works and then making representations they had been completed satisfactory.' Operating in North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Manchester, North Wales, London and the West Midlands, the criminals were branded 'predators' by the son of one of the victims. One case involved an elderly couple who were approached by the gang in 2020 and told they needed a new roof. They handed over an eye-watering 365,000. Lawrence Newbury Jnr, 33, of Northwich, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to convert criminal property and to being a member of an organised crime group. He was sentenced to seven years A separate incident in Stokesley saw a 93-year-old pensioner cold-called by the thugs in June 2020. The man was identified by the gang as an 'easy target' and told to pay up a whopping 1,400 for the building works - before being asked for a further 400. But the shameless criminals did not stop there. Prosecuter Mr Hill told the court: 'He made payment in cash to the males who attended his house and then he was suddenly asked for another 12,000. He was only prevented from writing out a cheque when a neighbour intervened. 'A surveyor looked at the property and said no work of any value had been carried out whatsoever.' A victim impact statement from the 93-year-old's son was read out in court. It said: 'Dad's innocence became more pronounced as he entered into his 90s. The people went to dad's home, took as far as I know around 1,400 then returned to try and take significantly more having clearly identified him as vulnerable and an easy target.' The worried son wrote of how his father had not been sleeping well after being targeted by the ruthless scammers. He said: 'I believe dad continued to dwell on the incident. 'It's likely he became more prone to anxiety living on his own. 'These people are predators and should be ashamed, they're preying on vulnerable people and must be stopped and made to face the consequences of their actions.' Due to the sheer number of defendants involved in the case, sentencing has been split over two hearings. Four members of the group John Mealin, Stephen Cantello, Lawrence Newbury Junior and Aonghus O'Reilly appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Friday. John Mealin, 39, of Staindrop Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud. He received five years and three months for these and other unrelated offences Addressing the men, Judge Howard Crowson said: 'This well organised fraud targeted vulnerable victims. I think anybody with elderly residents dreads the possibility of their loved ones becoming convinced by the lies of rogue traders. 'You all demonstrated an ability to identify vulnerable targets and exploited them with no concern for them driven only by greed. 'Sometimes work was not done at all and sometimes work was done which was so incompetently performed it might have been better if it had not been started. 'Sometimes the sole purpose was to give the false impression that the work promised had been done when it had not.' The men received the following sentences: Lawrence Newbury Jnr, 33, of Northwich, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to convert criminal property and to being a member of an organised crime group. He was sentenced to seven years. Stephen Cantello, 59, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder during his trial last year and received 17 months, suspended for two years. Aonghus O'Reilly, 49, of no fixed abode, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder and was sentenced to three years. John Mealin, 39, of Staindrop Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud. He received five years and three months for these and other unrelated offences. A further six defendants are set to be sentenced at the end of the month. Four members of the organised crime group were sentenced at Teesside Crown Court (pictured) on Friday The case, known as Operation Zagreb, involved years of painstaking work by North Yorkshire trading standards officers, working alongside councils and police forces across the country. Councillor Greg White told of the investigation's 'huge scale and complexity'. White, who serves North Yorkshire Council's executive member for trading standards, said: 'These men took advantage of the elderly and vulnerable, taking money the victims had worked hard for throughout their lives. 'The sentences handed down by the court reflect this callousness and should serve as a stark warning to others.' Vladimir Putin has drafted another 150,000 troops into his Russian army after losing hundreds of thousands of men during his devastating war with Ukraine. The staggering number of Russian citizens conscripted for military service in the spring recruitment drive - which began in April - is the highest figure for eight years. Russia previously promised that the recruits aged 18 to 30 who are forcibly enlisted for one-year military service will not be sent to the conflict zone in Ukraine, but many will quickly come under pressure to sign contracts which will see them deployed straight on to the frontlines. Critics say such conscripts are used in 'cannon fodder' roles. The 150,000 figure - which has now been met - is set in a decree by tyrant Russian President Putin. Russian President Vladimir Putin has drafted another 150,000 troops into his army. Pictured: Russian troops walk at a destroyed part of the Illich Iron and Steel Works Metallurgical Plant in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine, on May 18, 2022 In last year's spring draft, 147,000 Russian citizens were recruited but at that time, the top age was 27 - it is now 30. Pictured: Russian army soldiers march during an action in support for the soldiers involved in the military operation in Ukraine, at the Mamaev Kurgan, a World War II memorial in Volgograd, Russia, July 11, 2022 Estimated figures by the UK MoD revealed that the total number of Russian casualties since the onset of Putin's war on Ukraine in February 2022 had likely reached a staggering 500,000. Pictured: Putin attends a ceremony to launch several new facilities of the metallurgical industry in Russia's regions via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Monday, July 15, 2024 'The spring 2024 conscription of citizens for military service is completed,' said a statement from Russia's Defence Ministry on Monday. 'In compliance with Decree No. 222 issued by the president of the Russian Federation on March 31, 2024, 150,000 people were recruited and sent to the Russian Armed Forces and other military formations for military service in the spring of this year'. Conscription commissions began on April 1 and conscripts started to be sent from gathering places in Russian regions to troops on April 15. As in previous draft campaigns, young men who arrived at military commissariats had the option to choose military service in various armed services and branches of the Armed Forces depending on the condition of their health, the statement added. A total of 15 flights by military transport aircraft, 14 military trains, 172 civil aviation flights, passenger trains and auto transport of military formations were involved in military carriages during the spring draft, it said. In last year's spring draft, 147,000 Russian citizens were recruited but at that time, the top age was 27. But Putin raised it to 30 in July 2023 due to the need to recruit armed forces personnel for his war in Ukraine. The legislation, which came into effect on January 1, means that men are now required to carry out a year of military service, or equivalent training during higher education, between the ages of 18 and 30, rather than 18 and 27. The law also bans men from leaving Russia from the day they are summoned to a conscription office, and is now also poised to block citizens liable for conscription from leaving the country. Ukraine telegram channel Pravda Gerashchenko said at the time: 'It was possible to achieve such a quantity of fresh 'cannon fodder' thanks to an amendment to raise the conscription age. 'Russians aged 18 to 30 will serve.' Putin is currently facing his highest rate of losses within his army, with over 70,000 soldiers likely killed or wounded in May and June alone, the UK MoD estimated. Pictured: Russian soldiers in training exercises Russian soldiers are seen on a tank in Volnovakha district in the pro-Russian separatists-controlled Donetsk, Ukraine on March 26, 2022 Compulsory military service has long been a sensitive issue in Russia, where many men go to great lengths to avoid being handed conscription papers during the twice-yearly call-up periods. But desperate Putin is currently facing his highest rate of losses within his army, with over 70,000 soldiers likely killed or wounded in May and June alone, the UK Defence Ministry said Friday. Previous estimated figures by the UK MoD revealed that the total number of Russian casualties since the onset of the war in February 2022 had likely reached 500,000. In June, the Defence Ministry posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'The total number of Russian casualties (killed and wounded) since the start of the war in February 2022 has now likely reached 500,000. 'Russian losses have continued at a high level in 2024, and in May average Russian personnel casualties were over 1,200 per day the highest reported since the start of the war'. The increase in losses is connected to Russia opening its new front in the Kharkiv region while maintaining the same pressure rate over the entire 1,000km front line in the east and south of Ukraine, the statement added. 'Although this new approach has increased pressure on the front lines an effective Ukrainian defense and a lack of Russian training reduces Russia's ability to exploit any tactical successes despite attempting to stretch the frontline further,' it said. Pictured: Volunteers carry a sack with debris in Okhmatdyt, the biggest children's hospital in Ukraine, in Kyiv on July 12, 2024, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine Pictured: Rescuers continue search and rescue operation clearing rubble from a residential building destroyed by Russian shelling on July 15, 2024 in Myrnohrad, Ukraine Pictured: A view of destroyed buildings aftermath of the Russian shelling in Myrnohrad, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on July 13, 2024. At least six civilians, including two 13-year-olds, were killed and over ten injured in Donetsk Oblast due to Russian attacks on July 12 Pictured: A view of the destruction of buildings by the continuing Russian army attacks in the town of Myrnohrad, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on July 13, 2024 The Russian conscription boost came as a Ukrainian kamikaze drone strike hit a major plant supplying electrical equipment to Putin's energy industry. Footage shows a huge explosion and fire at the Korenevsky Low-Voltage Equipment Plant in Kursk region. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have shot down all 13 drones sent by Ukraine last night. But it was clear that the Ukrainians penetrated the Kursk region to explode the plant which is seen as strategic to the Russian economy. Firefighters were desperately seeking to bring the blaze under control as the inferno quickly spread to cover a staggering 5,400sq ft. 'A Ukrainian copter [drone] dropped an explosive device on the low-voltage equipment plant in Korenevo,' said regional governor Alexey Smirnov. 'No workers were injured. 'The fire in one of the technological shops is being extinguished by fire crews from two districts.' Two young children tragically drowned in Lake Michigan, after the boat their still-missing father took them out on capsized. Wisconsin father Bill Salnik, 32, took his daughter Charlotte, five, and his son Josh, three, on a sailing trip, and were last heard from at 4pm on Saturday, when they departed from Green Island in Lake Michigan's Green Bay after setting off from Oconto Harbour on Saturday at around 10am. The trio, travelling on Bill's boat My Lady Blue, were expected to travel to a marina near Oconto but never made it, according to local officials said. Local cops received a report of an overdue boater at around noon on Sunday after Bill, who was from nearby Little Suamico, had not been heard from. An overnight search on Sunday night by air and water resulted in My Lady Blue found capsized at 6:22am on Monday just south of Chambers Island. Local father Bill Salnik (pictured, left) took his daughter Charlotte (pictured, right) and his son Josh, three, on a sailing trip, and were last heard from at 4pm on Saturday Charlotte, five, and Josh, three, (Both pictured) were found dead by in Lake Michigan after the boat they were in capsized The trio, travelling on Bill's boat My Lady Blue (pictured), were expected to travel to a marina near Oconto but never made it The bodies of Charlotte and Josh (pictured, centre) were found around a mile south of where the boat was found Less than five hours later, the bodies of Charlotte and Josh were found around a mile south of where the boat was found. Local cops said they would continue their search for Bill, as the warm water and air temperatures have raised the possibility that he may still be alive. Bill appeared to be a relatively experienced sailor. He posted a video to social media in May showing him taking his two children on My Lady Blue across Green Bay from 'Oconto to Little Sturgeon and back.' The video showed his two young children merrily snacking as he steered the boat through calm waters. Tributes poured in for the young family, with many people reaching out to Bill's family to express their condolences. One person told Tina Salnik, Bill's mother and his childrens' grandmother: 'I am so very sorry for your loss. Gods speed to your grandbabies - may they be at peace and in the arms of angels. 'Praying for Billy and all your family.' Another said: 'Tina there are no words for the sadness I feel.' A body was found in the search for missing teenager Jay Slater yesterday, almost one month after the teenager vanished on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, was last seen on the morning of June 17. Follow live updates below as post-mortem results confirm body found is the missing teenager, Jay Slater, as tributes from his friends and family pour in. The chief suspect in the fatal stabbing of British Rolls-Royce designer Ian Cameron in Germany last week has been pictured for the first time after investigators matched his appearance in CCTV footage to clothes found abandoned near the scene. Cameron, 74, was found dead at his 3 million mansion in Lake Ammersee in Upper Bavaria on Friday evening. The suspect, a tall Caucasian man sporting closely cropped blond hair and a short beard, was seen hours earlier at a supermarket less than a mile from the murder scene wearing a grey T-shirt and blue trousers. CCTV footage from the crime scene later showed an unidentifiable man wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt, light-coloured trousers, gloves and a dark red backpack. Investigators conducting a search of the surrounding area after Cameron was found dead discovered the backpack containing both sets of clothes - suggesting the elusive assailant had changed his garments a second time after the crime to avoid detection. Police now believe the killer rang the doorbell to Mr Cameron's home and attacked him when he opened the door, forcing his wife Veronika Kloos - also a former designer at BMW - to flee to safety over a wall. Suspicions were raised that the designer was deliberately targeted when it emerged the cables to CCTV cameras over the garages where his high-value vehicles were kept had been cut. The suspect, a tall Caucasian man sporting closely cropped blond hair and a short beard was seen hours earlier at a supermarket less than a mile from the murder scene CCTV footage from the crime scene later showed an unidentifiable man wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and light-coloured trousers, as well as gloves and a dark red backpack Police understand that the killer rang the doorbell at Mr Cameron house in Herrsching am Ammersee before attacking him Ian Cameron (2L) a former top designer for Rolls-Royce, was killed at his home last week Some 30 officers have been deployed to assist in the ongoing hunt for the attacker after Cameron's neighbours provided a description of the suspected perpetrator that appeared to closely match his appearance in security camera footage. The suspect is said to have been shopping in the Edeka supermarket on Seestrae just 0.8 miles from the designer's house shortly before the attack on the Rolls Royce designer unfolded. CCTV footage also showed the attacker carrying a red rucksack and green-yellow gloves. After police sent drones and even a police helicopter to search for the murderer, they found the rucksack, which is now being analysed for usable DNA traces - a crucial step that could provide a breakthrough in the case. Super-recognisers - specialists with the ability to discern faces even in poor-quality images or when perpetrators wear masks - are also being brought in to help identify the suspect. The investigation team earlier this week extended the manhunt to the whole of Germany. Officials hope that new evidence from the rucksack and CCTV footage will soon lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. Police understand that the killer rang the doorbell of the house in Herrsching am Ammersee and launched his attack on Cameron as he opened the door. Cameron's wife Kloos fled over a wall to evade the attacker, finding refuge with neighbours who called the emergency services. A short time later, the designer was found dead. Wife Verena Kloos managed to get to their neighbour's house and phone the police Mr Cameron and his wife, Veronika Kloos, lived in a 3m home in Herrsching, Bavaria (File) Investigators discovered that the CCTV cameras above the garages to the house had been disabled, with the wires having been cut. An officer told The Sun it is 'extremely rare' that a burglar who prepares enough to disable CCTV then 'stabs and kills' a person. Police labelled it a 'violent crime' and said the attacker fled on foot from the house. Despite the developing leads, the search for the killer has faced some setbacks. Heavy rain on Friday evening prevented the police helicopter from taking off on time, meaning the search was delayed until officers could deploy drones to canvas the area. The day after the crime, divers and dog handlers scoured the area but have thus far found no trace of the attacker besides the backpack containing clothing seen in the CCTV footage. Ian Cameron was a revered figure in the automotive industry, having left a lasting legacy at Rolls-Royce with his groundbreaking designs. Before retiring from the company in 2013, he was championed for his work on luxury cars, including the 3 Series, Z8, Phantom and Ghost. His untimely death has shocked the small, quiet community on the shores of Lake Ammersee. Donald Trump walked into the Republican National Convention on Monday behind a tranche of imposing bodyguards just days after he survived an attempt on his life in Pennsylvania. The GOP candidate waved to the crowd in Milwaukee, pumping his fist while receiving rapturous applause. Trump showed off his bandaged ear, hurt when he was grazed by an assassin's bullet on Saturday. Trump is not due to speak at the convention until Thursday but traveled to Wisconsin on Sunday, 24 hours after the assassination attempt. Trump, who stands at 6-foot-3, was surrounded by a dozen or so equally burly bodyguards as he made his entrance. There had been widespread criticism by conservative figures on X about the ex-president's security detail. On Monday, Trump announced Ohio Senator JD Vance, who once compared the nominee to Adolf Hitler, would be his running mate in November's election. Trump walking triumphantly into the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday Video footage showed the 6-foot-3 president surrounded by equally burly security On Saturday afternoon, Crooks was able to slip onto a rooftop location 150 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania. He then began firing an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle, purchased by his father, officials said. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting presidents and former presidents, went on the defensive on Monday against criticism of its failure to detect the gunman. 'Secret Service personnel on the ground moved quickly during the incident, with our counter sniper team neutralizing the shooter and our agents implementing protective measures to ensure the safety of former president Donald Trump,' Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director, said in a statement. Biden ordered an independent of how the gunman, who was shot dead by agents moments after opening fire, could have come so close to killing or severely wounding Trump despite the heavy security provided by the agency. The president has also ordered the Secret Service to begin a protection detail of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. On Monday, Trump announced that Ohio Senator JD Vance would be his running mate Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old would-be assassin who shot Donald Trump, was once rejected from his high school rifle club and considered a danger Kennedy is a longshot to win Electoral College votes, much less the presidency. But his campaign events have drawn large crowds of supporters and people interested in his message. His campaign has been urging the president to provide him with Secret Service protection for months, and has sent multiple requests after various incidents. In October, a man was arrested after trespassing twice in one day at Kennedys Los Angeles home, and a month earlier, an armed man accused of impersonating a federal officer was taken into custody outside a Kennedy campaign event. The FBI has taken the lead in an investigation of the shooting. Trump flew to Milwaukee on Sunday, 24 after the assassination attempt. Trump pumped his fist in the air several times and appeared to mouth the words 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' as he descended the stairs from his plane. In an interview during the trip, he said the realization that he came so close to being killed was sobering. 'That reality is just setting in,' Trump was quoted as saying by the Washington Examiner. 'I rarely look away from the crowd. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today, would we?' 'I want to try to unite our country,' the New York Post reported Trump saying during the flight. 'But I don't know if that's possible. People are very divided A third child has died in an east London house fire as two other people remain in hospital following the blaze. Emergency services were called to a house on Napier Road, East Ham, on Saturday following reports of a fire. A child was found dead inside the property, while another was taken to hospital but tragically later died. A third child was left critically ill in hospital following the inferno and detectives have sadly confirmed this morning that they have passed away. Two other people remain in hospital and a third person has been discharged and continues to be treated as an outpatient. All six people are believed to be members of the same family. Police are working to trace other relatives so they can be told. Firefighters stand outside the property in East London where three children have died following a house fire - as flowers lay in tribute Members of the public and police officers stand outside the property on Napier Road Three children have been killed and two others remain in hospital following a blaze in a terraced house on Napier Road, East Ham The Met has said its officers are investigating the cause of the fire alongside London Fire Brigade colleagues. Whilst enquires are ongoing, the force says there is no evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances at this very early stage. Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Burks, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Newham, said: 'It is our incredibly sad duty to report that a third child died in hospital yesterday Monday, 15 July. 'This is news that I know will cause even more upset in what has already been a devastating incident for the local community and beyond. 'Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. I reiterate that we will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions.' Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: 'Knowing that a third precious child has now died following the house fire on Napier Road in East Ham adds to the deep grief and sadness felt by our community here. 'Three children have now died from a family, and there really are no words to express how as a community we are reeling from the shock and horror of what a house fire can do. 'On behalf of everyone in Newham, my continuing condolences to all those who know and love the family afflicted by this horrendous tragedy. 'The family was part of a tight-knit community which is now grieving and we will do all we can to extend our helping hand.' Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at around 8.30am on Saturday morning An investigation has been launched by Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade Neighbours revealed how they desperately smashed windows in an attempt to save the children who died in the blaze on Saturday. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze just before 8.30am on Saturday but frantic neighbours attempted to save the family before the emergency services arrived. Family friend Rida Nawaz, 28, and her husband Shah Nawaz, 37, smashed the upstairs and downstairs windows to try to save those in the burning house. Speaking to PA News Agency at the scene on Sunday afternoon, Mrs Nawaz said: 'We can't believe this happened. There are no words to describe our feelings about them. We just wanted to save them.' Standing outside the house on Napier Road, Mr Nawaz said: 'Someone threw the big brick, the full brick, at the window but couldn't break it. 'And the half brick, I hold in my hand, I threw it... to help the family because the mum - she was by the window.' He added: 'The dad, he came through the roof - after five, ten minutes we saw on the corner the children came. 'We saw the police running up and using CPR, giving them CPR.' 'For me and my wife, we are okay but my little three children - they study with them.' Half of the first floor and half of the ground floor of the terraced house were damaged by the fire, which was under control by 9.10am on Saturday. LFB's Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: 'This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time. 'Staff will be in the local community over the coming days to offer support and advice where needed.' He also confirmed that firefighters would receive 'support from our counselling and trauma service'. A fire engine and a police forensics van were seen parked at the scene in East Ham on Sunday afternoon as investigations continued. Flowers were left in tribute outside the property on Napier Road The cause of the inferno is still under investigation Two windows of the house and the glass in the front door were smashed and investigations teams dressed in white forensics suits entered the building and the neighbouring property. Members of the local community - Newham - were seen embracing and crying as they gathered on the street outside where flowers were left in tribute. Notes left with the flowers included one that read 'so sorry for your terrible loss'. Several people, including a vicar and Ms Fiaz, addressed a group of members of the community who gathered at the scene on Sunday afternoon. Angel Rayner said she was not prepared to leave office without making serious improvements to Britain's child poverty rate today. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke out as she launched a 'devolution revolution' that will hand more powers to regional mayors and councils to control skills, energy, planning and transport. It comes ahead of tomorrow's King's Speech, which is expected to include plans for the 'most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen'. But the move comes after allies of Ms Rayner suggested she was being 'frozen out' of other key areas of her brief as Secretary of State for Housing and Communities and as Sir Keir Starmer's deputy. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been handed responsibility for an overhaul of workers' rights, which Ms Rayner was stewarding in opposition. Ands the Sunday Telegraph reported speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will make the running on housing, after she made it the subject of her maiden speech since entering No11. In a round of media interviews this morning Ms Rayner was questioned about Labour's refusal to abandon the two-child benefit cap. She told the BBC: 'All I would say is look at what Labour's history and what we do when we're in government and as someone who grew up in poverty, I am not prepared to leave office after a Labour government where we haven't made those significant changes and child poverty is an issue for us. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke out as she launched a 'devolution revolution' that will hand more powers to regional mayors and councils to control skills, energy, planning and transport. It comes after allies of Ms Rayner suggested she was being 'frozen out' of key areas of her brief as Secretary of State for Housing and Communities. The Sunday Telegraph reported speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will make the running on housing, after she made it the subject of her maiden speech since entering No11. 'And we're absolutely appalled that children haven't got beds to sleep in at night. This is the 21st century, this shouldn't be the situation we're in but this is the inheritance that the Conservatives have left us and we will continue to tackle those issues.' ANGELA Rayner will today lay out plans for a 'devolution revolution' by handing more powers to regional mayors and councils. It comes ahead of tomorrow's King's Speech in which mayors and councils are expected to be given more control over skills, energy, planning and transport. It is being billed as the 'most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen'. In a letter to local leaders, the Deputy PM wrote: 'For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities and villages across the country. 'Last week, with the Prime Minister, I had the pleasure of meeting the metro mayors in England. 'We discussed how to have proper, grown-up conversations around economic growth, and how to deliver that through better housing, skills, and jobs for local people.' The Government has pointed to Greater Manchester, which has had devolved powers since 2014, as an example of a region succeeding as a result of devolution. In other parts of the country, mayors have played a crucial role in attracting new investment with major manufacturers such as Boeing and McLaren bringing new jobs to South Yorkshire, while West Yorkshire is now home to the UK's fastest growing digital industry outside London. However, only around half of people in England currently benefit from devolution arrangements. Ms Rayner will invite local leaders in 'devolution deserts' to take on more powers. The idea is that local leaders can make decisions that benefit their communities, while boosting economic growth. Superdry, once the go-to clothing brand for celebrities including David Beckham, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, has seen its star fade, gaining a reputation as a 'dad brand' while grappling with huge financial losses. But now the apparel company has vowed a comeback as its millionaire boss pledged to reinvent it target more Gen Z shoppers after posting losses of 25m. Julian Dunkerton, the founder of Superdry, is determined to restore the brand's cool factor as it transitions from being a London Stock Exchange (LSE)-listed company. Dunkerton, 59, who established Superdry in 2003, aims to make the brand more relevant to customers through a significant overhaul, marking the end of its 15-year presence on the LSE. Superdry's latest financial report in January showed a 23.5% revenue decline to 219 million in the six months leading up to November, with losses widening to 25 million, raising concerns about potential administration. In response, Dunkerton, also the CEO, initiated a rescue plan involving rent reductions for underperforming stores, an equity raise of up to 10 million, and the company's delisting from the LSE, set to complete on Monday. David Beckham is just one of a number of high profile stars to sport the fashion label Superdry Kate Winslet is a fan of trendy clothing label Superdry Julian Dunkerton, the founder of Superdry, is determined to restore the brand's cool factor as it transitions from being a London Stock Exchange (LSE)-listed company The upcoming months will focus on 'reinvention,' signaling a departure from the 'dad brand' image, he told The Telegraph in an interview. Dunkerton, unashamed of attracting older shoppers, stressed the importance of also appealing to younger consumers. As part of the revamp, Superdry has streamlined its clothing range from 4,000 items per season to 1,600, shifting away from heavily branded items with bold graphics and Japanese writing, which some critics found 'inauthentic'. Dunkerton emphasised the persistence of Japanese influences in some designs, though they will no longer dominate. The new lines will be more youthful, drawing inspiration from 'Americana' design akin to Gen Z favourite Brandy Melville, and other collections will echo Ralph Lauren, Barbour and Orlebar Brown styles. Superdry is adapting its collections to different age groups, including using smaller logos for millennial customers who Mr Dunkerton believes prefer subtle branding. 'I genuinely think this is a turning point for any brand,' Dunkerton said, reflecting on Superdry's rapid rise and subsequent challenges. He is proud of the company's direction and has enlisted his 37-year-old wife, fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper, to assist with the brand's visual refresh. Mr Dunkerton said: '[Jade]'s been a huge help on the styling, the photographer, the lighting. 'It's lucky being married to a woman who has got skills which I patently haven't got.' The retailer plans to relaunch its website in Ireland this month and in the UK by September, partnering with Salesforce to outsource its website operations. Dunkerton is optimistic about Superdry's future despite past struggles, including a boardroom coup in 2019, which he termed a 'renaissance moment.' He attributes recent difficulties to inherited issues like excess stock and a disbanded brand team. Cost-cutting measures, including rent reductions, were necessary to manage financial pressures. The decision to delist from the LSE stems from frustrations over the high costs and regulatory burdens associated with being a publicly listed company. Superdry's latest financial report in January showed a 23.5% revenue decline to 219 million in the six months leading up to November, with losses widening to 25 million, raising concerns about potential administration Celebrity fan of the brand: Leonardo Dicaprio Justin Bieber has been known to rock a Superdry Brad Leather Jacket Dunkerton highlighted the significant expenditure on audits, which detracted from focusing on trading and commercial decisions. He believes that delisting will allow Superdry to be more agile and responsive to market demands. Superdry is also reassessing its four-day workweek, introduced in 2022. Dunkerton hinted at a preference for a five-day week to ensure the company's success, highlighting the importance of getting the balance right for employee satisfaction and productivity. He said: 'We've got to get it right. We're not there yet, but I'm trying to make sure that we're all happy.' Anna Akana says her stalker was more frightening than Martha in Baby Reindeer A YouTube star who lived in fear after her stalker kept turning up at her LA home and leaving creepy 'totems' is taking her ordeal to Edinburgh Fringe. Anna Akana, 34, will perform It Gets Darker at the comedy staple event as she makes a return to the stage after her harasser forced her to quit live performances. But after the meteoric success of Netflix show Baby Reindeer, Ms Akana is tackling the tough subject in her latest show. While praising Richard Gadd's 'fascinating' show, the Los Angeles-based star told the Times: 'I think it's different when you flip the genders, because there is an implicit physical threat'. She added: 'I was never really worried that he was going to be in a situation that he couldn't get out of physically.' In 2020, Anna's stalker began turning up at her California home following years of online threats and abuse. Anna Akana (pictured), 34, will perform It Gets Darker at Edinburgh Fringe this August Anna's stalker began going to her Los Angeles home in 2020, following years of threats, and would leave strange items for her Richard Gadd as Donny pictured in Baby Reindeer with Jessica Gunning as Martha in Baby Reindeer 'He sent me letters or left totems, like bloody necklaces, random things. And finally I was able to collect enough of his rantings to get a restraining order,' she said. The 34-year-old was worried he would manage to break into her house and cause her harm. She stopped performing stand-up comedy in around 2017 due to how serious the threats were becoming. The American comic told New City Stage: 'I kept getting these messages from a man who was saying that he was going to shoot me at a show.' Her concerns were further fuelled by Christina Grimmie's death in 2016 after she was shot when she was meeting fans after a show. The actress has amassed 2.85 million subscribers on YouTube and has thousands of views on her videos Anna's tale comes after the recently released Baby Reindeer, however her experience differs somewhat to Richard Gadd's - which is said to be the inspiration behind the hit-Netflix series. Baby Reindeer hit the screens in April and follows an aspiring comedian and sexual assault victim who gets stalked by a woman he meets bartending at a pub. However, in May 'Martha' revealed herself as Fiona Harvey in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan and denied ever stalking Gadd, sexually assaulting him or attacking his girlfriend. Ms Harvey, 58, said she had only met the comedian three times and when quizzed on the content of some of the messages she admitted sending him called them 'jokey banter' The Scottish woman went on to say she wanted to 'set the record straight' following the Netflix show's phenomenal global success and trolls contacting her online after it began streaming. Baby Reindeer hit the screens in April and follows an aspiring comedian and sexual assault victim who gets stalked by a woman he meets bartending at a pub Jessica Gunning pictured playing Martha in Netflix's series Baby Reindeer But, while Gadd never publicly named his stalker, Anna's is a matter of public record after she secured a restraining order against him. She too hopes her story will make it into TV screens around the world, but recognises she might need to change various names and details for legal reasons if it were to go ahead. The actress has amassed 2.85 million subscribers on YouTube and has thousands of views on her videos. She regularly uploads videos about mental health related topics in a personable and often comedic way. An Instagram post launching her show last year was captioned with: 'After a stalker said he was going to shoot me at a show, I retired from the stage. 'But armed with a restraining order & years of therapy, I finally feel good about coming back & cracking some jokes. Anna pictured accepting an award for 'Youth & Consequences', a mini series, in 2018 She regularly uploads videos about mental health related topics in a personable and often comedic way 'Come check out my new work in progress show It Gets Darker 'Warning: it is indeed dark, and it does in fact get darker.' Her debut performance at Edinburgh Fringe will also feature how her father volunteered to serve in Ukraine and became the head of an organisation helping refugees, people without food or water, and bomb sites. The final topic of her show will cover her younger sister's suicide in 2007 - something she has previously spoken out on, including writing a book Surviving Suicide, and a video titled Please Don't Kill Yourself. She will perform at the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh on July 31 to August 24. In the space of just eight years, Ohio Senator JD Vance has gone from one of Donald Trump's most outspoken critics, going as far as to call him 'America's Hitler,' in the world of conservative politics to darling of the MAGA movement. This culminated Monday as he was nominated to be Trump's running mate at the Republican National Convention, just 48 hours after the ex-president survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. 'After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator of the Great State of Ohio,' Trump wrote on TruthSocial. It marks an almost 180 degree turn for Vance, who used the promotional tour for his memoir in 2016 to lambast Trump for tapping into the disillusion many of his supporter felt by feeding them what he compared to 'heroin.' However, his own disillusionment with Trump didn't last. In 2018, he began to speak favorably about Trump after siding with the president's pick for the Supreme Court Brett Kavanaugh, amid accusations the justice committed sexual assault years prior. Donald Trump selected J.D. Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio and author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, as his running mate on Monday Vance, pictured with his wife, Usha, on the floor during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention Vance pictured during an appearance on MSNBC in 2016 during a time when he was one of Trump's most vocal critics A native of Ohio, Vance, 39, grew up in Jackson, Kentucky, where he was raised by his grandmother as his mother battled drug addition. He attended his high school back in the Buckeye State. After graduation, Vance joined the Marines and served in Iraq in a public affairs role. When he returned, Vance attended Ohio State University and Yale Law School before going work for right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel. In 2016, Vance's memoir Hillbilly Elegy was published which thrust him into the public eye. In 2020, it was turned into an Oscar-nominated movie starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. During the promotion of his book, which coincided with Trump's first run for the presidency, Vance told Charlie Rose in an interview: 'I'm a never-Trump guy, I never liked him.' He went on to call the GOP nominee a 'terrible candidate.' In other comments, Vance used a few choice terms to refer to the former host of The Apprentice, calling him 'cultural heroin' and 'reprehensible' because he 'makes people I care about afraid.' In leaked text messages, Vance pondered if Trump was 'a cynical a****e like Nixon' or rather 'America's Hitler.' Vance also accused Trump of 'leading the white working class to a very dark place.' He called Trump a 'moral disaster' in 2017, according to Twitter direct messages unearthed by CNN. He said Trump had 'no domestic policy agenda besides tax cuts.' He also 'liked' tweets saying Trump committed 'serial sexual assault' and one calling him ''one of USA's most hated, villainous, douchey celebs,' CNN reported. Mr Vance married Usha Chilukuri in 2014. The couple share three children together Those weren't the only things the populist author said about Trump. And it was more than a critique of his budget plans. He also agreed with a host who called Trump a 'total fraud,' saying: 'I don't think he actually cares about folks. I think he just recognizes that there was a hole in the conversation and that hole is that people from these regions of the country, they feel ignored.' However, needing the support of MAGA voters in Ohio when he decided to run for Senate in 2022, Vance became one of Trump's most vocal supporters. He apologized for his previous remarks about the ex-president. During one campaign appearance, Trump joked that Vance would not even be a contender for Senate with his endorsement. It was 2019 when Vance first spoke of his admiration for Trump during the controversial confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The conservative judge had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his youth. Vance's wife, Usha, clerked for Kavanaugh between 2014-15 in the District of Columbia. In 2021, Kavanaugh said in a podcast interview that he felt as though Trump should remove all civil servants from the federal government if he was reelected. This is the moment Sen. J.D. Vance was nominated for the office of Vice President on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Donald Trump revealed Mr Vance as his VP pick with a statement on Truth Social on Monday afternoon that read like a resume, listing his career achievements Perhaps key to his becoming Trump's choice is his election skepticism. Vance told CNN this past May: 'If we have a free and fair election, I will accept the results.' In February, he told ABC News that unlike then-Vice President Mike Pence did in January 2021, he would not have certified President Joe Biden's election. Vance said that he would have 'told the states, like Pennsylvania, Georgia and so many others, that we needed to have multiple slates of electors, and I think the U.S. Congress should have fought over it from there.' 'If you go back and listen to the things that JD Vance said about Trump ... he said some things about me, but see what he said about Trump,' Biden told NBC's Lester Holt in an interview Monday. During a June interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, Vance walked back many of his past comments about Trump. 'Yeah, well, I think the simple answer is you've gotta respect the American people enough to just level with them,' he told the conservative network. 'Look, I was wrong about Donald Trump. I didn't think he was gonna be a good president, Bret. He was a great president. And it's one of the reasons why I'm working so hard to make sure he gets a second term.' Vance did a complete U-turn in 2022 when he ran for a Senate seat in Ohio, his first run for elected office, and after kissing Trump's ring, he won his support - and won the election Then he sought to turn his own criticism about Trump into a parable about change, rather than what critics branded expediency. 'I think you should when you're wrong about something you should change your mind and be honest with people about that fact,' he said. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra offered a blunt response when asked about Trump's pick minutes after it was announced: 'We don't know him.' 'If he's from Ohio, he understands our state and the other northern battlegrounds,' Hoekstra said, standing on the floor of the Republican National Convention. 'But we haven't had a chance to take his measure yet.' Trump's team now has less than four months to strengthen Vance's profile in the states that matter most this fall in his 2020 rematch against Democratic President Joe Biden. Already, a collection of political foes Democrats and Republicans is working to fill the void by seizing on Vance's inexperience in government and his nationalist views. 'I'm not sure he helps him in the campaign,' said veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, suggesting Vance may be better positioned to help Trump enact his agenda on Capitol Hill if given the chance. 'He's not that well-known even in Ohio. ... This isn't a campaign pick. It's a policy pick, a governing pick.' Kellyanne Conway, who served as Trump's chief counselor while in the White House, had encouraged Trump to pick a different running mate in the weeks leading up to his announcement. Privately, she believed that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio or Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin would do more to help Trump win. Vance, who quickly developed a reputation as a MAGA firebrand in his short time on Capitol Hill, earned modest applause when he entered the packed convention hall for the first time Monday as Trump's running mate. The Republican senator posed for selfies, shook hands and signed posters. Later in the night, the crowd was more excited as he greeted Trump who entered the room with a bandage covering his right ear, injured in Saturday's assassination attempt for the ticket's first public appearance. Recent polling confirms the notion that most voters don't know Vance. Just 13 percent of registered voters said they had a favorable opinion of Vance with 20% an unfavorable one, according to a CNN poll conducted in late June. The majority said they had never heard of him or had no opinion. Trump's vice-presidential pick is arguably the most important decision of his 2024 campaign. Vance, who is literally half the 78-year-old Trump's age, and has the least political experience on a short list that included Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Vance is known for writing best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy about his working class upbringing in the Midwest which was turned into a film starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams Sensing an opportunity, Trump's critics in both parties quickly went after him. 'Almost any other choice might have expanded the map for them, but Trump needed a candidate who looked like him, talked like him, and thought like him. He needed a candidate who would grovel,' former New Hampshire Republican Party chair Jennifer Horn wrote on X. 'JD Vance was the least experienced, least qualified, most obsequious, psychopathic, servile candidate on the list.' But Trump made up his own mind based on a different set of criteria. Trump especially liked Vance's performance on television, where he has become a fixture on conservative media. The former president also likes Vance's looks, saying he reminded him of 'a young Abraham Lincoln.' Trump is also hopeful Vance can draw from his life story growing up in Appalachia to help appeal to Midwestern voters. Vance has experienced poverty and addiction up close in a way that is uncommon among leading Republican officials. Vance also had another advantage: his chemistry with Trump. The first-term senator has developed a strong rapport with Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr. and leading MAGA figures during his recent rise in Republican politics. Vance previously said he would support a national abortion ban at 15 weeks of pregnancy, something the Biden campaign attacked him for. 'I will certainly take that matchup any day of the week and twice on Sunday,' said Jen O'Malley Dillon, the Biden campaign chairwoman. 'Because while Trump and Vance have an agenda focused on themselves and their wealthy donor friends, President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting for the American people.' Vivek Ramaswamy, once considered a potential Trump running mate as well, described Vance as 'a major asset' on the ticket whose evolution on Trump would ultimately help him connect with swing voters. 'He's also somebody who can say, 'You know what, in 2016, I may not have voted for Donald Trump either, but here's why I am with him to the fullest today,' Ramaswamy said. But for now, Vance joins the Trump presidential ticket as a mystery to many voters and elected officials alike. Vaughan Gething is facing major pressure to resign as Welsh First Minister today after four of his senior ministers quit and told him he must go. Mick Antoniw, Julie James, Lesley Griffiths and Jeremy Miles announced they were resigning from the government in Cardiff in a co-ordinated move against the Welsh Labour leader. Mr Gething, 50, only took up the role in March and was prominently visited by PM Keir Starmer and deputy PM Angela Rayner in the election campaign, when Labour won 27 of the 32 seats in Wales. But the FM has been under huge pressure for the whole of his short tenure over a 200,000 donation he received for his leadership campaign from a businessman convicted of an environmental crime for dumping waste on a conservation site. Mr Gething has also refused to show any evidence to justify sacking Labour Senedd member Hannah Blythyn from his government, after he accused her of leaking messages to the media. This led to the collapse of a co-operation agreement between his party and Plaid Cymru. Last month he lost a confidence vote in his leadership but refused to step down as First Minister. In a letter quitting as Welsh economy secretary, Mr Miles, who ran against Mr Gething for the leadership, wrote: 'We cannot continue like this.' Mr Gething, 50, only took up the role in March and was prominently visited by PM Keir Starmer and deputy PM Angela Rayner in the election campaign. In a letter quitting as Welsh economy secretary, Mr Miles, who ran against Mr Gething for the leadership, wrote: 'We cannot continue like this.' He called on the First Minister to resign and said 'the events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful'. Mr Antoniw told the leader 'I do not believe you can continue as First Minister' as he quit as the Welsh Government's counsel general. He called on the First Minister to resign and said 'the events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful'. He told Mr Gething: 'It's essential that we begin to repair the damage immediately, and I have reached the conclusion very regrettably that this cannot happen under your leadership. 'I can't see any way forward for us which allows us to get on with job we are elected to do, without you standing down.' Who is Vaughan Gething? Vaughan Gething made history in March when he became the first black leader of any European country, succeeding Mark Drakeford as the First Minster of Wales. He described his victory as 'a matter of pride for a modern Wales but also a daunting responsibility for me - and one that I do not take lightly'. He joined the Labour Party at 17 to help campaign in the 1992 elections. Mr Gething has been in the Senedd since 2011 and in the cabinet since 2016. He rose to prominence as health minister throughout the Covid pandemic, a post he held from 2016 to 2021, before becoming economy minister. Mr Gething was born in Zambia in 1974, where his father, a Welsh vet from Ogmore-by-Sea in Glamorgan, met his mother, a chicken farmer. He has spoken openly about his experiences of prejudice and said in his leadership campaign he did not want anyone in Wales to feel that way. When he was two, his family moved to Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, where his father was due to start a new job, but the offer was withdrawn when he arrived with a black family. After his father lost his job in Abergavenny, the family moved to Dorset in England. Mr Gething later studied law at Aberystwyth University and unsuccessfully stood for the Mid and West Wales seat at the first National Assembly elections in 1999, before becoming councillor for the Butetown area of Cardiff in 2004. He stood for the Senedd elections again in 2011, when he successfully took the Cardiff South and Penarth Seat. Mr Gething previously ran for the Labour leadership and first minister position in 2018, when he lost to Mr Drakeford. Advertisement Mr Antoniw told the leader 'I do not believe you can continue as First Minister' as he quit as the Welsh Government's counsel general. Urging the First Minister to 'put the country first' he said the Senedd was 'rudderless' without a new leader. Mr Antoniw said: 'Wales needs confident and stable government. I do not believe you are capable of delivering that. 'You have lost a vote of confidence in the Senedd. That is something I regard as being of major constitutional importance. 'It is clear that you no longer command a majority, that you will be unable to enter into the agreements necessary to pass a budget, and for all intents and purposes the Senedd is rudderless. 'We are all here to do the best for our country. I believe it is now necessary for you to choose to put the country first and resign as First Minister to allow an election for a new First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour.' At the start of June Mr Gething broke down in tears as he lost the no-confidence vote in the Senedd. The no confidence motion was passed by 29 to 27, with two of Mr Gething's assembly members seemingly off sick. He had already appeared with Sir Keir and Ms Rayner as they launched Labour's general election campaign in Wales. And he was front and centre with the PM as he toured the UK after his win on July 4. Mr Gething has been involved in a series of rows since he replaced Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader in March. This includes controversy over donations from businessman David Neal, a convicted polluter who dumped waste on a conservation site. There were also claims Mr Gething may have deleted messages that could be of interest to the Covid Inquiry. Social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn was removed from the Welsh Government in May, after messages from the Covid pandemic were leaked to the website Nation.Cymru. They featured a message posted to a ministerial group chat in August 2020 by Mr Gething, saying that he was 'deleting the messages in this group'. He previously told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that lost WhatsApp messages were not deleted by him, but by the Welsh Parliament's IT team during a security rebuild. Last week at the Senedd's Scrutiny Committee the FM defended his decision, insisting that evidence showed messages given to Nation.Cymru came from her phone. Mr Gething has been involved in a series of rows since he replaced Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader in March. This includes controversy over donations from businessman David Neal (pictured), a convicted polluter who dumped waste on a conservation site. Mr Gething said he had 'no alternative' but to fire Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Social Partnership, accusing her of leaks to the media following a 'recent disclosure of communication'. However, he insisted he has never tried to claim Ms Blythyn directly contacted the media herself. Delyn MS Ms Blythyn had previously said she could 'look all my colleagues who sit on these benches in the eye' and say she had not leaked to the media. And on Thursday, Nation.Cymru came out and insisted Ms Blythyn was not the source of the leak which triggered her sacking. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: 'Vaughan Gething's time as First Minister is rightly coming to an end. 'But Labour cannot fool the people of Wales. These ministers, like Jeremy Miles, sat in his Cabinet, they stood by his side, and they are culpable for the breakdown of governance in Wales. Wales will remember.' And Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: 'Vaughan Gething has led a government of chaos and put his own self-interest before the interests of the people of Wales. 'For months, the First Minister's poor judgment, aversion to scrutiny and ''do nothing'' approach to governing has undermined the office of First Minister and brought Welsh politics into disrepute.' An 11-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a bus while riding a bike home from school on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Emergency services were called to reports a bus was travelling along Jingellic Drive, near Karawatha Drive in Buderim, when it struck a bicycle at about 3.45pm on Tuesday. The boy was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Queensland Police confirmed the boy has since died in hospital. The Forensic Crash Unit is now investigating the crash. The CDC bus driver, a man in his 60s, was not physically injured, and is assisting police with investigations. Another person was also taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition. It's understood the man was a passenger on the bus. An 11-year-old boy has died after he was hit by a bus on Tuesday afternoon The boy was riding home from school at the time. Pictured is his abandoned bike and schoolbag at the scene Multiple emergency responders attended the scene Witnesses or anyone with relevant vision or information is urged to contact police. The bus company CDC has been contacted for comment. An OnlyFans model accused of throwing a banana milkshake at Nigel Farage during the general election campaign has denied assault by beating and criminal damage after appearing in court this morning. Victoria Thomas Bowen pleaded not guilty to the charges after the Reform UK leader, 60, was drenched with the McDonald's drink in Clacton, Essex, on June 4. The 25-year-old model has since used her sudden notoriety to promote her OnlyFans page, using the lyrics: 'My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.' The mother-of-one appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today in a tight black dress and leather jacket, with her blonde hair down in waves and sunglasses on top of her head. Representing Bowen, lawyer Caroline Higgins said: 'My client strongly protests her innocence and looks forward to fighting these unjust charges in court.' Victoria Thomas-Bowen appears at Westminster Magistrates' Court today Nigel Farage had a banana milkshake thrown at him in Clacton - after being mobbed by crowds in what he described as the 'most patriotic' town in Britain Prosecutors say 30 of criminal damage was caused to a jacket belonging to James Woolfenden. Prosecutor David Burns said: 'The substance was deliberately thrown over the complainant. This was a deliberate act.' If proved, the offence of assault by beating, contrary to Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, carries a maximum penalty of six months' custody and/or an unlimited fine. Being convicted of the criminal damage charge could lead to three months' custody and/or a maximum fine of 2,500. Bowen was released on unconditional bail to appear before the same court for trial on October 21. She is a Jeremy Corbyn-supporting OnlyFans model who hails from a family of Brexiteers, MailOnline previously revealed. Speaking from his home in nearby Jaywick, her Brexit-voting brother Paul told MailOnline: 'I have just seen it, and to be honest, I'm appalled. I don't know where she is. I don't want anything to do with her.' The incident led to wide condemnation from MPs all across the political spectrum including Labour's Yvette Cooper, now Home Secretary, who called it a 'disgrace' and 'completely unacceptable and wrong'. But Thomas Bowen, who films her X-rated video clips in the spare bedroom of her mother's 260,000 house in Grays, told the BBC she flung the banana milkshake because she 'just felt like it'. The self-described 'petite blonde pocket rocket' said: 'He doesn't stand for me. He doesn't represent anything I believe in, or any of the people around here. He doesn't represent us, he's not from here.' Farage went on to win the Clacton seat with a majority of almost 8,000, beating incumbent Tory Giles Waitling. The mother-of-one wears a tight black dress and leather jacket, with her blonde hair down in waves Thomas Bowen, 25, (pictured) used her sudden notoriety to promote her OnlyFans page, using lyrics from Kelis' Milkshake Onlookers were shocked by the dramatic events in Clacton on June 4 The woman, who initially only gave her name as Victoria, strolls away smirking after throwing a banana milkshake at the politician The milkshake caught Farage full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued Aides played down the impact saying the milkshake 'barely stained' Mr Farage's suit Thomas Bowen, who was arrested for allegedly throwing a milkshake over Nigel Farage, is a Jeremy Corbyn-supporting OnlyFans model Reacting to the incident, the Reform UK leader told ITV: 'I don't know what was thrown at me but it hit me in the face fair and square. Quite frightening.' Farage later said he kept having the dairy drink thrown at him because he goes 'out to meet the public and nobody else does'. He added: 'No one goes out and does the old-style street campaigning the way that I do, and this is the risk that goes with it.' Since the latest flying milkshake incident, the Reform leader has boldly incorporated the drink into his brand. Just hours after Thomas Bowen drenched him with one, Farage bought a round of banana milkshakes for the photographers to make light of the situation. He even posed with a McDonald's milkshake for a social media video, adding the caption: 'My milkshake brings all the people to the rally.' It is not the first time Farage has been targeted by a flying beverage. Last month, 28-year-old Josh Greally admitted throwing a coffee cup and another item at Mr Farage as he campaigned on his battle bus in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on June 11. Greally, of Damsbrook Drive, Clowne, Derbyshire, appeared before a district judge at Barnsley Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence. He will be sentenced on August 28 at the same court. During a walkabout in Newcastle in May 2019, Farage, who was the Brexit Party leader at the time, had a milkshake thrown over him by a man who claimed it was a 'right of protest'. Paul Crowther, 32, hurled his 5.25 salted caramel and banana drink at Farage and was subsequently arrested and charged with common assault. Mr Farage made light of the incident, buying a round of banana milkshakes for the snappers In 2019 Mr Farage was hit with a banana milkshake while banging the drum for the Brexit Party The culprit was Paul Crowther (centre) who was ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service and pay 350 in compensation As a result, the married man was sacked from his job as a technical advisor at Sky. North Tyneside Magistrates' Court ordered Crowther to carry out 150 hours of community service as well as paying 350 in compensation. 'Milkshaking' - the act of dousing public figures in milkshake - was officially recognised by Collins Dictionary the same year. A second Bibby Stockholm asylum seeker has gone on the run having been convicted of a criminal offence. Kenson Noel, 29, had previously pleaded guilty to taking cannabis on board the controversial barge in Portland, Dorset, and biting a police officer while he was being arrested. But the immigrant, from Trinidad and Tobago, failed to show up for his sentencing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is the second asylum seeker from the barge to evade justice, with Ahmed Haffa still at large more than four months after being convicted for assault. Noel is the second migrant from the Bibby Stockholm to be convicted. Ahmed Haffa (pictured), 24, punched and bit the two security guards as they tried to stop him for shoplifting in Weymouth in December 2023 The TK Maxx store in Weymouth, Dorset, where Haffa stole the jacket from before he was tackled by security guards and arrested by police Haffa, 24, punched and bit two security guards as they tried to stop him shoplifting. The Arabic migrant was detained by police after he failed to show up at Poole Magistrates' Court in January. He was brought before the court the next day and pretended he couldn't speak English even though his defence lawyer had a conversation with him which he 'perfectly understood'. He was released on bail but failed to turn up again for his trial on February 29. Another arrest warrant was immediately issued but he has not been seen since. A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: 'Enquiries remain ongoing to locate (Haffa).' In Noel's case he admitted possession of a class B drug and assault by beating of an emergency worker at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on June 7 The court heard when he arrived as a new resident at the barge in May he told staff he had a small amount of cannabis on him. He was taken to a cabin to be searched and was found to have 6.5g of cannabis on him, along with a set of scales, bags and 800 in cash. As he was put in handcuffs he bit Portland Port police officer Christopher Grant on the elbow, breaking the skin and causing it to bleed. Ian Brazier, defending, told the court that Noel thought the amount of cannabis he had was legal and it was for his own use to help him sleep. He claimed the scales were so he could be sure how much cannabis he had and the cash was from his family in Trinidad and was later given back to him. The Bibby Stockholm migrant barge where Kenson Noel attempted to bring cannabis on board. After he was stopped by staff, Noel then bit a police officer as he was being arrested His case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be carried out. Noel, who said he fled Trinidad and Tobago after being threatened by gangs, was granted unconditional bail to a hotel in Bournemouth. He was due to appear for sentencing at Poole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday but failed to show up. Prosecutor Charles Nightingale said they were 'imprisonable offences' and asked for a warrant to be issued for his arrest. New video footage has revealed that Donald Trump gunman Thomas Crooks was teased by his peers as a high school student. The footage comes as old classmates said that people used to refer to him as a 'school shooter', and a former counsellor revealed he tried to keep himself to himself. Three days ago, Crooks, 20, nearly killed the former president, after grazing his ear with a bullet fired from an 'AR-style' weapon at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, before he was taken out by a Secret Service sniper. Just a few years before his infamy as a political assassin, Crooks was a 'loner' who had few friends at Bethel Park High School. Video, shared with TMZ, showed his fellow classmates hassling him during a lesson. Crooks, sat at his desk, repeatedly tells a classmate who yanks at his trouser leg to 'stop.' 'Stop, you're pulling my leg', he can he heard saying as the person filming laughs. New video footage has revealed that Donald Trump gunman Thomas Crooks (pictured) was teased at high school Years before his infamy as a political assassin, Crooks (pictured) was a 'loner' who had few friends at Bethel Park High School While the video appears to be taken in relative jest, those who knew him growing up said he was a lonely boy who people picked on. Former classmate Julianna Grooms, 19, told the New York Times: 'Kids would always say, "Hey, look at the school shooter over there!" 'They would tease him about his poor hygiene, his body odor. He was an easy target.' Jim Knapp, the gunmans guidance counselor at school, told the newspaper: 'he just wanted to stay by himself. 'He was a very good student. Not once did he ever get in trouble.' It has since emerged through federal campaign finance records that the gunman was a registered Republican who had previously made a $15 donation to the liberal ActBlue political action committee on January 20, 2021 - Biden's Inauguration Day. Trump mouthed the word 'fight' at supporters as blood spattered across his face 'The guy has spun around was jammed between the benches and a head shot here. There's lots of blood and he had brain matter,' the man told CBS News Attendees claimed they warned the Secret Service over a man on the roof where the gunman was later killed Trump grabbed his right ear as the first shots rang out at 6:12pm According to Pennsylvania's public court records, Crooks had no criminal history and officials claimed they are still working towards identifying a motive behind the shooting. Crooks appeared to have graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School, and received a $500 'star award' that year from the National Math and Science Initiative, a report from The Tribune-Review in western Pennsylvania. In an online recording of the 2022 graduation ceremony, he can be seen crossing the stage as the crowd applauds him, before briefly posing with a school official and accepting his diploma. His father, Matthew Crooks told CNN late on Saturday night that he was trying to figure out 'what the hell is going on' but would 'wait until I talk to law enforcement' before speaking about his son. Shortly after Trump was raced away, the lifeless body of Thomas Matthew Crooks was seen on a rooftop surrounded by agents. His death was not confirmed until 7:24pm Yearbook images have surfaced of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who opened fire on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania Trump's campaign said he was raced to hospital after the shooting, but is 'fine' Trump is seen surrounded by Secret Service agents in the moments after the shooting. He raised his fist to indicate that he was okay in an image that has since swept the globe On Saturday, Crooks opened fire from a rooftop 150 yards from where Trump was on stage addressing thousands of fans in Butler at 6:15pm. Footage of the moment shows Trump suddenly grabbing his ear as blood poured down his face after at least eight shots were fired in his direction. The crowd began screaming and fleeing the venue as Secret Service agents swarmed around the injured former-President. But in a show of strength, Trump emerged from the cover of the suited agents and raised a fist, shouting: 'Fight, fight, fight', before he was ushered away from the chaotic scenes and sent to hospital. Crooks had killed a member of the crowd and critically injured two others before he was gunned down by the Secret Service. The shooter was killed after he fired from an 'elevated position' outside the outdoor rally venue, according to the Secret Service. Images show at least four members of law enforcement surrounding the bloody gunman and the AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle he used on the roof, while they point their guns towards his body. Bianca Censori's most 'extreme' outfit yet is the latest in a long list of outraging public decency incidents around the world - and has seen her teetering on the very edge of the law. Her decision to go topless in LA raises yet more questions about whether on the orders of husband Kanye West because of a PR war with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. And experts have told MailOnline that she will keep going further as her 'desperate attempt for publicity' continues. From LA to Tokyo and Berlin to Paris and Venice, Bianca's increasingly shocking and shrinking outfits have been getting her in troubles with the authorities around the world. She could now face jail time, a fine and mandatory registration as a sex offender for her latest X-rated stunt in Los Angeles on Monday. Mark Borkowski, arguably Britain's leading PR guru, told MailOnline: 'Where does it end. She clearly is very comfortable with her public image and demonstrates it with this extreme fashion statement. I can only think this is a considered act. It feels to be a desperate attempt for publicity. It feels like a living embodiment of the Empress has no clothes'. Bianca has continued to push the boundaries of fashion to the very limit since she got together with Kanye - and there are questions about whether she is the source of the ideas or simply West's muse. Here are Bianca's most outrageous outfits and the heat they have brought around the world. The Australian architect, 29, shocked onlookers as she fully exposed her breasts in a completely see-through netted top on her way to the Melrose Tanning Company salon yesterday Venice, August 2023 There was a police investigation into her lewd behavior with Kanye on a boat ride in Venice, Italy (pictured) Critics took aim at Censori for 'going around virtually naked' in the conservative Catholic country The couple, who were first pictured together in January 2023, sparked scandal after scandal, not least because of the incredibly raunchy outfits that the 28-year-old architect was seen sporting during the couple's trip to Italy. They further enraged Italians during a recent trip to Venice after they were caught allegedly engaging in a lewd act on a boat, with the 46-year-old rapper baring his naked buttocks in public. Now, a source has exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that concerned friends have been desperately trying to reach out to the Australian beauty - only to be told they should 'f**k off' when they finally managed to connect with her. Police asked photographers to hand over the images that went around the world. A Venice police source told DailyMail.com: 'There are standards of public decorum that have to be followed by tourists and locals alike and any breaches are severely punished.' Tuscany: August 2023 The chaos and circus surrounding Bianca Censori and Kanye West began last summer. The couple went on a European holiday and Bianca began wearing daring outfit after daring outfit. Controversial rapper Kanye was seen with his wife, who rocked a see through outfit while out in Tuscany. Florence, September 2023 Kanye and Bianca put on a bizarre display in Italy. Censori, who has worn a slew of eccentric outfits during the couple's Italian getaway, was spotted walking the streets of Florence almost topless while holding a purple cushion over her chest to cover up her breasts. West, 46, meanwhile strolled beside the Australian architect in an all-black ensemble including a strange shawl and sock-like slippers. In a humiliating twist, photos of have emerged of onlookers laughing at the pair behind their back as they made their way down the cobblestone footpath. Online critics have also mocked West and Censori for attempting to look edgy, yet failing so spectacularly. London, September 2023 In London last September, she covered up (a bit). The 46-year-old rapper's partner donned a rather avant-garde look as she headed to a London Fashion Week Show hosted by Tom Brady's girlfriend and Kanye's ex Irina Shayk on Friday evening. Perhaps the most head-turning element of Bianca's look was a massive white wig that she sported which featured fringe which completely covered her eyes ala Sia at the Mowalola SS24 catwalk show. Despite being more covered up than her more recent outings, she still managed to showcase her stunning figure in a clinging white crocheted bodysuit. One thing that the stunner had to implement in her ensemble was her signature sweaty perspex pumps as she strutted her stuff down to the front row of the fashion show. Berlin, September 2023 Kanye West and Bianca showed no signs of ending their months-long European vacation with a kebab-filled break to Berlin. The trip was filled with controversy thanks to her revealing outfits and their outrageous public antics. The odd couple who has been holidaying in Italy throughout August and into September were pictured standing in line at a popular kebab shop in Berlin, Germany on Thursday, with Bianca wearing yet another eyebrow-raising ensemble. Kanye, 46, who also goes by 'Ye,' had his face covered balaclava-style with a piece of black fabric, while Bianca, believed to be 28, showed off her large cleavage in a Spanx-assisted garment, as they stood in line with the general public for the roasted meat treat. Florence, September 2023 Kanye West and his then new 'wife' Bianca Censori caused a major frenzy while shopping in the tourist-heavy Via dei Calzaiuoli in Florence, Italy. West went into photographer mode as he directed the busty bombshell as she posed with excited locals in another one of her daring nude looks. Surrounded by adoring fans, Censori showed off her sensational figure in a skintight leotard styled with sheeny pantyhose and pointy kitten heels. Between takes, West stopped to adjust the Yeezy architect's flesh-flashing outfit to ensure the best possible shot on his iPhone. Two weeks earlier, the couple sparked major controversy in the city of Venice after they were caught putting on a graphic display in the back of a river taxi. DailyMail.com exclusively reported at the time that police were investigating the couple over the 'disrespectful' incident that included West exposing his bare buttocks in public as Censori curiously knelt before him with her head in his lap. Miami, December 2023 Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori bared all again for a night on the town in Miami as she donned an eyepopping silver string ensemble while stepping out with the rapper. Censori, 28, flaunted her toned legs and pert posterior in a glittering silver string bodysuit paired with a 20s-inspired headpiece. She sported a glamorous palette of make-up with smoky shadow and nude lipgloss. She protected her modesty once again with a creepy toy teddy bear clutched to her chest as she strolled alongside a bizarrely attired West, 46. West wore a black covering over his head paired with a leather coat, black tee and slouchy boots. LA, February 2024 Bianca Censori was on a mission to prove the humble rain poncho could also be 2024's hottest new fashion trend as she made a showstopping arrival to a Los Angeles music studio. Proving that far less is more, the 29-year-old Australian architect wore absolutely nothing beneath her cagoule, going completely naked bar a pair of knee high black boots. Branding across the front of the coat helped shield her ample chest, yet she was forced to place her hand over her groin to protect her modesty. Her other hand was firmly grasped by husband Kanye West, who also appeared to be taking no chances with the Pineapple Express storm pummelling the West Coast, as he donned an oversized khaki poncho with black rain boots. Paris, February 2024 Bianca Censori was warned she could face prison or a fine of 15,000 after testing the laws of exhibitionism in Paris. The Yeezy architect, 29, wore her most explicit outfit to date as she went underwear free beneath a pair of sheer stockings during a public outing with husband Kanye West. Bianca did not attempt to conceal her genitals or bare backside in the garment as crowds of shocked onlookers rushed to take pictures. She also did not appear to be wearing a shirt or bra under a cropped fur coat as she returned to the Ritz Hotel with hoodie-clad Kanye after enjoying dinner at Ferdi. French officials were said to have been looking at whether she was in breach of their decency laws. Speaking to MailOnline on Friday some Parisians deemed her outfits to be 'worrying' and claimed Kanye's 'publicity stunts' were both 'strange' and 'dangerous.' Sarra Sean, a 20-year-old linguist, said: Shes free to do what she wants with her own body, but its a bit weird. Im not that into celebrities, but there clearly has to be some concern if a famous person is acting strangely. Some of Kanyes political statements have been very worrying lately. San Zaya, 18, a student, said both Bianca Censori and Kanya West had a responsibility to be a good example to young people. Paris, June 2024 Bianca was back in Paris having not heeded warnings of potential arrest. She 'paraded' with new bubblegum pink hair and her most 'extreme' outfit yet on the orders of husband Kanye West, it was claimed. Although Kanye arrived separately at the exclusive Italian restaurant Gigi, Bianca's new hair and dress has all the hallmarks of a stunt by the rapper in response to Kim Kardashian's new white-blonde hair. Bianca's outfit, made from such flimsy sticky tape it began falling apart, also looked remarkably like Kim's 2016 outfit that also barely covered her breasts. Tokyo, June 2024 Japanese locals were left outraged after Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori put on another shocking display during a shopping trip in Tokyo this week. Censori, 29, 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. '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. Los Angeles, July 2024 Bianca Censori could face jail time, a fine and mandatory registration as a sex offender for her latest X-rated stunt in Los Angeles on Monday. The Australian architect, 29, shocked onlookers as she fully exposed her breasts in a completely see-through netted top on her way to the Melrose Tanning Company salon. Bianca, who is known for her barely-there looks, opted not to wear a bra and only added a pair of tiny beige underwear, heels and a camouflage print hat. Despite repeatedly stepping out in racy ensembles, her latest look may have gone too far however, as it could potentially be considered indecent exposure under California law. California Penal Code Section 314(1) makes it a crime to intentionally expose your genitals or naked body in a public place, or anywhere else where someone could be offended or annoyed. Germany has sounded the alarm that highly-skilled migrants are leaving for Britain and other English-speaking nations. Berlin's labour minister Hubertus Heil pleaded with a group of Indian science students to stay as he visited a university in the city last week. Mr Heil highlighted concerns about retaining such workers, with a better offer available in rival economies such as the UK. 'Please stay. Germany needs you,' Mr Heil told the students at the Freien Universitat. 'Due to demographic changes, Germany is dependent on more immigration but people also have to stay.' Biotechnologists, physicists and computer scientists are among the groups that Germany has been struggling to retain. Berlin 's labour minister Hubertus Heil (pictured left with Chancellor Scholz) pleaded with a group of Indian science students to stay as he visited a university in the city last week The UK granted 89,000 Indian students visas on the graduate route in the year to March - despite fears that the wider level of legal migration is unsustainably high Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for visa deals with major economies In contrast, the UK granted 89,000 Indian students visas on the graduate route in the year to March - despite fears that the wider level of legal migration is unsustainably high. Mr Heil is set to visit India this Autumn as he draws up a skilled worker strategy for Germany. He has been talking up the country's high wages and lifestyle as he tries to shore up the workforce. The German Economic Institute (GEI) has flagged that the number of highly skilled Indian workers coming to Germany rose by 36,291 last year. Mr Heil reportedly said: One thing is clear: Germany needs bright minds and helping hands. That is why, in addition to securing skilled workers domestically, qualified immigration from abroad is also important. 'We will launch an India skilled worker strategy this year. This is also a clear signal to young people in India that they are welcome here.' A flamboyant Harley Street doctor has been banned from treating patients after he carried out a 3,500 non-essential penis 'filler' operation during the Covid-19 lockdown. Dr Mohammed Sefahn Chaudhry, 35, kept his private clinic open using his website PenisFill.co.uk and offered cosmetic treatments as prizes on social media as the public were ordered to stay at home. The Ferrari-driving medical practitioner, who calls himself 'Dr Sef', put up 1,000 worth of 'Barbie tip rhinoplasty' and 'lip filler' treatments as giveaways in a prize draw. He was reported to the General Medical Council after the patient who underwent 'penis filler' surgery between April 2020 and August 2020 claimed his genitalia had been left 'misshapen' and had developed a 'lump'. The unnamed man, known only as Patient A, also alleged Chaudhry had without his permission posted 'before and after' pictures of his penis on his website, forged paperwork and raised his voice at him when he complained about the results of the procedure. Dr Mohammed Sefahn Chaudhry (pictured) kept his private clinic open using his website PenisFill.co.uk and offered cosmetic treatments as prizes on social media as the public were ordered to stay at home The Ferrari-driving medical practitioner, who calls himself 'Dr Sef', put up 1,000 worth of 'Barbie tip rhinoplasty' and 'lip filler' treatments as giveaways in a prize draw The 35-year-old was reported to the General Medical Council after the patient who underwent 'penis filler' surgery between April 2020 and August 2020 claimed his genitalia had been left 'misshapen' and had developed a 'lump' At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, Chaudhry, from Coulsdon, South London, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct relating to non essential work during the pandemic. He was suspended from medical practice for five months. But a disciplinary panel cleared him over allegations he failed to give proper treatment to Patient A. They also rejected claims Chaudhry posted the 'before and after pictures' online after comparing the images in question to another picture of the man's penis which he sent to an expert witness in the case as evidence. The doctor, who qualified in 2016, ran two cosmetic clinics - Dermis Clinic Ltd and MC Medical Aesthetics Limited - and at one stage was endorsed by former Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne. The investigation began in October 2020 after Patient A complained about his penis filler procedure which was carried out after he was contacted over Whatsapp the previous April in a 'marketing call' by one of Chaudhry's work colleagues. The Manchester hearing was told Patient A had wanted 'increased penis girth' as his partner was 'not satisfied' and had undergone a similar procedure in 2017. He said in a statement: 'The call was purely logistical e.g., when they could see me, how I could get there (given this was during the COVID pandemic), whether Dr Chaudhry had a London clinic etc. 'I confirmed that I was circumcised and asked whether my skin would adapt to the filler, and I was advised that it would.' Patient A underwent the procedure on 4 May 2020 with Dr Chaudhry and the following June attended a second consultation in which he said, the filler had not hardened and his penis started to look 'misshapen'. He said there was a lump and the filler remained soft and claimed Chaudhry suggested further filler should be injected for free. On July 18, 2020, Patient A attended Chaudhry's clinic for a third consultation and procedure and it was agreed that the enzyme Hylase be injected into his penis to dissolve the lump. But in his statement, Patient A alleged: 'Dr Chaudhry raised his voice, implying that he was out of pocket as he had provided some of the filler for free and that it was my fault the filler hadn't hardened. I didn't think this was very called for.' He subsequently claimed he saw 'before and after' images of his penis on the PenisFill website insisting he recognised it in the 'before' pictures due to the positioning of the lump and claimed the 'after' picture was of his penis immediately after the initial filler procedure. Chaudhry denied wrongdoing claiming the picture was of another patient's penis and insisted: 'I deny raising my voice at any time during my appointment with Patient A. He seems to be seeking ways to get a refund.' The doctor, who qualified in 2016, ran two cosmetic clinics - Dermis Clinic Ltd and MC Medical Aesthetics Limited - and at one stage was endorsed by former Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne He added: 'During the covid pandemic my understanding and belief was that the treatments I offer are medical. 'Therefore I never viewed them as non-essential. Every client that came to us during the pandemic, who was seeking treatments for purely cosmetic reasons, were not seen and advised to come after restrictions had been lifted. 'Our clinic was not open as normal and has strict covid policies and protocols. I would also like to state, that the area that I work in was an extremely grey area during the pandemic. 'My colleague doctors, working on the same street, we're performing hundreds of cosmetic only procedures. 'I was not intently or purposefully breaching Covid legislation. It was a highly unprecedented period with grand uncertainty intertwining also aspects of the working life. 'Again I am very sorry if this has put the public confidence in doctors at risk and jeopardising the professions reputation. I have learnt many valuable lessons from this process.' He also said the clinics no longer offered treatments as prize giveaways. In suspending Chaudhry, MPTS chairman Ms Amarjit Sagar said: 'The Tribunal did not accept that Dr Chaudhry could have possibly thought that he was permitted to remain open during the period of the pandemic. 'There was wide press coverage and daily broadcast updates about the risks of the spread of Covid-19. Despite this, Dr Chaudhry chose to continue to work and remain open. 'Patient A had not been in pain with his penis and there was nothing to suggest he required urgent medical attention. The Tribunal was therefore satisfied that treating Patient A by injecting him with penis filler was non-essential treatment. 'It determined that in continuing to work, Dr Chaudhry ignored the constraints imposed on the general public and acted as if that these did not apply to him. 'During this period, family members could not attend the funerals of their loved ones and major surgeries needed to be postponed. Dr Chaudhry would have been aware of the seriousness of the situation. Chaudhry, from Coulsdon, South London , was found guilty of serious professional misconduct relating to non essential work during the pandemic 'Fellow practitioners were under pressure working during Covid-19 conditions to keep the public safe, and Dr Chaudhry was also obliged to keep patients safe, in this case by closing his clinic. 'The Tribunal considered this behaviour to be deplorable and as the public endured the restrictions imposed by Government guidance he continued providing non-essential treatment for financial gain. 'The Tribunal considered that Dr Chaudhry was prompting customers to break Covid-19 guidelines by incentivising them with aesthetic procedures worth 1000. 'It reminded itself the Dr Chaudhry's post stated "winner will be announced in 48 hours". Although there was nothing to suggest that the winner would receive the prize during the Covid-19 lockdown, the Tribunal considered the context, in which Dr Chaudhry had already previously ignored Covid-19 guidance by treating Patient A with a non-essential procedure. 'The Tribunal was therefore of the view that it was possible that he would treat the winner during this period. He put patients at risk of harm by advertising clinical treatments during the Covid-19 lockdown.' Ms Sagar added: 'Dr Chaudhry should have acted promptly to ensure patient safety and as director should have closed the clinics and cancelled any patients that were booked in. 'Failing to do so posed a risk to patients who were travelling, possibly on public transport, to see him as well as mixing with any staff members at the clinic. He has shown no remorse.' Hungary's Prime Minister has said Donald Trump is ready to act 'immediately' as a peace broker in Ukraine if he is elected and that the EU must accept talks with Russia and China to end the war. In a letter addressed to European Council President Charles Michel and shared with all EU leaders, PM Viktor Orban highlighted the former US Prime Minister already has 'detailed plans' for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. 'I can (...) surely state that shortly after his election victory, he will not wait until his inauguration, (Trump) will be ready to act as a peace broker immediately. He has detailed and well-founded plans for this,' Orban wrote. The letter was drafted after Orban held talks with presidential candidate Trump in Florida after the NATO summit last week as well as with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and China, on a self-styled 'peace mission' that sparked criticism among EU member states. But following Orban's statement, questions about the level of US support for Ukraine began to arise after Trump selected Ohio Senator JD Vance, 39, as his running mate on July 15. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) poses with former US President Donald Trump (right) at Trump's estate in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, as Orban visited him to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict after the NATO summit in Washington on July 11 Orban was adamant that Trump 'will be ready to act as a peace broker immediately' if he is elected as Putin's war in Ukraine rages on US President Joe Biden and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban attend NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington, July 10, 2024. Vance, announced as Trump's pick for vice president on the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Wisconsin, opposed military aid and NATO membership for war-torn Ukraine. He claimed it would be 'completely irresponsible' for Ukraine to join NATO and instead argued for the US to focus solely on preventing Chinese expansion, even if that means sacrificing sovereign Ukrainian lands to Russia. 'What's happening in Ukraine doesn't threaten our national security,' Vance tweeted in 2022, one day before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Four days prior, Vance notoriously said in an interview, 'I gotta be honest with you, I don't really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other.' Yet Orban's political director congratulated Vance on being nominated as the running mate of Republican presidential candidate, saying a 'Trump-Vance administration sounds just right'. 'Congratulations to @JDVance1 on being appointed by @realDonaldTrump as his running mate!' Balazs Orban, who is not related to Viktor Orban, wrote on social media site X on Monday. Steve Pifer, former US Ambassador to Ukraine, however, said Trump's choice of running mate ultimately doesn't matter for Ukrainians, because no candidate would challenge him on Ukraine policy. Orban also sparked controversy after jetting to Moscow on July 5 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks with Putin were part of what Orban - the Kremlin's closest EU friend - described as his peace mission over Russia's war in Ukraine, that involved a later visit to China. The PM faced backlash however as Trump yesterday picked JD Vance (right) as his vice president. Vance notoriously said in an interview days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 'I gotta be honest with you, I don't really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other' Orban sparked controversy after flying to Moscow on July 5 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Orban's government has gone against the European mainstream by refusing to supply Kyiv with weapons to deter Russia's invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) hold a joint press conference following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia on July 05, 2024 Orban's government has gone against the European mainstream by refusing to supply Kyiv with weapons to deter Russia's invasion and by threatening to block financial assistance to the war-ravaged country. In an interview with Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet on Monday, Balazs Orban said that following his trip to Moscow the first such visit from an EU head of state or government in more than two years the prime minister had briefed the leaders of other EU countries 'in writing about the negotiations, the experiences of the first phase of the peace mission and the Hungarian proposals.' 'If Europe wants peace and wants to have a decisive say in settling the war and ending the bloodshed, it must now work out and implement a change of direction,' said Balazs Orban. Following the visits, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen ordered top EU officials to skip a series of meetings in Hungary amid ire over Orban's Putin visit, Brussels said Monday. A spokesman for European Commission president von der Leyen said that 'in light of recent developments' EU commissioners would not attend meetings organised in Hungary as part of the presidency. 'The commission will be represented at senior civil servant level only during informal meetings,' spokesman Eric Mamer wrote on X. But von der Leyen accused Orban of trying to mollify the Russian leader with the trip, writing on X: 'Appeasement will not stop Putin. Only unity and determination will pave the path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.' Other EU leaders slammed nationalist Orban for his trip to see pariah Putin in Moscow and insisted that he had been given no broader mandate for any talks. Ursula von der Leyen, President of European Commission, blasted Orban's Moscow visit and ordered top EU officials to skip a series of meetings in Hungary Orban's second stop in his 'peace mission' was China, where he met with President Xi Jinping While hosting Orban, Xi called on Russia and Ukraine to cease fire and on other major powers to create an environment conducive to talks. Pictured: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, third left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, third right, hold a meeting attended by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, second left, and Hungarian Minister in Charge of European Union Affairs Janos Boka, fourth left, in Beijing, China, Monday, July 8 Orban's critics have accused him of acting against the unity and interests of the EU and NATO, of which Hungary is a member, and of pursuing an appeasement strategy concerning Russia's aggression. Yet the Hungarian PM remains defiantly close with the Kremlin more than two years after Putin ordered his all-out invasion of Ukraine. The EU has staunchly opposed Russia's war and slapped 14 rounds of unprecedented sanctions on Moscow. But Hungary has repeatedly stalled the efforts to punish the Kremlin and to aid Ukraine in its fight against the invading forces. On the last leg of his 'peace mission', Orban met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to continue his discussions for a peaceful settlement in the Russian conflict. 'China is a key power in creating the conditions for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war,' Orban wrote on X. 'This is why I came to meet with President Xi in Beijing, just two months after his official visit to Budapest.' While hosting Orban, Xi called on Russia and Ukraine to cease fire and on other major powers to create an environment conducive to talks. Only when all major powers project 'positive energy rather than negative energy' can a ceasefire occur, Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV. 'It is in the interests of all parties to seek a political solution through an early ceasefire,' he added. Vaughan Gething is to quit as Welsh First Minister after a matter of months amid an astonishing Labour revolt against his leadership. In a statement this morning Mr Gething, 50, said he will 'begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister'. It came after Mick Antoniw, Julie James, Lesley Griffiths and Jeremy Miles announced they were resigning from the government in Cardiff in a co-ordinated move against him. Mr Gething, 50, only took up the role in March and was prominently visited by PM Keir Starmer and deputy PM Angela Rayner in the election campaign, when Labour won 27 of the 32 seats in Wales. His decision to quit also comes as the new Westminster Labour government launches plans to devolve more power to the UK nations and English regions. The FM has been under huge pressure for the whole of his short tenure over a 200,000 donation he received for his leadership campaign from a businessman convicted of an environmental crime for dumping waste on a conservation site. Mr Gething has also refused to show any evidence to justify sacking Labour Senedd member Hannah Blythyn from his government, after he accused her of leaking messages to the media. This led to the collapse of a co-operation agreement between his party and Plaid Cymru. Last month he lost a confidence vote in his leadership but refused to step down as First Minister. He becomes the second FM to quit this year, after Humza Yousaf was forced out in Scotland. Sir Keir Starmer thanked Mr Gething for his service and said he had decided to resign as Welsh First Minister because he 'feels it is the best decision now for Wales'. But Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies said the decison was 'long overdue', adding: 'There can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales. Wales will remember.' And Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called for a snap Senedd election, saying: 'The people of Wales have lost faith in the First Minister, belatedly he has done that right thing and resigned. Mr Gething, 50, only took up the role in March and was prominently visited by PM Keir Starmer and deputy PM Angela Rayner in the election campaign. Mr Gething said he recognised that 'rebuilding and renewal' was 'not possible' under his leadership. In a statement this morning Mr Gething, 50, said he will 'begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister'. Your browser does not support iframes. 'But the people of Wales are losing confidence in Labour's ability to govern Wales. 'This could be the third Labour First Minister in seven months a revolving door of chaos.' Mr Gething said he recognised that 'rebuilding and renewal' was 'not possible' under his leadership. Who is Vaughan Gething? Vaughan Gething made history in March when he became the first black leader of any European country, succeeding Mark Drakeford as the First Minster of Wales. He described his victory as 'a matter of pride for a modern Wales but also a daunting responsibility for me - and one that I do not take lightly'. He joined the Labour Party at 17 to help campaign in the 1992 elections. Mr Gething has been in the Senedd since 2011 and in the cabinet since 2016. He rose to prominence as health minister throughout the Covid pandemic, a post he held from 2016 to 2021, before becoming economy minister. Mr Gething was born in Zambia in 1974, where his father, a Welsh vet from Ogmore-by-Sea in Glamorgan, met his mother, a chicken farmer. He has spoken openly about his experiences of prejudice and said in his leadership campaign he did not want anyone in Wales to feel that way. When he was two, his family moved to Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, where his father was due to start a new job, but the offer was withdrawn when he arrived with a black family. After his father lost his job in Abergavenny, the family moved to Dorset in England. Mr Gething later studied law at Aberystwyth University and unsuccessfully stood for the Mid and West Wales seat at the first National Assembly elections in 1999, before becoming councillor for the Butetown area of Cardiff in 2004. He stood for the Senedd elections again in 2011, when he successfully took the Cardiff South and Penarth Seat. Mr Gething previously ran for the Labour leadership and first minister position in 2018, when he lost to Mr Drakeford. Advertisement In a statement announcing his resignation, he said: 'I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister. 'Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership. 'I recognise now that this is not possible. 'It has been the honour of my life to do this job even for a few short months. 'To see the dedication to public service from our civil service, and the dedication to civility from the Welsh public. 'To see the election of a new government in Westminster, and the fresh hope that brings to Wales. 'I have always pursued my political career to serve Wales.' Earlier Mr Miles had called on the First Minister to resign, in a letter quitting as Welsh economy secretary, saying 'the events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful'. Mr Miles, who ran against Mr Gething for the leadership, wrote: 'We cannot continue like this. 'It's essential that we begin to repair the damage immediately, and I have reached the conclusion very regrettably that this cannot happen under your leadership. 'I can't see any way forward for us which allows us to get on with job we are elected to do, without you standing down.' Mr Antoniw told the leader 'I do not believe you can continue as First Minister' as he quit as the Welsh Government's counsel general. Urging the First Minister to 'put the country first' he said the Senedd was 'rudderless' without a new leader. Mr Antoniw said: 'Wales needs confident and stable government. I do not believe you are capable of delivering that. 'You have lost a vote of confidence in the Senedd. That is something I regard as being of major constitutional importance. 'It is clear that you no longer command a majority, that you will be unable to enter into the agreements necessary to pass a budget, and for all intents and purposes the Senedd is rudderless. 'We are all here to do the best for our country. I believe it is now necessary for you to choose to put the country first and resign as First Minister to allow an election for a new First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour.' In a letter quitting as Welsh economy secretary, Mr Miles, who ran against Mr Gething for the leadership, wrote: 'We cannot continue like this.' He called on the First Minister to resign and said 'the events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful'. Mr Antoniw told the leader 'I do not believe you can continue as First Minister' as he quit as the Welsh Government's counsel general. At the start of June Mr Gething broke down in tears as he lost the no-confidence vote in the Senedd. The no confidence motion was passed by 29 to 27, with two of Mr Gething's assembly members seemingly off sick. He had already appeared with Sir Keir and Ms Rayner as they launched Labour's general election campaign in Wales. And he was front and centre with the PM as he toured the UK after his win on July 4. Mr Gething has been involved in a series of rows since he replaced Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader in March. This includes controversy over donations from businessman David Neal, a convicted polluter who dumped waste on a conservation site. There were also claims Mr Gething may have deleted messages that could be of interest to the Covid Inquiry. Social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn was removed from the Welsh Government in May, after messages from the Covid pandemic were leaked to the website Nation.Cymru. Mr Gething has been involved in a series of rows since he replaced Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader in March. This includes controversy over donations from businessman David Neal (pictured), a convicted polluter who dumped waste on a conservation site. Mr Gething said he had 'no alternative' but to fire Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Social Partnership, accusing her of leaks to the media following a 'recent disclosure of communication'. They featured a message posted to a ministerial group chat in August 2020 by Mr Gething, saying that he was 'deleting the messages in this group'. He previously told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that lost WhatsApp messages were not deleted by him, but by the Welsh Parliament's IT team during a security rebuild. Last week at the Senedd's Scrutiny Committee the FM defended his decision, insisting that evidence showed messages given to Nation.Cymru came from her phone. However, he insisted he has never tried to claim Ms Blythyn directly contacted the media herself. Delyn MS Ms Blythyn had previously said she could 'look all my colleagues who sit on these benches in the eye' and say she had not leaked to the media. And on Thursday, Nation.Cymru came out and insisted Ms Blythyn was not the source of the leak which triggered her sacking. Terrified passengers on a flight trying to leave Chicago O'Hare airport last night were left stranded and begging for help amid severe storms and a tornado warning. A video posted to social media from the inside of a plane showed the aircraft being shaken by the tornado. Lightning strikes could be seen arcing across the night sky as heavy rain poured down. Courtney Mares, a journalist for Catholic News Agency who took the video on the plane, said: 'Our plane is sitting on the runway at Chicago O'Hare right now while everyone's phones receive multiple tornado warnings. 'Captain announced that air traffic control and ground control have evacuated. 'Plane is shaking as it is blown back and forth by the wind.' As many as ten simultaneous tornadoes were spotted by the National Weather Service in the metropolitan area of the Windy City last night, with one hurtling towards the international airport. Passengers were stuck on a plane on the runway at Chicago O'Hare last night As many as ten simultaneous tornadoes were spotted by the National Weather Service in the metropolitan area of the Windy City last night Passengers ona flight trying to leave Chicago O'Hare airport last night were left stranded amid severe storms and a tornado warning The airport said last night on X: 'If you're in the airport, please exercise caution, and follow the instructions of all airport personnel. Service on the Airport Transit System is suspended until the threat of severe weather has passed.' The storm was so bad that a shelter-in-place order was issued for the area, with passengers in the terminal building being made to get away from windows, while others were told to head underground. But passengers already on outbound flights could do little more than watch and wait in terror. According to FlightAware, more than 60 flights were cancelled and over 400 were delayed at O'Hare alone. Inside the airport, anxious flyers were packed into the terminal buildings shoulder-to-shoulder, with almost everyone inside being unable to move. One man, Huntraiel Watson, told his Instagram followers: 'I'm never gonna make it back to Houston.' One photo, taken by a Chicago DJ, showed countless people standing up in a long corridor. The storm was so bad that a shelter-in-place order was issued for the area, with passengers in the terminal building being made to get away from windows Living facilities were also put under strain inside, with one video posted to Instagram showing a long queue for the toilets snaking out of both male and female bathrooms. Thankfully, by 1am today the tornado warnings that affected 13million people across three states, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, were revoked. Flash flood warnings were left in place until around 4am in parts of Illinois, after storms brought between two and five inches of rain in a matter of hours. The US has been battered by extreme weather for weeks. Earlier this month, American cities smashed all-time heat records as scorching temperatures grip the country, with 10 percent of the U.S placed under severe weather warnings. Dozens of locations in the West and Pacific Northwest, including Nevada, Palm Springs and Medford tied or broke previous heat records with temperatures well over 100 degrees. An excessive heat warning, the National Weather Service's highest alert, was put in effect for about 36 million people, or about 10 percent of the population. A body found in the hunt for missing British teenager Jay Slater was 'very deteriorated', Spanish officials have revealed. The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out on Tenerife on June 17, prompting a huge search operation involving police, volunteers and family members which spanned almost a month. On Monday morning, the Spanish Civil Guard tragically discovered a body with the apprentice bricklayer's possessions and clothing, near to where his phone last pinged. Tenerife officials have now revealed that documentation belonging to Jay was also found with the body and that everything is pointing to an accidental fall. At a court in the town of Icod de los Vinos, which covers the area of Masca where the body was found, officials said: 'In reference to the British citizen Jay Slater, the autopsy with the full identification of the body and the causes of death will take time, because the body was very deteriorated. 'But there is very little doubt about both the identity and the etiology. The documentation he was carrying corresponds to that of Jay Slater and everything is pointing to an accidental fall, although that is unofficial pending the final reports.' The official, speaking on condition of anonymity as is normal in Spain, added: 'The court is saying the official identification will not be known until next week.' It comes as: Spanish police yesterday found a body in the search for missing British teenager Jay Slater (pictured) Jay Slater's family have been informed that human remains have been found in the mountainous area of the Spanish island. Pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan Spanish police released footage showing officers searching the area in the hours before they found a body. They had continued a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' It comes after MailOnline revealed that Jay's 'absolutely broken' family believes he was 'killed instantly after falling from height'. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Advertisement Amid questions over how a body was missed for 29 days, Jay's family now say they can 'appreciate the remoteness' of the area and say he 'would most likely have been killed instantly'. A family spokesman told MailOnline today: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. Initially they thought how could he be so close and yet be missed but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 in the absence of full identification. The first investigations reveal that he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found.' The family update follows Jay's best friend Lucy Law penning an emotional tribute to the 'happiest and most smiley person'. Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with Lucy and another friend, Brad Hargreaves, before he vanished. In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Brad, meanwhile, wrote: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' It comes after the Spanish Civil Guard revealed that they had continued a 'discreet search' despite saying they had stopped looking in the area on June 30. The shock decision after just 13 days led to amateur sleuths vowing to continue their own search through the rugged Tenerife mountains, while Jay's family refused to give up and leave the Spanish island. The high-profile investigation saw internet sleuths jet out from the UK to Tenerife, while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook were awash with vile conspiracy theories which Jay's mother claimed 'hindered' efforts to find him. Announcing the discovery of a body yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard said: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. Jay, 19, vanished on the island of Tenerife last month, prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. At around 9.04am, Jay is reported missing and his friends spend the day searching but to no avail. The following day, local police and mountain rescue teams scoured the rugged landscape and his family flew out to Tenerife to join the search. On June 19, the search was temporarily moved to the Los Cristianos area in the south of the island because of a potential lead, but this is quickly discounted and the search returned north. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, said she feared her son had 'been taken against his will'. Emergency workers continued to comb bushes, overgrown terrain, hillsides and rivers back in the Masca valley, but failed to find the missing teenager. The Spanish police also came under fire for rejecting support from the Lancashire Constabulary back in the UK. On June 28, after having no luck in finding Jay, the Spanish police appealed for a mass army of volunteers such as firefighters and mountaineering experts but only six people turned up the following day. On June 30, Spanish police then called off the search but insisted the case 'remains open'. Jay's family and friends stayed in Tenerife, while TikTok sleuths also vowed to continue helping. One TikTok detective subsequently quit the search after saying he and his group had not received any of the money raised to help find Jay on GoFundMe. But Jay's mother hit back, claiming she had given him 740 of her own money for accommodation, adding: 'We don't need hikers, we need experts.' TikTok explorer Paul Arnott was also helping in Tenerife, as was detective-turned-investigator Mark Williams-Thomas. Nevertheless, Spanish police officers were discreetly continuing their own search of the mountains. On July 14, Debbie spoke of her 'heartache' and criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' about her son's disappearance. Jay's family are 'absolutely broken' after a body was found. He is pictured here with mother Debbie Duncan (left) and brother Zak Slater (right) Jay's father Warren Slater and brother Zak pictured during a search and rescue last month Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Part of the clip shows two members of the search team (pictured) being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body (not pictured) had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay In a statement released through LBT Global, Ms Duncan said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.' Ms Duncan said the family wish to thank the public for 'their continued support and well wishes' and praises the British Embassy and police for 'doing all they can to support us'. But she also criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and says were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. Just 24 hours later, a body was found by Spanish police. Charity LBT Global said that while formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca on Monday. The force said Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where the body was discovered. The body was lifted out of a ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing It will likely be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said that the 'lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search'. They added: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days.' Parts of the countryside were 'preserved' so they were 'not filled with curious onlookers', they told Sky News. Officers continued: 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 - in the absence of full identification. 'The first investigations reveal he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations since the tragic update was revaled. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. A former Labour frontbencher embarrassingly had to pledge allegiance to the King again today after taking an anti-monarchy swipe first time around. Clive Lewis was ridiculed for saying he was affirming 'under protest' as he was sworn back in to Parliament last week in the wake of the election. However, Mr Lewis was later warned by the Commons authorities that he faced fines and even losing his seat unless he repeated the full wording - including promising loyalty to the King's 'heirs and successors'. The bashful Norwich South MP returned to the House this morning to avert the prospect of challenges under an 1866 law, but still moaned that politicians should not be made to honour the crown. The Parliamentary authorities give politicians a fair amount of latitude when swearing in, and it is rare to be obliged to try again. But they legally have to speak the core phrases in order to sit in the Commons. Mr Lewis previously said: 'I take this oath under protest and in the hope that one day my fellow citizens will democratically decide to live in a republic. 'Until that time I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, according to law.' Mr Lewis returned to the House with the last batch of MPs being sworn in this morning, saying he was 'elected to Parliament to represent my constituents and our country to the best of my ability, to defend democracy and uphold human rights'. 'One day I hope all members of Parliament will be entitled to swear an oath of allegiance based on those values.' However, he proceeded to say: 'I do solemnly and sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.' The former British Army officer has long made clear his anti-monarchist views, having called for a referendum on the monarchy in 2020 when he ran to succeed Mr Corbyn as leader - coming last in the election. Clive Lewis had to pledge allegiance to the King again today after taking an anti-monarchy swipe first time around He returned to the House with the last batch of MPs being sworn in this morning, saying he was 'elected to Parliament to represent my constituents and our country to the best of my ability, to defend democracy and uphold human rights' Mr Lewis was apparently told his previous wording (pictured) was not good enough Mr Lewis said he was warned by the Commons authorities that he faced fines and even losing his seat unless he repeated the full wording - including promising loyalty to the King's 'heirs and successors'. The bashful Norwich South MP returned to the House this morning to avert the prospect of challenges under an 1866 law, but still moaned that politicians should not be made to honour the crown Writing on X after his appearance this morning, Mr Lewis said: 'After omitting to swear allegiance to King Charles' 'heirs and successors' last week, I've had to take the oath again in order to sit in the House of Commons. The majority of the public are committed to democracy, and so I hope one day MPs can swear an oath based on those values.' He posted a photo of the letter he received from the House of Commons Journal Office which said his omission of part of the oath meant there was 'doubt about whether the manner in which you made the affirmation is legally valid'. Mr Lewis wrote: 'If I had not re-sworn the oath, then based on a law from 1866, I could be fined, subjected to legal action, and my seat 'shall be vacated in the same manner as if (I) were dead'. 'This should change, so MPs have the choice to swear allegiance to our constituents and democracy.' Last week Mr Lewis joined his former boss Jeremy Corbyn - now an independent MP after being expelled from Labour - in criticising the oath they have to take to be loyal to the crown. Mr Corbyn, 75, was caught on camera on Tuesday referring to the oath as 'a load of nonsense' as he queued up to take it. And new SNP MP Seamus Logan, whose party wants an independent Scotland, prefaced his oath yesterday by saying: 'I'm a polite nationalist, and I will say these words to the people of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, who'll know where my loyalties lie.' The seven Sinn Fein Irish nationalist MPs refuse to take the oath and therefore do not sit in the Commons, receive the salary, or vote - though they are able to claim expenses. Fellow nationalists the SDLP MPs Colum Eastwood and Claire Hanna were among those to make clear they were affirming allegiance to the King in order to do their job as MPs. Party leader Mr Eastwood said: 'I read out this empty formula in order to represent my constituents but it's under protest.' Ms Hanna said: 'In friendship and in hope of a reconciled new Ireland, my allegiance is to the people of Belfast South and Mid Down and I say these words in order to serve them.' Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts, Llinos Medi, Ann Davies and Ben Lake chose to take the oath and pledged their allegiance to the Crown in Welsh. Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty was first MP of this Parliament to take his oath in Welsh. The wearing-in process started on Tuesday, with the last of the 643 MPs going through today. Mr Corbyn, 75, was caught on camera referring to the oath as 'a load of nonsense' as he queued up to take it. Disgraced former Channel Seven personality Andrew O'Keefe has had yet another brush with the law after he was was allegedly caught driving while on a suspended licence. The former Deal No or No Deal and The Chase Australia host was allegedly spotted behind the wheel by NSW Police highway patrol officers in the ritzy suburb of Bellevue Hill in Sydney's east on June 20. O'Keefe, 52, was issued with a court attendance notice for the offence of driving while suspended, The Daily Telegraph reported. The former television star will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on August 6. OKeefe's latest charges comes just six months after he was found guilty of multiple domestic violence and drug offences. The former broadcaster was hit with three sets of charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, breaching a domestic violence order and possession of 1.6g of the synthetic stimulant drug mephedrone known as 'meow meow' following a violent altercation with a woman in September 2021. He was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and three 18-month community corrections order. Speaking to reporters outside court, O'Keefe said he intended to appeal the convictions. Former TV star Andrew O'Keefe will return to court after he was allegedly caught behind the wheel on a suspended licence Andrew O'Keefe (pictured as the host of Deal or No Deal) was once regarded one of the biggest stars of Australian television He has since lodged an appeal in the NSW District Court with a hearing is set to be heard on July 31. A year earlier, O'Keefe had previously pleaded guilty to drug driving after testing positive to methamphetamine in Point Piper in January 2023 but received a 12-month conditional release order without conviction, holding him to good behaviour. The latest offence is just the latest in a long line of sad scandals for O'Keefe, who was once one of Australia's most popular TV presenters. The former lawyer was once chairman of White Ribbon Australia, an organisation dedicated to the prevention of violence against women, and was even appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in for his extensive television and charity work. O'Keefe has suffered a very public fall from grace in recent years, having spent time in prison and multiple rehabilitation clinics following a string of scandals. Campaigners have welcomed plans to make spiking a standalone criminal offence, saying: This is the deterrent we need. The cruel craze is expected to be mentioned in the King's Speech tomorrow, which is written by the Government and sets out the legislative agenda ahead. Plans would have to be discussed and voted on in Parliament before they become law. But tacit cross-bench support from MPs means it has a real prospect of being included on statute books in future. Police figures indicate cases of a person having their drink secretly plied with alcohol or drugs have soared in recent years, despite efforts to tackle it. Drinkaware chief executive Karen Tyrell said nearly a million people are estimated to have had their drinks spiked in Britain last year amid a terrifying surge in offences. Victims have reported blacking out and being sexually assaulted, with friends, bar staff and emergency services sometimes mistakenly thinking they have simply drunk too much alcohol. Kirsty Howells suffered a seizure and was left unable to breathe after 'being injected with ketamine' during a night out Ilana El-baz said she was left semi-paralysed on the stairs after returning home from a Bristol nightclub after being spiked Greg Mackie died after being found with the equivalent of five ecstasy tablets in his system, with his family certain his soft drink was spiked More than 8,500 reports of spiking were made last year to 39 police forces that responded to a freedom of information request. That compares to around 1,650 in 2018 Almost one million people were thought to have been spiked in Britain last year, according to the boss of charity Drinkaware Spiking can currently be prosecuted as an assault, but it is not a specific offence. Ministers believe making it a specific offence, punishable by a lengthy prison term, could finally act as a proper deterrent. Dawn Dines, the chief executive of the Stamp Out Spiking charity who has spent decades campaigning after being spiked, said: This is massive - it is going to potentially make going out so much safer for people, which is what we want. A specific law will help, but it will also rely on members of the public to play their part as well, to raise the alarm when they see something suspicious. I would love to have the big pub chains also commit that bar staff get training in spotting the signs of spiking before they even pull their first pint. Fellow campaigner Colin Mackie said he hoped a new law would render spiking 'as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.' Mr Mackie, who founded the charity Spike Aware UK, told MailOnline: 'Nobody would have phoned the police in the 1970s to report drink-driving but they do now, and quite rightly. 'I want spiking to be the same, that people feel compelled to report it, to intervene, to say to someone: "Look, I think someone's just dropped something in your drink." Confusion, hallucinations and suddenly acting paranoid are among the signs that a person's drink has been spiked Love Island's Sharon Gaffka has revealed how she was left 'completely unconscious' and unable to talk after having her drink spiked at a lunch out with friends in a bar Mr Mackie's 18-year-old son Greg died after his soft drink was believed to have been spiked during his first few weeks at Edinburgh College in 2017. Greg was subject to random testing as part of his sporting commitments, but was found with the equivalent of five ecstasy tablets in his system. Evidential issues meant nobody was ever charged over his death. Mr Mackie said he hoped the law would deter pranksters, who do not always realise the harm caused by their actions. He said: 'Some people still think it's a bit of a joke, but they do not see what it does to people. 'We've spoken to victims who have become withdrawn and no longer trust people or go out, their mental health has been affected, 'I had one young woman get in contact who said she was on the verge of suicide, and my own son, Greg, died. 'If we now start having prosecutions, it will be a deterrent - people will see these "Jack the Lad" characters going to prison. 'Convictions give these pranksters a real reason not to do it. 'We haven't seen the details yet but we have been calling for this (new law) as a charity for a long time, and now it looks like it is finally happening.' Dawn Dines, chief executive of the Stamp Out Spiking charity, which has long campaigned for a specific law EastEnders will begin a hard-hitting spiking storyline with Cindy Beale and George Knight's daughter Anna Knight The social media series will offer a unique insight into the incident from Annas own perspective, and from the perspective of her friends (Anna pictured with mother Cindy) Official statistics on spiking are not routinely published, but in December 2022 the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said that between September 2021 and September 2022 nearly 5,000 cases of needle and drink spiking incidents had been reported to forces across England and Wales. Separate figures based on Freedom of Information Act responses from police forces in England and Wales last October found there were more than 8,500 reports of spiking made in 2022, compared to around 1,650 in 2018. A YouGov survey in December 2022 suggested one-in-ten women and one in 20 men said they had been spiked. But Mr Mackie said he felt the numbers were likely to be much higher, due to the shame victims - particularly young men - feel around reporting offences. He said he wants a mandatory duty on hospital staff to carry out toxicology tests if a suspected spiking victim is admitted to A+E to ensure evidence is not lost while waiting for police. An NPCC spokesman welcomed the developments. He said: 'Spiking is a complex and challenging offence to investigate. Drugs pass through the system quickly and there is often limited evidence to identify offenders. 'The primary barriers to prosecution are the lack of an identifiable suspect and the ability to gather timely sufficient evidence to both charge and support a prosecution. 'People should be in no doubt that spiking is an abhorrent crime and the new clarity in the legislation should drive that message home. 'We still believe that there is underreporting of spiking and so our message remains to encourage victims to report to police. 'We have developed a new online reporting method so that victims are able to quickly tell us if they think they've been spiked, and we are also working up plans for all forces to heavily focus their efforts on spiking as part of their neighbourhood work. 'We also face challenges in identifying suspects promptly so we welcome focus in this area by partners including those who work in the night-time economy.' Campaigners say a standalone offence of spiking would likely result in increased reporting rates because victims will feel their allegations are being taken more seriously. They say it will also help the police understand the scale of the problem, and offer greater support for victims. A Home Office select committee report in 2022 recommended perpetrators get up to 10 years in prison if convicted of spiking to reflect the 'devastating consequence for victims'. Politicians have sought to crackdown on perpetrators, with the Tory government last year announcing plans to give hospitality staff training on how to spot whether a customer has been spiked, and the potential suspect. It also said it would invest in research into test kits. Then-home secretary James Cleverly said new measures were 'designed to help police and staff in bars, restaurants, pubs and other premises to protect victims and bring more offenders to justice', but stopped just short of campaigners' demands for a specific law. Colin and Mandy Mackie have welcomed the suggestion that the Government will look to make a specific offence for spiking Broadcaster Kate McCann revealed that she was spiked in a bar on a night out by a 'brazen' group of men who did it in plain sight and 'didn't care who saw it happen In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Times Radio host shared details of her awful experience in a response to an article about the drink and drugs spiking epidemic in Britain It comes as EastEnders gets ready to roll out a hard-hitting storyline in which one of its characters - Cindy Beale and George Knight's daughter Anna Knight - is a victim of spiking. The episode, due to air tonight, will see the youngster targeted while enjoying a night out with friends in Walford. Her pals will at first think Anna has had too much to drink, before realising that alcohol would not have affected her this much. In a first for EastEnders, an exclusive five-part miniseries will be made accessible to viewers during the episode via a QR code on-screen. Viewers will experience the internal warning signs to look out for when spiked, and footage captured by Anna's friends will showcase the outward effects the drugs have on her behaviour and mobility. A host of famous faces have previously spoken up about their spiking ordeals in an effort to raise awareness of the cruel craze. Former Love Island contestant Sharon Gaffka said she 'couldn't talk at all' and was 'completely unconscious' after her drink was spiked during lunch with friends in a bar. The influencer - who said she has been spiked 'five or six occasions' since the age of 18 - hit her head on a toilet and was found wedged behind a locked cubicle door after her drink was interfered with while out celebrating a friend's birthday. She said two male paramedics attended but passed her off as someone who had been 'over drinking' rather than a victim of spiking. Recalling the incident, she said: 'One of the things that's really important with the new measures announced today is that you need staff to be able to advocate for people who are in a vulnerable situation. Colin and Mandy Mackie created the Spike Aware UK charity in 2017 following the death of their son, Greg Stephen Hart who reported a harrowing sexual assault after his drink had being spiked but said he was not taken seriously by police following the attack 'I couldn't talk at all, I was completely unconscious, and had my friends also been spiked, nobody would have been able to advocate for us. 'Had there been a test kit made available to me or our friends, we knew which glass it was, we could have taken that drink and had it swabbed. 'It's not always obvious. There have been a lot of cases where people have tried to go through the criminal prosecution route and try to use CCTV as a form of evidence and it's either not been very clear or sometimes venues are too scared to provide CCTV. 'It's not always as obvious as someone literally tampering with your drink.' Broadcaster Kate McCann also revealed this year her drink was spiked by a group of 'brazen' men while on a night out with colleagues. Another woman, Kirsty Howells, was pictured unconscious in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask after being 'injected with Ketamine' and having to be rushed to a Swansea A&E by her boyfriend. Recalling the night, she said: 'I didn't drink much that night, maybe four drinks in total and I felt completely fine. I can remember everything up until around 12:30am, and everything after that is completely blank.' She was found 'laying face down' on a table outside the bar, completely unresponsive. And Ilana El-baz said she was left semi-paralysed on the stairs after returning home from a Bristol nightclub after being spiked. She shared a recording showing her struggling to get up the stairs with her eyes rolling as her head falls into the railings The CIA believes Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is under pressure from his commanders to agree to an urgent ceasefire with Israel due to the extensive suffering of people in Gaza, according to a well-placed source. CIA director Bill Burns told an off-the-record conference that Sinwar is facing blame for the thousands of deaths and displacements of civilians resulting from Israel's offensive in the Palestinian enclave, an anonymous source attending told CNN. Burns, speaking at the Allen & Company summer retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho, allegedly told the conference on Saturday that pressure has grown in the last two weeks from senior leaders worn down by the battle to seek a lasting resolution. Burns was said to be positive about the prospects of a truce being negotiated, suggesting there was a 'fragile possibility' for an end to the war to materialise, while noting the difficulty getting an armistice agreement over the line. Sinwar, described by Israel as the architect of Hamas' attack on October 7, is believed to be hiding in tunnels underneath Khan Yunis, and is believed by US Intelligence to be the key decision maker for whether Hamas agrees to a deal. File photo. Yahya Sinwar is the head of Hamas in Gaza, believed to be hiding in Khan Yunis Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, on June 6, 2024 A man mourns by the body of Palestinian doctor Hani al-Jaafarawi, Gaza's ambulance and emergency teams chief during his funeral at Al-Ahli Arab hospital on June 24 Relatives of the deceased mourn at the Al-Aqsa Martyr's Hospital in Deir al-Balah, on July 15 A wounded Palestinian girl is treated at the al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat refugee Camp, July 14 Washington has been pushing for a truce between Israel and Hamas, but has met some resistance from both sides. Both Israel and Hamas accuse the other side of being responsible for delays in peace talks as international mediators weigh in to help steer the discussions. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said Sunday that the group was pulling out of indirect talks for a deal in protest at recent Israeli 'massacres'. This included a massive strike on Sunday that the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said killed at least 92 people. Haniyeh said Hamas stood ready to return to the indirect talks once Israel 'demonstrates seriousness in reaching a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal'. Israel kept up its bombing of Gaza today, after its key military backer the United States renewed criticism of its ally over the high civilian casualty toll of the war. Residents told the AFP news agency that Israeli warplanes were striking central Gaza and artillery fire hitting the territory's south, while medics said they pulled multiple bodies from the rubble of the latest bombardment. At least eight Palestinians were killed and several were wounded in an Israeli air strike on a school in central Gaza on Tuesday, Gaza health officials said. The Israeli military said its air force struck 'approximately 40 terror targets' in Gaza. They included 'sniping posts, observation posts, Hamas military structures, terror infrastructure, and buildings rigged with explosives', Israel claimed. It said its troops were also continuing targeted raids in the far-southern city of Rafah and in the central Gaza Strip. The United States has been critical of Israel's conduct in Gaza, denouncing the killing of civilians ostensibly in pursuit of two main war aims: returning the remaining hostages snatched from southern Israel on October 7 and vanquishing Hamas for good. 'We continue to see far too many civilians killed in this conflict,' spokesman Matthew Miller said after Blinken met Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. Israel's offensive began after Hamas and other adjacent groups launched a surprise incursion into southern Israel, massacring some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza including 42 the Israeli military says are dead. Since October, Israel's offensive has killed 38,713 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Gaza health ministry. The Israeli military has also rounded up scores of Gazans, who have made allegations of torture, rape and other abuses in custody that Israeli authorities have denied. Palestinian lawyer Khaled Mahajna said Monday that prisoners had recounted guards using 'electric prods' on inmates' bodies. In the case of one prisoner, a 'fire extinguisher tube was inserted into his buttocks and the fire extinguisher was turned on,' Mahajna said after visiting detained Palestinian journalists. The lawyer said prisoners were handcuffed when they ate the meagre meals provided, while detainees reported widespread disease and untreated wounds. Five Israeli human rights groups have gone to court over conditions at the Sde Teiman desert camp where Gazans are being held. Israeli officials insist they act within the bounds of international law. Palestinian men walk along a narrow street past destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis on June 11 A Palestinian girl with her knees in bandages hold a piece of dough to her chest as she walks along a street in Deir al-Balah on June 13 A Palestinian boy stands by a cart carrying water containers near rubble in Khan Yunis, July 3 Israeli tanks manoeuvre near the border after entering Israel from Gaza on July 4 Indirect talks on ending the devastating war have been brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with US support, but months of negotiations have failed to bring a breakthrough. At the end of May, US President Joe Biden outlined a ceasefire roadmap he said had been drawn up by Israel that triggered an intensification of the talks. But despite meetings in both Cairo and Doha, there has been no sign of progress on how the roadmap might be implemented. Critics in Israel, including tens of thousands of demonstrators who have marched to demand a deal to bring home the hostages, have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war. The war has forced 90 percent of Gaza's 2.4 million people to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in UN-run schools, six of which have been hit by Israeli strikes since July 6. A body found in the hunt for Jay Slater has been confirmed as the missing British teenager, who suffered multiple injuries consistent with a fall from a rocky area in the Tenerife mountains, a Spanish court has said. The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out on the Spanish island on June 17, prompting a huge search operation involving police, volunteers and family members which spanned almost a month. On Monday morning, the Spanish Civil Guard tragically discovered a body with the apprentice bricklayer's possessions and clothing, near to where his phone last pinged. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice has now confirmed that it was Jay, whose body was found near the village of Masca. Officials also revealed documentation belonging to Jay was discovered with the body. At a court hearing on Tuesday, a spokesman said: 'Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.' Amid questions over how a body was missed for 29 days, Jay's family say they can 'appreciate the remoteness' of the area and say he 'would most likely have been killed instantly'. A family spokesman told MailOnline before the hearing: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. Initially they thought how could he be so close and yet be missed but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' It comes as: A body found in the hunt for Jay Slater has been confirmed as the missing teenager, a court spokesperson said Pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan Spanish police released footage showing officers searching the area in the hours before they found a body. They had continued a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' The family update follows Jay's best friend Lucy Law penning an emotional tribute to the 'happiest and most smiley person'. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Tuesday July 16: Spanish court confirms that the body is Jay's. Advertisement Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with Lucy and another friend, Brad Hargreaves, before he vanished. In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Brad, meanwhile, wrote: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' It comes after the Spanish Civil Guard revealed that they had continued a 'discreet search' despite saying they had stopped looking in the area on June 30. The shock decision after just 13 days led to amateur sleuths vowing to continue their own search through the rugged Tenerife mountains, while Jay's family refused to give up and leave the Spanish island. The high-profile investigation saw internet sleuths jet out from the UK to Tenerife, while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook were awash with vile conspiracy theories which Jay's mother claimed 'hindered' efforts to find him. Announcing the discovery of a body yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard said: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. Jay, 19, vanished on the island of Tenerife last month, prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. At around 9.04am, Jay is reported missing and his friends spend the day searching but to no avail. The following day, local police and mountain rescue teams scoured the rugged landscape and his family flew out to Tenerife to join the search. On June 19, the search was temporarily moved to the Los Cristianos area in the south of the island because of a potential lead, but this is quickly discounted and the search returned north. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, said she feared her son had 'been taken against his will'. Emergency workers continued to comb bushes, overgrown terrain, hillsides and rivers back in the Masca valley, but failed to find the missing teenager. Jay's family are 'absolutely broken' after a body was found. He is pictured here with mother Debbie Duncan (left) and brother Zak Slater (right) Jay's father Warren Slater and brother Zak pictured during a search and rescue last month The Spanish police also came under fire for rejecting support from the Lancashire Constabulary back in the UK. On June 28, after having no luck in finding Jay, the Spanish police appealed for a mass army of volunteers such as firefighters and mountaineering experts but only six people turned up the following day. On June 30, Spanish police then called off the search but insisted the case 'remains open'. Jay's family and friends stayed in Tenerife, while TikTok sleuths also vowed to continue helping. One TikTok detective subsequently quit the search after saying he and his group had not received any of the money raised to help find Jay on GoFundMe. But Jay's mother hit back, claiming she had given him 740 of her own money for accommodation, adding: 'We don't need hikers, we need experts.' TikTok explorer Paul Arnott was also helping in Tenerife, as was detective-turned-investigator Mark Williams-Thomas. Nevertheless, Spanish police officers were discreetly continuing their own search of the mountains. On July 14, Debbie spoke of her 'heartache' and criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' about her son's disappearance. Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Part of the clip shows two members of the search team (pictured) being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body (not pictured) had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay In a statement released through LBT Global, Ms Duncan said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.' Ms Duncan said the family wish to thank the public for 'their continued support and well wishes' and praises the British Embassy and police for 'doing all they can to support us'. But she also criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and says were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. Just 24 hours later, a body was found by Spanish police. Charity LBT Global said that while formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca on Monday. The force said Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where the body was discovered. The body was lifted out of a ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing It will likely be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said that the 'lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search'. They added: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days.' Parts of the countryside were 'preserved' so they were 'not filled with curious onlookers', they told Sky News. Officers continued: 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 - in the absence of full identification. 'The first investigations reveal he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations since the tragic update was revaled. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. TV chef Naomi Pomeroy has died after suffering a horrific tubing accident on a notoriously dangerous river in Oregon. The former Top Chef Masters contestant, 50, was with her husband and a friend on the Willamette River near Corvallis on Saturday evening when tragedy struck. Pomeroy was tied to her two companions who were also tubing when all three struck a tree in the water and the chef was thrown underwater. Her husband Kyle Linden Webster and the friend resurfaced, but Pomeroy was nowhere to be seen. The Benton County Sheriff's Office confirmed her body was recovered from the water close to Corvallis around 8.25pm Saturday. TV chef Naomi Pomeroy has died after suffering a horrific tubing accident on a river in Oregon, her family has confirmed Authorities said a strong undercurrent prevented officials from immediately finding her body. Pomeroy was not wearing a life jacket at the time, according to KEZI9 News. It comes just weeks after another horrific tubing accident on the same stretch of the Willamette River. Kaileigh Seidel, 24, died on June 22 after the driver of the boat turned too fast and slammed her into another vessel while she was in the ring, police said. Her friend Millie Lovea, who was on board watching helplessly, blamed the driver for driving too fast and failing to listen to Seidel's pleas to slow down. Pomeroy was remembered as a pioneering force for the Portland food scene by close friends. Gary Okazaki, a fan of Pomeroy's communal restaurant called Beast which offered live viewings of her performing magic tricks in the open kitchen, remembered her as 'a rock star chef'. The former Top Chef Masters contestant was having fun with her husband and a friend on the Willamette River on Saturday evening when tragedy struck. (Pomeroy pictured with her spouse Kyle Linden Webster) Pomeroy was tied to her two companions who were also tubing at the time when all three struck a tree in the water and the chef was submerged Pictured: Pomeroy on Walt Disney Television series The Taste alongside 'When they write the history of the Portland culinary scene, she's going to have her own chapter,' he told KOIN6. 'It was it was her personality, the cult of personality of Naomi. Just the magnetism. When she was around, you could feel it,' Okazaki added. 'Diners flocked to Beast, and at one point it was considered maybe the best restaurant in Portland.' Pomeroy was one of the founders behind the Independent Restaurant Coalition, a group calling on Congress to pass a $120 billion fund to help struggling restaurants. Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who worked with Pomeroy to support restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic, also paid tribute. 'What a loss. Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being,' Blumenauer said in a statement. 'Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed.' The James Beard Award winner was having fun with her husband and a friend on the Willamette River outside of Portland on Saturday evening when tragedy struck. (Pomeroy pictured with her spouse Kyle Linden Webster) TV chef Naomi Pomeroy has died in a horrific tubing accident outside of Portland, Oregon Pomeroy had no formal culinary or business training. She developed her skills by watching other chefs on television, and created her first recipe aged just four. After launching her first restaurant, Beast, in Portland, she launched Gotham Tavern and Gotham Coffee shop with Michael Hebb. Pomeroy starred on Top Chef Masters in 2011, and won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest in 2014. Grieving families have recalled their final memories of their loved ones on the anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. Wednesday marks 10 years since the flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, killing all 298 on board, including 38 Australian residents and citizens. The plane was shot down by a missile as it flew over conflict-ravaged eastern Ukraine, which was held then by pro-Russian separatists. A joint investigation into the shooting led by the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine concluded the missile system was transported from Russia to a farm field near Pervomaiskyi in eastern Ukraine. It's taken 10 years for David Horder to publicly open up about the unimaginable loss of his parents Susan and Howard. Days earlier, the couple who had been married for 42 years, had spent a week with David in London, where he was living at the time. They then headed to Netherlands for the final leg of their European adventure to attend several Andre Rieu shows. The couple before boarding the ill-fated flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, headed home to Brisbane. Mr Horder sent his parents a text, saying 'Have a great flight.. see you soon...' Susan and Howard (pictured) who were on flight MH17 when it was downed on July 17, 2014 Susan and Howard Horder caught up with their son David (right) in Europe a week before the tragedy 'Dad responded with 'we're just boarding... see you at the wedding of the year' and mum responded with something else,' he told A Current Affair. Mr Horder thought he was going to see them at his brother's wedding in Bali later that year, but he never saw them again. 'I could never have predicted how messy, dark, complicated it was going to get,' he said. Mr Horder said he 'instantly' knew his parents were on that plane as soon as he read the news notifications on his phone. 'I'd be lying if I said I was clinging on to hope,' he told the program. 'I turned on the TV and saw that dark plume of smoke. 'The world completely changed.' Mr Horder said tears, confusion and questions followed, and an unlikely friendship with a detective who supported him through what he described as a 'massive, complicated blur'. Jack O'Brien almost missed his flight, and his parents are still wishing he had Jack O'Brien's parents, Meryn and Jon, were excited to be reunited their son who had spent seven weeks backpacking around Europe. The 25-year-old from Sydney's west made a mad dash through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, just catching his flight, which had been delayed by 13 minutes. A decade on, his family are still being haunted by the idea that their son could still be alive if he had never boarded flight MH17. Mr O'Brien recalled turning on the radio while making a cup of tea to the shocking news that a Malaysia Airlines plane had crashed and that there were no survivors. He and his wife Meryn shared their story as part of a new five-part podcast from the Australian Federal Police called Search Among the Sunflowers, which was released this week. 'I think I instantly cried out, 'That's Jack's plane',' Mr O'Brien recalled. 'And I didn't know Meryn had the radio on in the bedroom and had heard the same thing. 'So pretty much that was the end of our life as we'd known it.' Jack (pictured in Paris) spent seven weeks backpacking around Europe before his life was cut short The couple have seen the CCTV footage of their son's final moments and said it was 'probably one of the most piercing and excruciating things' realising how close he was to missing the plane. 'The last shot was this walkway thing and there was no queuing because everybody had boarded and it was just this empty walkway with Jack from behind just running by that stage to get on the plane,' Ms O'Brien said. 'I just thought 'Why didn't you fall over? Why didn't you break your leg or something?'.' 'I mean, if we'd got a phone call from Amsterdam to say, 'I've broken my leg', we would've thought, 'Oh, that's terrible'. You know? 'But now, knowing what's happened, I just thought, that was terrible.' In November 2022, The District Court of The Hague determined Russian military and intelligence operatives Igor Vsevolodovich Girkin and Sergey Nikolayevich Dubinskiy and pro-Russian Ukrainian Leonid Volodymyrovych Kharchenko were guilty of downing the aircraft. The Hague sentenced the men to life in prison, but the EU does not have an extradition treaty with Russia and the men remain at large, believed to be in Russia. A fourth man, Russian Oleg Pulatov, was acquitted on all charges. The podcast is available on the AFP website. Jack Black has claimed he was blindsided by his Tenacious D bandmate's tasteless comments about the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. The School of Rock actor issued a statement on Tuesday, saying he has decided to cancel the comedy band's tour - and that all creative plans are on hold - after bandmate Kyle Gass expressed that he wished Trump's would-be assassin hadn't missed. His decision comes just one month after Black, 54, delivered a speech at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he said 'democracy was at stake' in November's election. Democrats have been criticized for raising the political temperature in America by claiming a Trump presidency would be a threat to democracy. 'I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,' Black told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.' Last month, Black, 54, delivered a speech that went viral at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he said 'democracy was at stake' in November Tenacious D was on stage in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday when Black brought a birthday cake for bandmate Kyle Gass and asked him to make a wish. Gass, 64, replied: 'Dont miss Trump next time.' The crowd mostly responded with cheering and laughing, with just a few disappointed reactions. Gass also issued his own statement on Tuesday, writing: 'The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. 'I don't condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. 'What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused.' Black and his band are currently on their Spicy Meatball Tour. (L-R) Kyle Gass, Jack Black and bassist John Spike Gass also issued his own statement on Tuesday, writing: 'The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake' In June, Black's speech at the Los Angeles fundraiser, which raised more than $30million, was widely praised in Liberal media. The fundraiser was also attended by former president Barack Obama and actors George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand. Black and his band were on the Spicy Meatball Tour, which kicked off in May and was set to wrap on July 26, 2024. Many social media users expressed indignation over Gass's comments about Trump. Conservative editor Brandon Morse wrote: 'And with that, any love I had for Jack Black and Tenacious D is gone.' Ring-wing commentator Charlie Kirk added: 'These people are more twisted and vile than we realized. And shame on all of the people in the crowd who thought this "joke" was funny.' X user Collin Rugg said: 'Maybe, just maybe, these people are actually the evil ones.' Australian senator Ralph Babet joined a chorus of outraged voices and asked for the band to be deported following Gass's controversial comments. In the wake of the shooting that killed one spectator on Saturday, investigators were hunting for any clues about what may have drove Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, to carry out the shocking attack. The FBI said they were investigating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism, but the absence of a clear ideological motive by the man shot dead by the Secret Service led conspiracy theories to flourish. The FBI said it believes Crooks, who had bomb-making materials in the car he drove to the rally, acted alone. This is the shocking moment an armed Texas police chief had a bizarre confrontation with a Marine veteran in a video that has since gone viral. A community barbecue was held in Bayou Vista City on Sunday to feed some residents in the area after Hurricane Beryl ravaged the area last week leaving more than 288,000 people without power. As the meat was cooking on the grill, Bayou Vista City Police Chief Jimmie Gillane stopped by to tell city alderman Danny Rambin to shut it down following a directive from Mayor Paula Eshelman, ABC 13 News reported. Rambin told Click 2 Houston he got permission from the Mayor to barbecue on both days and on Saturday he'd served about 300 people - but on Sunday the Mayor changed her mind for unknown reasons. 'Well then I woke up Sunday morning to a text from the mayor telling me I would not be able to use the community center, the pavilion, or anything affiliated with Bayou Vista,' Rambin told the news outlet. Bayou Vista City Police Chief Jimmie Gillane tells city alderman Danny Rambin that he needs to shut down the community barbecue after he got a directive from Mayor Paula Eshelman Marine Veteran Ray Stone recorded Sunday's incident on his phone and was appalled by Chief Gillane's behavior and believes he should be removed '(She said) if I wanted to do it again I needed to use my house, and I asked her why and she wouldnt give me a reason she said 'because I said so,'' he explained. Still, the event went ahead out of necessity. At the event, a fiery exchange erupted between the local police chief and Marine veteran Ray Stone, who intervened in an attempt to get answers about why the event was being shut down. 'I don't know. I'm not talking to you. You are a disgrace in my eyes,' the chief is heard saying on the video. 'As a Marine, I am right here. I'm in your s---. You don't come here and tell me the truth. You are a piece of s***.' Marine Veteran Ray Stone recorded Sunday's incident on his phone and was appalled by Chief Gillane's behavior, and believes he should be removed. 'The chief of police got into a citizen's face with a gun belt on, OK. I didn't react to him. I think the chief, and a lot of people think the chief, should be removed,' Stone said. The weekend barbecue for the community was started by resident Paul Sukal and his wife. The group initially set up the tent in the Bayou Vista City Hall parking lot but then moved to the community pool across the street. After the fiasco, Chief Gillane stood by his actions. 'I will not back down. I stand by what I said,' he said to the news outlet. 'My boss gave me a directive and I went over there and asked why they were there.' Paul Sukal, one of the residents that arranged the barbecue felt that the matter wasn't handled correctly. 'I don't know. I'm not talking to you. You are a disgrace in my eyes,' the chief said to Stone. 'As a Marine, I am right here. I'm in your s---. You don't come here and tell me the truth. You are a piece of s***.' 'Instead of trying to ask us, "What kind of help do you need?' 'What do you need to be successful?' They said absolutely not,' he said. 'When we asked why, they said because the mayor said so. This needs to be shut down now.' Rambin told KPRC2 News that he proceeded with the barbecue as planned because it was a 'dire need.' At least 600 residents were fed during the barbecue after they lost power from Hurricane Beryl The meat was already on the grill when the police chief came by to stop the event After viewing the video, Rambin has questions on whether Chief Gillane should continue in his role - meanwhile Gillane feels the say way about Rambin. 'Alderman Rambin needs to step down because he said he was going to control that situation, he was out there drinking and he was out there having a little party with his friends,' Gillane told the news outlet. However, Rambin said it was not a party but a necessity as the gathering fed at least 600 people from the community, and plans to speak about it at the next council meeting. He told Click 2 Houston it bring more transparency in the future. When DailyMail.com contacted Mayor Eshelman and Chief Gillane for comment both were unavailable. The mother of Jay Slater has today paid tribute to her 'beautiful boy' after the missing British teenager's body was tragically found in Tenerife. The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out on the Spanish island on June 17, prompting a huge search operation involving police, volunteers and family members which spanned almost a month. On Monday morning, the Spanish Civil Guard tragically discovered a body with the apprentice bricklayer's possessions and clothing, near to where his phone last pinged. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice has now confirmed that it was Jay, whose body was found near the village of Masca. Officials also revealed documentation belonging to Jay was discovered with the body. At a court hearing on Tuesday, a spokesman said: 'Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.' In a statement issued through charity LBT Global, Jay's mother Debbie - who flew to Tenerife to search for her son - said: 'I just can't believe it - we're here with the embassy staff waiting for an update and now it's come - the worst news.' She added: 'I just can't believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.' The result of the preliminary autopsy points to the cause of death being 'a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered', the Civil Guard said. It comes as: The mother of Jay Slater, Debbie Duncan (pictured), has paid tribute to her 'beautiful boy' after the missing British teenager's body was tragically found on Tenerife A body found in the hunt for Jay Slater has now been confirmed as the missing teenager, a court spokesperson said Pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan Spanish police released footage showing officers searching the area in the hours before they found a body. They had continued a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' A Civil Guard spokesman said Jay's injuries included several broken bones. She said: 'The body of the man located yesterday has been identified of that as Jay Slater through fingerprint comparison and identification. 'The result of the preliminary autopsy points to the cause of death being a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered.' Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings. He said: 'The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height. There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Tuesday July 16: Spanish court confirms that the body is Jay's. His mother pays tribute to her 'beautiful boy'. Advertisement 'We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest back.. We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere'. A family spokesman told MailOnline before the hearing: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. 'Initially they thought how could he be so close and yet be missed but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' The family update followed Jay's best friend Lucy Law penning an emotional tribute to the 'happiest and most smiley person'. Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with Lucy and another friend, Brad Hargreaves, before he vanished. In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Brad, meanwhile, wrote: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' It comes after the Spanish Civil Guard revealed that they had continued a 'discreet search' despite saying they had stopped looking in the area on June 30. The shock decision after just 13 days led to amateur sleuths vowing to continue their own search through the rugged Tenerife mountains, while Jay's family refused to give up and leave the Spanish island. The high-profile investigation saw internet sleuths jet out from the UK to Tenerife, while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook were awash with vile conspiracy theories which Jay's mother claimed 'hindered' efforts to find him. Announcing the discovery of a body yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard said: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. Jay, 19, vanished on the island of Tenerife last month, prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. At around 9.04am, Jay is reported missing and his friends spend the day searching but to no avail. The following day, local police and mountain rescue teams scoured the rugged landscape and his family flew out to Tenerife to join the search. On June 19, the search was temporarily moved to the Los Cristianos area in the south of the island because of a potential lead, but this is quickly discounted and the search returned north. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, said she feared her son had 'been taken against his will'. Emergency workers continued to comb bushes, overgrown terrain, hillsides and rivers back in the Masca valley, but failed to find the missing teenager. Jay's family are 'absolutely broken' after a body was found. He is pictured here with mother Debbie Duncan (left) and brother Zak Slater (right) Jay's father Warren Slater and brother Zak pictured during a search and rescue last month The Spanish police also came under fire for rejecting support from the Lancashire Constabulary back in the UK. On June 28, after having no luck in finding Jay, the Spanish police appealed for a mass army of volunteers such as firefighters and mountaineering experts but only six people turned up the following day. On June 30, Spanish police then called off the search but insisted the case 'remains open'. Jay's family and friends stayed in Tenerife, while TikTok sleuths also vowed to continue helping. One TikTok detective subsequently quit the search after saying he and his group had not received any of the money raised to help find Jay on GoFundMe. But Jay's mother hit back, claiming she had given him 740 of her own money for accommodation, adding: 'We don't need hikers, we need experts.' TikTok explorer Paul Arnott was also helping in Tenerife, as was detective-turned-investigator Mark Williams-Thomas. Nevertheless, Spanish police officers were discreetly continuing their own search of the mountains. On July 14, Debbie spoke of her 'heartache' and criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' about her son's disappearance. Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Part of the clip shows two members of the search team (pictured) being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body (not pictured) had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay In a statement released through LBT Global, Ms Duncan said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.' Ms Duncan said the family wish to thank the public for 'their continued support and well wishes' and praises the British Embassy and police for 'doing all they can to support us'. But she also criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and says were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. Just 24 hours later, a body was found by Spanish police. Charity LBT Global said that while formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca on Monday. The force said Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where the body was discovered. The body was lifted out of a ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing It will likely be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said that the 'lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search'. They added: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days.' Parts of the countryside were 'preserved' so they were 'not filled with curious onlookers', they told Sky News. Officers continued: 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 - in the absence of full identification. 'The first investigations reveal he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations since the tragic update was revaled. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has warned it's 'only a matter of time' before a top Australian politician is assassinated. Her calls for a review of Australia's protective security arrangements followed that of former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs Mike Pezzullo, who reminded politicians the last review was completed 45 years ago. Ms Andrews highlighted the recent assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump during a campaign rally and the assassination of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe in July 2022 as signs of the turbulent state of modern politics. 'I had concerns at the time of the assassination of Shinzo Abe about what the level of security was. I had some concerns about it when I was the minister,' she told The Australian. 'Parliamentarians are very visible and alarm bells are ringing. 'Due to the sheer number of threats MPs get on a regular basis, which does happen often, I've previously raised the importance of ensuring adequate Australian Federal Police detail and protection - including with the AFP.' Ms Andrews, who served as home affairs minister from March 2021 until May 2022, believes protective security should be 'constantly reviewed'. She described the current state of security for Australia's top ministers as only 'adequate'. Former home affairs minister Karen Andrews (pictured) warned it's 'only a matter of time' before a top Australian politician is targeted following several international incidents Mr Pezzullo has called for a comprehensive review into protective security arrangements. The last comprehensive review was completed by Judge Robert Hope in 1979 in the wake of the 1978 Sydney Hilton Hotel bombing, which killed three people. Fifteen years later in 1994, NSW state MP John Newman was fatally gunned down in his driveway at his Cabramatta home in Sydney's south-west in a late-night ambush. Mr Pezzullo said a new review was essential to examine the current threat of political violence and assassination in a modern context. 'The parliament, government building, judges and courts et cetera It's time for a top down (look),' he told Sky News. 'What I'm talking about, as you do, say, with a Defence white paper, is to look into the future the threat of drones at open air rallies for instance, new attack methodologies. 'Is it possible, for instance, that going back to that era of the 70s and 80s, that terrorist groups will start to get the sorts of weapons that they used, say, for instance, to try and assassinate Margaret Thatcher in 1984 at the Brighton hotel? 'Massive amounts of explosives were used.' Former US president Donald Trump (centre) was injured during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally on the weekend Mr Pezzullo noted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to receive a report on the scope of improvement for Australia's national security, led by Dr Heather Smith and Richard Maude. He urged Mr Albanese to consider 'future casting' for protective security 'in the way that we do in defence and intelligence'. Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson has also weighed in on the subject, saying it is vital the AFP is 'adequately resourced' and had the 'necessary powers to protect our institutions'. 'The last thing we want is to wake up the morning after a terrible event and wished we had done more,' he said Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil on Monday released the 'Strengthening Australian Democracy' report, which warned the some of the greatest threats to Australia's democracy is a decline in public trust, foreign interference and low levels of social cohesion. Mr Albanese admitted the attempted assassination of Trump made him think about his own safety as next year's federal election looms. 'It's important that democracy be cherished,' he told reporters on Monday. 'It is our great asset and we need to look for unity wherever we can, look for respectful disagreement.' Former first lady Melania Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance's wife Usha have something in common, Donald Trump revealed to his new running mate's wife. The Vances were at an event with Trump last month when the former president asked Usha what she thought of being in political life having a senator as a husband. When she gave an indifferent response, Trump replied with an expletive and said his wife Melania 'hated it too,' which sparked laughter from Usha, according to a New York Times report on the new vice presidential candidate. Melania Trump largely remained absent from the 2020 and 2024 campaign trail after having a more public role in her husband's first bid for the White House in 2016. After months of speculation and narrowing of the shortlist, Trump announced on Monday he selected Sen. Vance as his running mate. Just an hour later, delegates at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin voted Vance as their vice presidential nominee for November. Sen. J.D. Vance's wife Usha (left) appeared to tell Donald Trump that she doesn't have much interest in political life during an event last month, a new report reveals Trump announced on Monday he selected Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate for the 2024 election. Pictured: The President's ear remains bandaged after he was struck with a bullet in an assassination attempt on Saturday Speaking with Fox & Friends last month about the prospects of her husband becoming Trump's running mate, Usha revealed her concern about being in the limelight of MAGA world. 'I don't know if anyone is ever ready for that kind of scrutiny,' she said. 'I think we found the first campaign he embarked on to be a shock. It was so different from anything we had ever done before, but it was an adventure.' Mrs. Vance is an extremely accomplished woman in her own right. She is an Ivy League educated litigator who once clerked for Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Usha and J.D. met while they were both students at Yale Law School in 2013. In the senator's book Hillbilly Elegy, Vance describes her as his 'Yale spirit guide.' They married one year out of law school in 2014 and had their first child, Ewan Blaine in 2017. They also have a second son, Vivek, and welcomed a daughter Mirabel in December 2021. The couple are raising their three children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Trump told Usha his wife Melania 'hated it too,' which sparked laughter from Usha, according to a New York Times report on the new vice presidential candidate. Sen. J.D. Vance and Usha Chilukuri Vance enter the Republican National Convention arena at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday after delegates officially nominated Sen. Vance as the Republican vice presidential nominee in November When her husband jumped into the 2022 Ohio Senate race, Usha was spotted throughout the state at campaign events and appeared in his first ads where she talked about Vance's upbringing and having him by her side as a husband and parent to their children. She's described him as an incredible father and her best friend. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and South Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum were among the final three Trump was considering to join his ticket in November. Before Trump selected Vance as his running mate, a large effort was conducted to try and dissuade him from choosing the Ohio senator. The last-minute efforts reached right to the final hours before the announcement on Monday afternoon with Republican donors like hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin and media mogul Rupert Murdoch trying to avert the Vance decision. Usha and JD Vance with their three children. They welcomed their first child, Ewan Blaine, in 2017. They also have a second son, Vivek, and welcomed daughter Mirabel in December 2021 Murdoch dispatched senior executives and New York Post columnists to meet with Trump and argue the case against Vance, according to the Times report. Those in Murdoch's circle wanted to see Burgum join the Republican ticket in 2024. But Trump didn't like the fact that Burgum would publicly cry, as reported by DailyMail.com. 'When I see a man cry I view it as a weakness,' Trump once said. Several people with knowledge of the outreach effort told the Times that Trump's 2016 campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, who is close with Melania, privately argued for alternative options, including Rubio. A mother has been arrested over accusations she cruelly murdered her 11-year-old daughter in Texas on Christmas Day three years ago. Harper Butler was found unresponsive at her home in Denison by emergency services - she was not breathing and did not have a pulse. She was taken to the local hospital where she pronounced dead, and her mother Candice Cooper claimed she accidently ingested her prescribed methadone. But last month authorities determined the 39-year-old 'intentionally administered' the drug. Cooper was arrested Friday on murder charges and is in Grayson County Jail. Her bond has been set at $1million. Candice Cooper has been arrested over accusations she cruelly murdered her 11-year-old daughter in Texas on Christmas Day three years ago Harper Butler was found unresponsive at her home in Denison by emergency services. She was taken to the local hospital where she died and her mother Candice Cooper claimed she accidently ingested her prescribed methadone Police were called to Harper's house on December 25, 2021 as she became unresponsive. First responders found she was not breathing and did not have a pulse so she was rushed to hospital. But she died and her mother Cooper claimed it was as a result of accidently ingesting her prescribed methadone. Detectives received further information about Harper's last month and began an investigation into Cooper. 'In June of 2024, detectives received further information that the mother of the child had intentionally administered the methadone to Harper.' Denison Police Public Information Officer Haley Banks said. She added that Cooper was interviewed again and she admitted to giving her daughter the methadone and knowing it could be fatal. Detectives received further information about Harper's last month and began an investigation into Cooper, according to Denison Police Public Information Officer Haley Banks 'Detectives of the Denison Police Department secured a warrant for Cooper and she was subsequently arrested for charges of murder,' Banks said. Cooper was taken to the Grayson County Jail where she is awaiting a court date. Harper was in the 5th grade at B. McDaniel Intermediate School, according to an obituary. She was described as an 'active child who was passionate and loved her family'. 'She enjoyed playing with her siblings and many cousins and meeting new people. She had a passion for creating things and using her makeup to express herself,' the obituary read. 'She was so talented and ambitious and everyone knows she would be successful in her already set career goal as a model and actress. 'Surely the bells were ringing in heaven as she entered the gates.' Andrew Tate has been banned from leaving Romania after a court of appeal overturned a ruling that allowed him to travel within the EU. The Court of Appeals in Bucharest said on Tuesday it has overturned a previous ruling which allowed the controversial internet personality free movement within the European Union while awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking. Pending the start of the trial, they are banned from leaving Romania. It comes after Tate, 37, and his brother Tristan, 35, two weeks ago celebrated being given permission to leave the country for the first time in two years. The former kickboxer took to X, formerly Twitter, on July 5 announcing the news and declared 'I AM FREE... THE SHAM CASE IS FALLING APART'. Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been banned from leaving Romania after a court of appeal overturned a previous ruling which allowed them to travel within the EU. Pictured: Andrew Tate, left, and his brother Tristan wait inside at the Court of Appeals in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Tate strikes a pose at the Court of Appeals in Bucharest before it overturned a July 5 ruling allowing him and his brother to leave Romanian territory providing he remains within the European Union, as he awaits trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women Andrew Tate grimaces upon arriving at the court Tate and his brother were charged in mid-2023 with rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, which they deny. Romanian prosecutors formally indicted Tate in June along with Tristan and two Romanian women in the same case. All four were arrested in late December 2022 near Bucharest and have all denied the allegations made against them. Two weeks ago, when the brothers received initial news that they were able to leave Romania, a spokesperson for the pair said: 'The Romanian courts have ruled in favour of Andrew and Tristan Tate, lifting restrictions on their travel within the European Union,' adding: 'This represents a significant victory and a major step forward in the ongoing case.' 'It reflects the significant progress the legal team have made in challenging the allegations brought against them. Andrew and Tristan's lawyer, Eugene Vidineac said: 'We embrace and applaud the decision of the court today, I consider it a reflection of the exemplary behaviour and assistance of my clients. 'Andrew and Tristan are still determined to clear their name and reputation; however, they are grateful to the courts for placing this trust in them. 'For the brothers, who have faced limitations on their movement for nearly two years, this ruling is a welcome relief. 'It allows them to resume their lives with greater freedom and peace of mind. 'They are now able to travel freely throughout the EU to pursue professional opportunities without restriction.' This 'relief' was short-lived however, as the ruling was today overturned. Just two weeks ago, the brothers celebrated as they were given the news they were allowed to leave Romania and had free movement within the European Union Tate took to X on July 5 to share a message in celebration of being given the right to leave Romania for the first time in two years. This celebration was, however, short-lived Pictured: A police officer escorts Andrew Tate, centre, handcuffed, from the Court of Appeal in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 In Tate's bizarre video posted on July 5, he paced topless around parked supercars and said: 'For the first time in nearly three years, the judge has decided I can leave Romania.' He also referred to the charges as a 'sham case' before referencing a platform that says it teaches the skill of money-making and protesting his innocence. Tate and Tristan were initially arrested in December 2022 along with two Romanian women - model Georgiana Naghel and former cop Luana Radu - but were formerly indicted in June last year. The two female suspects - dubbed 'Tate's Angels' - also face extradition to the UK once their court proceedings in Romania come to an end. The brothers have been accused of 10 allegations of rape and sexual assault from three alleged victims in the UK. The pair faced complaints from victims who claimed they were drugged and subjected to sexual acts between 2012 and 2015. Romanian law states the trafficking of adults carries a lengthy prison sentence of up to a decade, as does rape. The Tate brothers were held in police custody during the criminal investigation from late December 2022 until April 2023, to prevent them from fleeing the country or tampering with evidence. They were then under house arrest until August, when courts placed them under judicial control, a lighter preventative measure that enables them to move around freely but not leave the country. Romanian prosecutors have said the Tate brothers recruited their victims by seducing them via social media and falsely claiming to want a relationship or marriage - ultimately pretending to fall in love with them before getting them to work for their business after luring them to their villa on the outskirts of Bucharest. The victims were then taken to properties outside the capital Bucharest, and through physical violence and mental intimidation were sexually exploited by being forced to produce pornographic content for social media sites that generated large financial gain, prosecutors said. Tate, who has amassed 9.7 million followers on X has repeatedly claimed that prosecutors in Romania have no evidence against him and that there is a political conspiracy to silence him. This is a breaking news story. More to follow Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International has welcomed with great relief the rejection of a bill aimed at reversing the ban on Female Genitl Mutilation (FGM) in Gambia This is the horrifying moment a family is trapped during a vicious burglary while watching the Copa America final. Footage shows the couple and their niece enjoying the Argentina-Colombia clash in Unquillo, Argentina, when the six armed men struck. They can be seen prowling towards the house before the pet dog sensed their presence and alerted the family. One of them spots the attackers on security footage and races to lock the door, but the burglars smash their way inside through a window. They parade the male through the house at gunpoint and threaten to burn them alive unless they hand over their valuables. The niece of a homeowner in Unquillo, Argentina checks the surveillance camera app on her cell phone moments before six armed men invaded the residence as the family was watching the Copa America Final match between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday night One of the six burglars escorts a man to where his girlfriend and niece were being held before they were locked inside a bathroom as they search the home for money and stole cell phones, laptops and other valuables One of the suspects could be seen pointing a gun at the man and led him to where the women were hiding. The burglars forced the family to deactivate the alarm system and then locked them inside the bathroom as they rummaged through the home, escaping with a laptop, cell phones and other valuables. The woman told El Doce TV that the suspects continuously told them that they knew that the family kept large amounts of money in the home. They offered to give up the keys to their three vehicles. 'They were six big men. No small ones. They knew what they were doing,' she said. 'They demanded money that we don't have. We are workers. We live here because of the sacrifice of an entire life. We have nothing left over.' She and her loved ones were able to locate six cops in the vicinity and share the location of one of the laptops that were stolen. The niece of a home owner jumped off the couch after she noticed that the burglars were walking over to the residence The homeowner (right) and her niece (left) screamed for help but their neighbors didn't not hear them as the burglars were about to smash their way into the residence in Unquillo, Argentina on Sunday After completing a police report and being told that there was nothing that could be done at the moment because they did not have a search warrant, the family headed to the home where the laptop was located and were met by the homeowner, who acknowledged that her son was one of the suspects and returned the laptop. The woman said authorities have been slow in responding to wave of burglaries that have taken place. 'A lot of information is known about the people who are committing crimes here in Unquillo,' she sad. 'But it is not possible to end it or reduce it or protect the people. It is a desperate situation. In this neighborhood alone we have had six robberies in the last three months and two robberies in my house.' Authorities received a copy of the surveillance camera footage, but had not made any arrests as of Tuesday. A former SNP equalities officer who claimed he wanted to attack feminists has been jailed over a string of sex assaults. Cameron Downing, who was an official in the nationalist party's London branch, preyed on six young adults and even threatened to make rape allegations against one if he refused sexual contact with him. The 24-year-old, who identifies as non-binary, has been jailed for six years at the High Court in Edinburgh and, as he was led away to the cells, blew kisses to family members sat in the public gallery. Yesterday's sentencing is not the first time Downing, of Willowbrae, Edinburgh, he has been in the public eye. Downing, who uses the pronouns he/they, has previously been photographed at an SNP conference with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. And in 2022 he had posted online how he wanted to 'beat the f*** out of some terfs and transphobes' and also said: 'I f****** hate terfs and transphobes with such a passion.' It prompted outrage from gender critical campaigners, including Harry Potter author JK Rowling and former SNP MP Joanna Cherry. He later resigned from the post. Cameron Downing, pictured here with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at an SNP conference, was jailed for six years for a string of sex attacks In 2022 Downing posted online about how he wanted to 'beat the f*** out of some terfs and transphobes' and also said: 'I f****** hate terfs and transphobes with such a passion' Downing's course of conduct began when he was just 16-years-old, the court heard, and continued until February 2023. During the police investigation into his offending officers discovered how Downing 'repeatedly blackmailed' one of the men he preyed on. He told his victim if he did not engage in sexual activity with him he would make an allegation to the police that he had been raped by the man. The witness told the court Downing threatened to contact his friends, family and employer to make the false rape allegation. The man, now 22-years-old, said he felt 'trapped' by Downing's threat. And one woman who was targeted by Downing told about how he would touch her inappropriately, and how Downing was a 'bit of a loaded gun' who could get 'personal' and 'nasty' with people. Downing's course of conduct began when he was just 16-years-old, the court heard, and continued until February 2023 Downing, a former drama student and equalities convener for the SNP's London branch, spent his trial denying any wrong doing. But last month it took a jury two days to return guilty verdicts for five sex offence charges, two assault charges, one charge of assault to injury, and one count of domestic abuse. Passing sentence Judge Alison Starling said he showed no remorse for his actions and must be jailed. She said: 'You present a high likelihood of causing serious harm, both sexual and violent, as well as controlling behaviour within the context of intimate relationships. 'The likelihood of reoffending is not exclusive to men you are in an intimate relationship with, but includes adult women known to you. 'You have the capacity to cause physical and sexual harm as well as emotional and psychological distress. 'Your risk is not currently manageable in the community.' Downing, (pictured in the portrait) a former drama student and equalities convener for the SNP's London branch, spent his trial denying any wrong doing During his trial jurors were played a video recording of the evidence given by the 22-year-old blackmail victim. He told the court they had consensual sex but this stopped, and what followed was a threat of telling the police he was a rapist. And one woman spoke of the abuse she suffered. She said: 'He would touch me inappropriately, like groping. 'It was mostly my breasts that he would touch, maybe some groping elsewhere. A lot of it I have filtered out.' Michael Meehan KC, mitigating, told the judge the sentencing guidelines for young people applied in his client's case. And Mr Meehan told the court how Downing had suffered adverse childhood experiences, and said: 'He was the victim of homophobic and derogatory remarks whilst at school.' Judge Starling, who said risk assessments found Downing to have 'hostility towards women, lack of concern for others, sexual preoccupation and deviant sexual preference', branded him 'manipulative'. She told him: 'You present with distorted views regarding intimate partner violence, and you have shown no remorse or insight how your actions may have affected your victim.' Downing was given a nine year extended sentence. He will serve six years in prison and, upon his release, be supervised by the authorities for three years. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period. Vaughan Gething claimed he had been the victim of 'politically motivated and patently untrue' claims of wrongdoing today as he quit as First Minister of Wales. The Welsh Labour leader, who has been in power only since the spring, denied ever compromising his integrity after being forced from office by a revolt by senior members of his own cabinet. Mick Antoniw, Julie James, Lesley Griffiths and Jeremy Miles stunned Wales and UK politics by announced they were resigning from the government in Cardiff in a co-ordinated move against him this morning. Mr Gething, 50, was left with no option but to set out a timetable to step down less than an hour later, after four months in charge. His short term in office has been dogged by scandals over a 200,000 donation from a convicted eco-criminal - which caused the collapse of a power-sharing coalition - claims he deleted Covid-era WhatsApp messages and the firing of a minister he accused of leaking them to the media. However in a statement to the Senedd this afternoon he launched into a bitter defence of his record. 'This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family. A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue,' he said. 'I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities. My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.' The Zambia-born politician, the first black national leader in Europe, also added: 'To those in Wales who look like me - many of whom I know feel personally bruised and worried by this moment - I know that our country can be better. I know that cannot happen without us. There will - and there must be - a government that looks like the country it serves.' The Welsh Labour leader, who has been in power only since the spring, denied ever compromising his integrity after being forced from office by a revolt by senior members of his own cabinet. Mr Gething, 50, only took up the role in March and was prominently visited by PM Keir Starmer and deputy PM Angela Rayner in the election campaign. In a statement this morning Mr Gething, 50, said he will 'begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister'. Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Gething, 50, only took up the role in March and was prominently visited by PM Keir Starmer and deputy PM Angela Rayner in the election campaign, when Labour won 27 of the 32 seats in Wales. His decision to quit also comes as the new Westminster Labour government launches plans to devolve more power to the UK nations and English regions. The FM has been under huge pressure for the whole of his short tenure over a 200,000 donation he received for his leadership campaign from a businessman convicted of an environmental crime for dumping waste on a conservation site. Mr Gething has also refused to show any evidence to justify sacking Labour Senedd member Hannah Blythyn from his government, after he accused her of leaking messages to the media. This led to the collapse of a co-operation agreement between his party and Plaid Cymru. Last month he lost a confidence vote in his leadership but refused to step down as First Minister. He becomes the second FM to quit this year, after Humza Yousaf was forced out in Scotland. Who is Vaughan Gething? Vaughan Gething made history in March when he became the first black leader of any European country, succeeding Mark Drakeford as the First Minster of Wales. He described his victory as 'a matter of pride for a modern Wales but also a daunting responsibility for me - and one that I do not take lightly'. He joined the Labour Party at 17 to help campaign in the 1992 elections. Mr Gething has been in the Senedd since 2011 and in the cabinet since 2016. He rose to prominence as health minister throughout the Covid pandemic, a post he held from 2016 to 2021, before becoming economy minister. Mr Gething was born in Zambia in 1974, where his father, a Welsh vet from Ogmore-by-Sea in Glamorgan, met his mother, a chicken farmer. He has spoken openly about his experiences of prejudice and said in his leadership campaign he did not want anyone in Wales to feel that way. When he was two, his family moved to Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, where his father was due to start a new job, but the offer was withdrawn when he arrived with a black family. After his father lost his job in Abergavenny, the family moved to Dorset in England. Mr Gething later studied law at Aberystwyth University and unsuccessfully stood for the Mid and West Wales seat at the first National Assembly elections in 1999, before becoming councillor for the Butetown area of Cardiff in 2004. He stood for the Senedd elections again in 2011, when he successfully took the Cardiff South and Penarth Seat. Mr Gething previously ran for the Labour leadership and first minister position in 2018, when he lost to Mr Drakeford. Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer thanked Mr Gething for his service and said he had decided to resign as Welsh First Minister because he 'feels it is the best decision now for Wales'. But Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies said the decison was 'long overdue', adding: 'There can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales. Wales will remember.' Mr Davies later said Mr Gething had declined to shake his hand earlier on Tuesday when he expressed his condolences. When pressing Mr Gething, Mr Davies said: 'Was it the acceptance of the 200,000 donation to your leadership campaign, or was it your appointment of your leadership contender and his leadership team to your cabinet that ultimately cost you the role of First Minister?' And Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called for a snap Senedd election, saying: 'The people of Wales have lost faith in the First Minister, belatedly he has done that right thing and resigned. 'But the people of Wales are losing confidence in Labour's ability to govern Wales. 'This could be the third Labour First Minister in seven months a revolving door of chaos.' Mr Gething had earlier said he recognised that 'rebuilding and renewal' was 'not possible' under his leadership. In a statement announcing his resignation, he said: 'I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister. 'Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership. 'I recognise now that this is not possible. 'It has been the honour of my life to do this job even for a few short months. 'To see the dedication to public service from our civil service, and the dedication to civility from the Welsh public. 'To see the election of a new government in Westminster, and the fresh hope that brings to Wales. 'I have always pursued my political career to serve Wales.' Earlier Mr Miles had called on the First Minister to resign, in a letter quitting as Welsh economy secretary, saying 'the events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful'. Mr Miles, who ran against Mr Gething for the leadership, wrote: 'We cannot continue like this. 'It's essential that we begin to repair the damage immediately, and I have reached the conclusion very regrettably that this cannot happen under your leadership. 'I can't see any way forward for us which allows us to get on with job we are elected to do, without you standing down.' Mr Antoniw told the leader 'I do not believe you can continue as First Minister' as he quit as the Welsh Government's counsel general. Urging the First Minister to 'put the country first' he said the Senedd was 'rudderless' without a new leader. Mr Antoniw said: 'Wales needs confident and stable government. I do not believe you are capable of delivering that. 'You have lost a vote of confidence in the Senedd. That is something I regard as being of major constitutional importance. 'It is clear that you no longer command a majority, that you will be unable to enter into the agreements necessary to pass a budget, and for all intents and purposes the Senedd is rudderless. 'We are all here to do the best for our country. I believe it is now necessary for you to choose to put the country first and resign as First Minister to allow an election for a new First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour.' In a letter quitting as Welsh economy secretary, Mr Miles, who ran against Mr Gething for the leadership, wrote: 'We cannot continue like this.' He called on the First Minister to resign and said 'the events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful'. Mr Antoniw told the leader 'I do not believe you can continue as First Minister' as he quit as the Welsh Government's counsel general. At the start of June Mr Gething broke down in tears as he lost the no-confidence vote in the Senedd. The no confidence motion was passed by 29 to 27, with two of Mr Gething's assembly members seemingly off sick. He had already appeared with Sir Keir and Ms Rayner as they launched Labour's general election campaign in Wales. And he was front and centre with the PM as he toured the UK after his win on July 4. Mr Gething has been involved in a series of rows since he replaced Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader in March. This includes controversy over donations from businessman David Neal, a convicted polluter who dumped waste on a conservation site. There were also claims Mr Gething may have deleted messages that could be of interest to the Covid Inquiry. Social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn was removed from the Welsh Government in May, after messages from the Covid pandemic were leaked to the website Nation.Cymru. Mr Gething has been involved in a series of rows since he replaced Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader in March. This includes controversy over donations from businessman David Neal (pictured), a convicted polluter who dumped waste on a conservation site. Mr Gething said he had 'no alternative' but to fire Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Social Partnership, accusing her of leaks to the media following a 'recent disclosure of communication'. They featured a message posted to a ministerial group chat in August 2020 by Mr Gething, saying that he was 'deleting the messages in this group'. He previously told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that lost WhatsApp messages were not deleted by him, but by the Welsh Parliament's IT team during a security rebuild. Last week at the Senedd's Scrutiny Committee the FM defended his decision, insisting that evidence showed messages given to Nation.Cymru came from her phone. However, he insisted he has never tried to claim Ms Blythyn directly contacted the media herself. Delyn MS Ms Blythyn had previously said she could 'look all my colleagues who sit on these benches in the eye' and say she had not leaked to the media. And on Thursday, Nation.Cymru came out and insisted Ms Blythyn was not the source of the leak which triggered her sacking. Family members of Muriel McKay described themselves as 'apprehensive' today as they joined police at the dig for her body at a farm, more than half a century after she was last seen. They also criticised police for not allowing one of the men convicted of kidnapping and murdering her from being allowed on the site to help with the search. Mrs McKay was 55 when she was kidnapped from her home in Wimbledon, south west London, in December 1969 by brothers Nizamodeen and Arthur Hosein in the mistaken belief she was the wife of Rupert Murdoch. She was actually married to the media tycoon's right-hand man, Alick McKay. Her abductors took her to Stocking Farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire then known as Rook's Farm and where Arthur was living and demanded 1 million. But attempts to hand over some money failed and she was never seen again. Muriel McKay's son Ian (right) and her grandson Mark Dyer (left) speak to the press today as they joined police in the search for her body at Stocking Farm in Hertfordshire Muriel McKay's son Ian McKay (Right) and her grandson Mark Dyer who have visited the farm Son Ian and grandson Mark Dyer walked with members of the police search team at Stockings farm as they were shown around the search site Mark arrived at the farm yesterday with Ian, 82, who described it as a 'place of horror' Police were spotted yesterday making preparations ahead of an extensive dig of the farm in Stocking Pelham A digger was seen inside a barn where officers with spades were also seen forming part of the team The brothers were later jailed for life for blackmail, kidnap and murder following a trial at the Old Bailey which made UK legal history as the first conviction of its kind without the victim's body. A search of the farm took place at the time and another in 2022, although neither elicited any evidence of Mrs McKay's remains. Nizamodeen, 75, has since provided fresh information after being contacted by his victim's daughter, Dianne, 84, and her son Mark Dyer, 59, leading to the excavation of a site this week. Mark arrived at the farm yesterday with Dianne's brother Ian, 82, who described it as a 'place of horror' and revealed he was 'apprehensive' about the visit and had deliberately 'stayed away' from the site previously. Asked if he was prepared for the possibility of his mother finally being found, he told the Mail: 'I will have to tell you at the end of the day.' Ian, who travelled from his home in Australia, also expressed anger that detectives had not allowed Nizamodeen to fly in from his native Trinidad to aid the five-day joint operation between Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police. Mrs McKay was 55 when she was kidnapped from her home in Wimbledon in 1969 by brothers Nizamodeen and Arthur Hosein in the mistaken belief she was the wife of Rupert Murdoch Extensive searches have taken place at the farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire, where police traced her in 1969 Police have begun a fresh dig for the remains of Muriel McKay, who was murdered 'It seems to me a nonsense that Nizam is not here,' he said. 'The fact he's a convicted criminal is hard for us to swallow but he has served his sentence. Why would you not have the man who has now admitted to burying her here to help find her?' Mr Dyer, whose mother may fly in from her home in Majorca later this week, agreed, saying: 'What he did was disgusting but we need him here. Not having him for the 'grand finale' is bonkers.' Speaking to The Sun, her son said: 'I don't know how I feel. It has been a place of evil and terror for me. 'The reason I have not been to England for so long is because I have these feelings that are of horror. 'I feel it is a day of apprehension for us.' Alick McKay died in 1983 without ever having closure. Before his death, he said: 'All I want to know is where my wife has been buried so that I can go and place some flowers.' Arthur Hosein died while serving time but his brother was eventually freed and deported to Trinidad, where he handed over new details to Dianne and Mark when they flew there in January. He claimed mother-of-three Mrs McKay was given powerful sedatives and died from a heart attack after watching a television appeal from her family. Crucially, he also said she was buried in her coat in a 5ft-deep hole dug at a dung heap before shovelling soil and grass on top of her. The last search of the farm was near the spot but police have revealed they didn't realise how large the dung heap had been. Photos released yesterday showed a small digger excavating several feet down inside a barn which covers part of the spot indicated by Nizamodeen. Brothers Arthur (left) and Nazamodeen Hosein (right) were found guilty of her murder. Arthur died in prison in 2009, while Nizam was deported after serving a 20-year-prison sentence Muriel's daughter, Dianne (pictured, left), has for years fought to learn the truth of her mother's murder, travelling to Trinidad with her son Mark Dyer (right) to speak with one of her killers, Nizamodeen Hosein (centre) The abduction is believed to have involved a case of mistaken identity - with the kidnappers intending to seize Anna Murdoch, first wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch (pictured) Police searched the farm in 2022 (pictured), but Hosein claims they searched the wrong area Alick McKay is pictured making an appeal from his home in Wimbledon for the safe return of his missing wife in January 1970, with son Ian and daughters Jennifer (left) and Dianne (right) Gloved officers then moved in and carefully cleared away more dirt with trowels that was taken away in wheelbarrows by colleagues. Around 20 specialist officers are involved. An area outside the barn will also be examined. Police have said they remain concerned about inconsistencies in Nizamodeen's account but agreed to look in a limited search area. They expect to remain until Friday but could stay longer if they believe it is warranted. Met Police Commander Steve Clayman said before the latest search: 'Other areas have been highlighted as being of potential interest and it is these that we will search. 'The main area is where a manure heap once stood we know now this was larger than we previously thought and therefore that area was not entirely searched in 2022. 'While we do have concerns about inconsistencies in the account by Nizamodeen Hosein, for completeness we want to do this.' However, the family have been told that this will be the last attempt to find Mrs McKay as 'it would not be proportionate to carry out any further searches or investigations'. Blue tents have been set up at spots around the farm and a large number of police vehicles are present. A public footpath through the 12-acre site has been closed off. Donald Trump's choice to be his vice president did not take a traditional path into politics. JD Vance, 39, a former Marine, who served in Iraq, and Yale Law School graduate, worked in finance under Republican super donor Peter Thiel before the publication of his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. Vances bestseller about his roots in rural Kentucky and blue-collar Ohio made him a national celebrity soon after its publication in the summer of 2016, and became a cultural talking point after Trumps stunning victory that November. Before filming on the movie even started, Netflix paid Imagine $45 million for the exclusive screening rights in January 2019. The move debuted on the streaming platform in November 2020. After the announcement that Vance would be on the ticket with Trump for November's showdown election with President Joe Biden, the movie became the third most streamed movie on Netflix. JD Vance pictured clapping alongside Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as he was announced as the party's vice presidential candidate Vance's s grandparents effectively raised him. His grandfather, Papaw, was a violent drunk who carried a gun, while Mamaw was given to blinding rages Vance has described poverty as a 'family tradition' Despite the setbacks, Vance enlisted in the US Marines and went on to serve in Iraq before attending Ohio State University and Yale Law School Vance has a colorful family: Mamaw (grandmother) douses the sleeping Papaw with gasoline and drops a lit match to punish his carousing, he escaped with minor burns, and his mothers own problems with spreading substance abuse lead her to Rollerblade through a hospital emergency room. At one point, she badgers her son into providing a urine sample for her drug test. He was adopted by his mother's third husband at one point. His father abandoned the family when Vance was just a toddler, which led to him being surrounded by a series of stepfathers. 'It was the saddest I had ever felt. Of all the things I hated about my childhood... nothing compared to the revolving door of father figures,' he wrote in his book. Eventually, Vance and his sister, Lindsey, are taken in by the their grandparent, adopting their last name. He learns early to fight to defend family honor, while coping with a chaotic home life. With his tough Mamaws support, he went on to serve in the Marines, including in Iraq, and to success at Ohio State University, at Yale Law School, and in a Silicon Valley investment firm. Vance grew up in the dying town of Middletown, Ohio, the Rust Belt of the American Midwest Vance pictured during the promotional tour for Hillbilly Elegy, during which time he roundly criticized Donald Trump Vance writes that both of his grandparents were socially conservative Democrat voters, Mamaw, who passed away in 2005, had an affinity in particular for Bill Clinton. At Yale, Vance wrote that he felt as though he suffered from imposter syndrome. 'I lived among the newly christened members of what folks back home pejoratively call the "elites," and by every outward appearance, I was one of them: I am a stale, white, straight male. I have never felt out of place in my entire life. But I did at Yale.' It was at the Ivy League school that Vance met his wife, Usha. The pair married in 2013 in Kentucky. His wife clerked for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, when he was a District Court judge between 2014 and 2015. In 2017, the couple moved back to Ohio and continued to work in venture capital. The couple has three children together Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel. Vance has regularly praised his wife as a 'powerful female voice' and 'so impressive.' In Hillbilly Elegy, Vance reflects on the transformation of Appalachia from reliably Democratic to reliably Republican, sharing stories about his chaotic family life and about communities that had declined and seemed to lose hope. Vance first thought of the book while studying at Yale Law School, and completed it in his early 30s, when it was eventually published by HarperCollins. The book became a bestseller and cultural talking point following the election of Donald Trump in 2016 In 2020, the book was turned into a major movie directed by Ron Howard and starring Amy Adams, shown here Vance began writing his autobiographical tale when he was just 31. He spoke about the reasons for this in a 2016 interview with the Associated Press. 'I was very bugged by this question of why there werent more kids like me at places like Yale ... why isnt there more upward mobility in the United States?,' the senator from Ohio said. 'I felt that if I wrote a very forthright, and sometimes painful, book, that it would open peoples eyes to the very real matrix of these problems. If I wrote a more abstract or esoteric essay.' 'Then not as many people would pay attention to it because they would assume I was just another academic spouting off, and not someone whos looked at these problems in a very personal way.' Residents of an Illinois town have been told to evacuate ahead of the imminent failure of the Nashville City Reservoir Dam. The Washington County Emergency Management Agency issued the order early on Tuesday alongside a map of the affected area. The agency said on Facebook: 'Attention The Failure of the Nashville dam is imminent. 'Please evacuate your home at this time. If you are in the grey box, you need evacuate now!' Those living near the Nashville City Reservoir have been advised to evacuate and the community center in Nashville has been open for shelter. Residents of an Illinois town have been told to evacuate ahead of the imminent failure of the Nashville dam The Nashville City Reservoir Dam Moreover, the Red Cross has been activated to assist. Washington and Clinton County, meanwhile, have a flash flood warning, per the National Weather Service. The evacuation area includes the affected area, which included Nashville Grade School and Nashville High School. The mother of a murdered 15-year-old schoolgirl who was stabbed 36 times by her jealous ex-boyfriend today spoke of his controlling and toxic behaviour. Keen dancer Holly Newton was on her way home from school and was doing some shopping with friends in Hexham, Northumberland in January 2023. Her obsessed ex Logan MacPhail, 17, was 16 at the time and had ambitions to become a sniper, was 'very unhappy' when their 18-month relationship ended and had been 'stalking' her. When he spotted the 'bright and beautiful' girl with another boy, he followed her for around 45 minutes as he tailed them around the town centre, 'careful not to be seen'. He was so consumed with jealousy that he stabbed her to death in an attack with a kitchen knife in an alleyway, Newcastle Crown Court heard. He slashed her 19 times and caused five 'defensive' injuries in a frenzy which snapped the knife.The night before Holly was killed, her mother was so worried that she contacted the police at 9:40pm, as he had turned up at their home. Donald Trump's private phone call with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sensationally leaked and in it the former president reveals new details about the shocking attempt on his life. In what he thought was a secret conversation Trump also dished on what Joe Biden had said to him in a separate call, and laid bare his views on vaccines. 'It felt like the world's largest mosquito,' Trump said about the bullet that whizzed by and clipped his ear on Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump is also heard trying to coax RFK Jr. to join his team, suggesting the independent candidate and vaccine skeptic could do something with immunization in his second administration. Incredibly, a video clip of RFK talking to Trump on speakerphone was initially posted online by the candidate's son, Robert F. Kennedy III. It has since been deleted. A video of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was leaked that showcases his telephone conversation Monday with former President Donald Trump. In the video Trump discusses the shooting and disparages vaccines Trump said being hit by a bullet was like being bitten by the 'world's largest mosquito' 'And we're going to win, we're way ahead of the guy (Biden),' Trump is heard saying, as the video captures Kennedy, a former Democrat, saying, 'Yeah.' Trump then segues into the call he had with Biden, as the president touched base with his political rival in the hours following Saturday's assassination attempt. 'He was very nice actually. He called and he said, "How did you choose to move to the right?"' Trump said. The Republican nominee noted how he was 'looking straight on.' He said he told Biden: 'I was just showing a chart'. Then, chuckling, Trump added: 'I didn't have to tell him the chart, it was about all the people pouring into our country, right?' Trump continued: 'But I just turned my head to show the chart and something wrapped me. 'It sounded like a giant...like the world's largest mosquito. 'What do they call that, an AR-15 or something, that's a big gun, pretty tough guns right.' At the start of the conversation, Trump is heard mulling whether vaccine doses for babies are too large. 'Something is wrong with that whole system,' Trump said, referring to Kennedy as 'Bobby.' 'Remember I said I wanted to do small doses, small doses,' he continued, adding that instead children are getting '38 different vaccines.' Former President Donald Trump is surround by U.S. Secret Service agents after being shot at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, P RFK Jr. apologized for the leaking of details of his call with Trump A driver's license photograph of gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks 'And it looks like it's meant for a horse, not a 10-pound or 20-pound baby,' Trump continued. 'And then you see the baby all of the sudden starting to change radically, I've seen it too many times and then you hear that it doesn't have an impact right?' Trump then pointed out to Kennedy that they had had a similar conversation years ago. 'I would love you to do stuff,' the Republican nominee also offered. 'And I think it would be so big for you.' Trump has tried to have it both ways with vaccines - heralding his administration's Operation Warp Speed, which sped up the development of COVID-19 vaccines, while playing into vaccine skepticism. US former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, a bandage on his ear after being wounded in an assassination attempt Trump during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 15, 2024 Kennedy said he was 'mortified' by the leak Kennedy's son, Robert F. Kennedy III, said he wanted the public to know what Trump was saying about vaccines behind closed doors. 'I am a firm believer that these sorts of conversations should be had in public,' RFK III said. 'Here's Trump giving his real opinion to my dad about vaccinating kids - this was the day after the assassination attempt. 'If I violated some kind of law in posting this my only wish is to have Dr. Anthony Fauci as my cell mate,' the candidate's son said. On Tuesday, Kennedy authenticated the video by apologizing for the leak. 'When President Trump called me I was taping with an in-house videographer. I should have ordered the videographer to stop recording immediately. I am mortified that this was posted. I apologize to the president,' RFK Jr. posted to X Tuesday morning. Democrats were appalled by the apparent collusion between Trump and the independent Kennedy - who came from a prominent Democratic political family. Most of the family's members support Biden. 'RFK Jr. was recruited to run by MAGA Republicans, his candidacy is funded by MAGA's biggest donor, and now we learn he's colluding with MAGA to help Donald Trump win,' said DNC Communications Adviser Lis Smith. 'He has no path to victory in this race and is nothing more than a spoiler for Trump.' Two British citizens have been found shot dead in a burned-out car in Sweden in a horror case police are now investigating as a double murder. The bodies were recovered after firefighters were called to the scene of a blaze on a dirt road in the Fosie industrial estate in the coastal city of Malmo on Sunday. It is believed that the victims rented a car at Copenhagen Kastrup airport before they were found in the nearby Swedish city across the border. They are understood to have been shot before the car was set alight, local media reports. The identities of the deceased have not yet been shared, but police officials say they 'have and idea of who they are'. As they begin their manhunt, pulling in several people for questioning, authorities now fear that more violence could follow, according to local media, as they refuse to rule out a connection to gang violence. Two Brits have been shot dead in a rented car and set on fire in Sweden after hiring the vehicle in Denmark. Images show forensics officers investigating the scene Officers can be seen moving plastic bags from inside the car at the scene Forensic teams are working to confirm the identities of the Brits found in Sweden Authorities are reportedly working with Interpol on their probe into the horror The bodies will be examined forensically this week as police look to confirm the identities and notify the next of kin. Rickard Lundqvist, press spokesperson for police region South, on Sunday confirmed the probe - but said there was no suspect at present. Police only identified that the victims were not Danish 'since it was a Danish-registered car'. Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet reported that the victims were British. Police confirmed they are now working with foreign police on the case. They are now asking for tips about the burned out car as they try to piece together what happened. 'We are interested in talking to people who have seen the car. 'It's about a black Danish-registered Toyota of model RAV4,' said Kerstin Gosse, spokesperson for the Swedish Police Authority. They are now asking anybody who saw the car between 11.30am and 2pm on Sunday, July 14 to get in touch. 'We are working hard with various measures in this investigation to bring clarity to this,' she said. The car has already been impounded and several people will soon be questioned, they confirmed. We cannot go into any details at all about the people in question or the circumstances in general,' Rickard Lundqvist said. The scene is still cordoned off and a crime scene investigation is underway, according to local media. The victims were last seen travelling past the Oresund Bridge toll station on Sunday afternoon. Police reportedly now fear that there could be more acts of violence to come, according to Aftonbladet. But Gosse said that there was nothing she had heard internally to that effect. Police declined to say whether the apparent attack was connected to gang violence. 'We have to keep everything open. It is nothing that I can speculate on this early in the investigation,' Gosse said. 'So far, we are keeping tight and restrained so that the preliminary investigation can have its way,' she added. Police cannot yet confirm whether the horror attack was part of gangland violence Authorities will work together to determine the identities of the victims this week The car has already been impounded and police plan to question several people A lorry is seen carrying the he burnt out car which appears to have been wrapped in a plastic sheet Firefighters arrived at the scene of the inferno in Malmo to find bodies already shot The number of murders reported in Sweden increased 39 per cent between 2013 and 2021. Sixty people were shot in Sweden in 2022, after the pandemic, marking a tragic record in modern times, the government said late December. Malmo, the country's third largest city with a population of some 300,000, had the fourth highest count behind Stockholm, Gothenburg and Vasteras The UK government continues to issue foreign travel advice about travelling to Sweden. 'Violent crime does occur. Gang-related crime, including knife crime, shootings and explosions, has been reported in Malmo, Stockholm and Gothenburg,' it reads. For those that know about Sen. J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's new running mate is 'strong' and 'smart, according to a snap survey of voters for DailyMail.com. But for many he is a new name. 'Don't' and 'know' were the two most common terms in a wordcloud of results when 300 likely voters were asked to describe their view of the 39-year-old senator from Ohio. Strip those out and the results trend towards the favorable: 'Good' and 'leader' edge out 'idiot' or 'asshole.' Democrats quickly went on the attack when Trump unveiled his choice on Monday, describing him as a clone of the former president who will loyally follow orders, and the results suggest that either side has the chance to define a man who is still largely unknown outside Ohio or the world of the Make America Great Again movement. J.L. Partners asked 300 likely voters for their views on J.D. Vance after Trump picked him as his running mate. These results show the most prominent words after 'don't know' was removed Trump highlighted Vance's fighting spirit in selecting him, saying he would protect the U.S. Constitution. And he cited his career as a Marine and his bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' as factors in the choice. A little later Vance received a hero's welcome when he appeared on the floor of the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our poll found that even some Democrats saw something to like in him. 'He's from a working class family,' said a 19-year-old student from Wisconsin, who said she was planning to vote for President Joe Biden. An independent said: 'Vance is a modern Republican with more thoughtful positions than the old neo-cons and evangelicals.' Overall, when asked what they thought of Trump's pick, some 34 percent gave a positive response, 22 percent gave a negative response and 23 percent were neutral. The results come with a warning: The poll of 300 likely voters offers only a rapid snapshot of attitudes immediately after the pick. James Johnson, co-founder or J.L. Partners, said it still revealed that voters had a more complicated view of Vance than talking heads who wrote off the selection as a dud. 'Far from being described as 'MAGA' or as some sort of fascist, Vance is viewed by those who know of him as a Republican senator who is smart, conservative and strong. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance appeared together at the Republican National Convention on Monday night, hours after the former president picked him as his running mate Trump is still little known outside political circles. When all the responses are included, 'don't know' is the dominant answer 'But the main impression is one of a shrug: the vast majority do not know who he is yet. You could read that two ways.' That means that the Biden campaign has a chance to try to define him, he said. 'Or perhaps and I find this the more convincing argument based on the other findings in the poll it is just not going to have an impact on the race either way. 'Many voters views of Trump and Biden are made up and for those who are still undecided, it is big issues like the debates and the conduct of the candidates themselves which is going to make the difference come November.' Democrats were quick to try to define him as a Trump enabler. Vance has been a senator for two years and is still perhaps best known as the author of 'Hillbilly Elegy,' his memoir of a tough upbringing in Ohio Jen OMalley Dillon, chair of the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, attacked Vance's record and said he had been picked because Trump knew he would do what Mike Pence balked at: 'Bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda, even if it means breaking the law and no matter the harm to the American people.' And several people in our poll echoed that thinking. When asked what she didn't like about Vance, the same 19-year-old student from Wisconsin highlighted some his hardline, conservative views. 'His policies on Ukraine, abortion, climate change, etc,' she said. A 41-year-old risk adviser from Illinois, who voted Biden in 2020, said: 'I think he's an extremist and a racist even more so than Trump.' Another said he was nothing but a 'Trump apologist.' Vance is due to deliver a convention speech on Wednesday, with Trump closing down the gathering on a day later. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The Gamia's decision to uphold ban on FGM Monday received widespread commendation from the United Nations and its major agencies such as UNICEF, UNFPA and the UN High Commission for Refugees A 16-year-old boy was left in a coma with swelling around his brain after a brutal assault at the TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow. Lee Paton was placed on a ventilator as medics scrambled to save him after he was knocked unconscious during a 'vicious assault by two men who stamped on his head'. The serious incident took place in front of the Ferris wheel between the Main Stage and the Boogie Bar at the festival in Glasgow Green at around 3pm on Saturday (July 13). The teenager, from Patna, East Ayrshire, had travelled to his first ever music festival with girlfriend Paige Borland, also 16, after the pair had secured weekend tickets. But Lee's dreams of seeing headliner Gerry Cinnamon were left in ruins when he was rushed to the city's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after the horror attack. Lee Paton was placed on a ventilator as medics scrambled to save him after he was knocked unconscious during a 'vicious assault by two men who stamped on his head' The teenager, from Patna, East Ayrshire, had travelled to his first ever music festival with girlfriend Paige Borland, also 16, after the pair had secured weekend tickets Lee was placed in an induced coma after he suffered blows to the head and a fractured eye socket, with his eye left severely bruised and swollen. His dad Tam Paton, 32, and mum Marie Dempsey, 39, rushed to Glasgow from Patna after receiving a call that is 'every parent's worst nightmare'. Tam said: 'It was absolutely heartbreaking seeing him like that. He was hooked up to a ventilator and completely battered and bruised, his face was a mess. 'Lee was enjoying his weekend and then these thugs have left him for dead. His girlfriend Paige called to say Lee had been attacked and had been taken to hospital. 'To be told that is every parent's worst nightmare. We had to arrange transport from Patna all the way to Glasgow, our minds were racing the whole way up. 'When we got to the hospital we were put in a family room and there was police guarding the room Lee was in. My heart just sunk, I was fearing the worst.' Lee discharged himself from hospital on Sunday after he awoke from the induced coma. When he woke up, he was absolutely gutted to realise he'd missed Gerry Cinnamon. Lee's dad Tam said: 'It was his first ever festival, he was absolutely buzzing to see Gerry Cinnamon' Tom Grennan (pictured) performing on stage at the Transmt Festival in Glasgow Green The serious incident took place in front of the Ferris wheel between the Main Stage and the Boogie Bar at the festival in Glasgow Green at around 3pm on Saturday (July 13). Tam said: 'The doctors wanted to keep him in but Lee was desperate to get home. He's not out the woods yet, we've been given a head trauma leaflet and been told it could be weeks before he makes a full recovery. 'It was his first ever festival, he was absolutely buzzing to see Gerry Cinnamon. When he woke up he asked if he'd missed Gerry's gig? He was devastated, he's a huge big Gerry Cinnamon fan.' Tam urged anyone with information to come forward, adding: 'I'm absolutely fuming beyond words and his mum is destroyed. I can't understand why anyone would do that. For two of these so-called men to stamp on a 16-year-old's head is beyond belief. 'Lee's such a nice quiet boy, he was meant to start his first job on Monday, now he's been left with horrific injuries. These cowards need to be caught and brought to justice.' The first male is described as being around 6ft, of slim build, aged around 19-20, with a dark buzz cut hairstyle and a half sleeve tattoo on his right arm. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black bucket hat and Scotland saltire flag wrapped around him. The second male is described as around 6ft 1in, of slim build, also aged around 19-20, with dark hair. He was wearing a light-coloured top. Detective Sergeant Stephen Greenshields, of Police Scotland's Shettleston CID, said: 'This incident has left the victim with serious injuries, and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the males responsible. 'Numerous people will have witnessed this incident, and we would urge anyone with any information that could assist with our enquiries to come forward. 'If you think you can help, you can contact police via 101, quoting 2222 of 13 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' A gorgeous 1980s Minnesota home that Prince built for his mother has hit the market for $700,000. The current owners of the Golden Valley property - constructed in 1985 - had no idea about its famous connection when they bought it but later learned the music icon would throw lavish parties on its grounds. Stunning photos show it has retained its 80s glamour with its jazzy retro interior that's been preserved all these years. Alathesia Stenvik and Zachary Johnson, who bought the house four years ago, only discovered its connection to the Purple Rain hitmaker after signing on the dotted line. The couple then began to hear stories about the musician entertaining guests and throwing lavish parties in the home, the Star Tribune reported. The gorgeous 1980s Minnesota home that Music icon Prince built for his mother has hit the market for $700,000 - and the current owners had no idea of its famous connection when they bought it The home features a sunken living room, separated from the entrance by two steps, and surrounded by black railings similar to that of a music venue Prince had the glamorous home built for his mother in 1985 One neighbor even said Prince was known for making pancakes in the kitchen. 'Prince was into these lavish parties; this was definitely one of his party grounds,' Stenvik told the Star Tribune. The 3,231-square-foot home is full of unique features that scream 'party pad'. The home, Listed by Andrea Soule of Coldwell Banker Realty, features a sunken living room, separated from the entrance by two steps, and surrounded by black railings similar to that of a music venue. A show-stopping chandelier with black-tinted glass hangs dramatically over the staircase, while a wall of mirrors creates the illusion of a double staircase. 'The idea is it is supposed to give the illusion of a double staircase and to make the house look humongous,' said Stenvik. The kitchen is black and white, with an island featuring soft curves that contrast with hard black lines along the floor tile. Johnson compared the look to 'Miami Vice'. Outside, a catwalk leads to a deck with a Jacuzzi. The property then backs onto a natural buffer by railroad tracks, offering scenic views of wildlife, where one can even catch a glimpse of the festive Canadian Pacific Holiday Train The couple has made careful renovations to restore the home's former glory while maintaining its unique character They added new carpets, paint, roof, gutters, and driveway, along with an extra bedroom in the basement 'Constructed in 1985, the architecture and design elements reflect an era of glamour and creativity, making it a truly distinctive living space,' the listing writes Outside, a catwalk leads to a deck with a Jacuzzi. The property then backs onto a natural buffer by railroad tracks, offering scenic views of wildlife, where one can even catch a glimpse of the festive Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. The couple has made careful renovations to restore the home's former glory while maintaining its unique character. They added new carpets, paint, roof, gutters, and driveway, along with an extra bedroom in the basement. 'Our goal in all of the updates was to make it livable and clean, but we also wanted to keep all the original features of the home,' Stenvik said. 'It had this glamorous vibe to it unlike anything we'd seen before,' Stenvik said. 'In our changes we didn't want to take away the glam look it had. We wanted to keep the ambiance, and its original style.' The kitchen is black and white, with an island featuring soft curves that contrast with hard black lines along the floor tile. Johnson compared the look to 'Miami Vice' The couple hopes the new owners will continue to honor Prince's legacy The home's retro styled bathroom Now, with plans to build their own house on a farm, Stenvik and Johnson are reluctantly parting with this piece of music history. 'Someone can launch grander plans [than we've had for the house],' Johnson said. 'It's in a great place for someone to pick it up and make it what they want.' The couple hopes the new owners will continue to honor Prince's legacy. 'It's cool and special,' Stenvik said. 'It's something that should be preserved and not ripped up. It's a little piece of history.' Shi'ite Muslims took to the streets today to mourn the death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein, in which they were seen slashing and whipping themselves with sharp blades to mourn his death. The holiday, known as the holy Day of Ashura, is celebrated by Shi'ite Muslims, and mourns the death of Imam Hussein on the battlefield in the 7th Century. The gory ceremonies, which sees males of all ages cut themselves across the scalp, or whip themselves with blades attached to chains, are meant to commemorate Imam Hussein's violent end. Many of the worshippers wear white clothes, which are then coloured bright red by the blood streaming from head wounds and flagellation ceremonies. The beheading of Imam Hussein and the killing of his family was part of a dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Mohammed. A Shiite Muslim man flagellates himself on the eve of Ashura Day processions in Peshawar, Pakistan on Tuesday Shiite Muslims are observing the holy month of Muharram, the climax of which is the Ashura festival that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in the battle of the Iraqi city of Karbala in the seventh century The gory ceremonies see males of all ages cut themselves across the scalp, or whip themselves with blades attached to chains This dispute eventually developed into a bitter schism between the Sunni, who make up around 90 per cent of Muslims, and Shia branches of Islam. Many Shiite worshippers travel from neighbouring Iran and other countries each year to visit Imam Hussein's shrine in Karbala, which lies about 50 miles southwest of Baghdad, Iraq. Ashura is celebrated on the tenth day of Muharram the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Hussein's martyrdom is widely considered a symbol of the struggle against injustice and oppression amongst Shi'ites. Ashura is observed as a day of atonement for Sunnis, allowing those participating to be forgiven for the sins they committed in the previous year. Many of the worshippers wear white clothes, which are then coloured bright red by the blood streaming from head wounds and flagellation ceremonies Hussein's martyrdom is widely considered a symbol of the struggle against injustice and oppression amongst Shi'ites Tehran and other cities across the country were adorned with symbols of Shi'ite piety and repentance. Iranian state TV reported that six million Iranian pilgrims travelled to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed in a gold-domed shrine, and broadcast live images of the procession. Many Shiite Muslims across the Middle East joined in on commemorating Ashura on Tuesday. This comes after shooting at a Shiite mosque killed six people in and wounded dozens on Monday night in Muscat, Oman, according to Al Jazeera. A video from the scene showed people fleeing near the Imam Ali Mosque as gunfire ringed out. A Shiite Muslim flagellates himself during a religious procession on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Muharram, in Islamabad today Four Pakistanis and a policeman were killed, and at least 28 other people were wounded, according to authorities. The three suspected attackers were also killed by security forces. The identities of the victims and gunmen have not been shared, nor their motives. Irans Foreign Ministry condemned the attack. Shi'ites represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to this day to play a key role in shaping Shi'ite identity. 6 million Iranian pilgrims are thought to have travelled to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed Advocates say some LGBTQ+ students need protection from their own parents Parents and activists have reacted furiously to a California law to help students change sex at school without their parents knowing about it, with one calling the Democrat-backed legislation a 'five alarm fire.' Gov Gavin Newsom on Monday signed the first-in-the nation law, which blocks public school districts from requiring staff to notify parents when their children change the pronouns they use in class. California parents told DailyMail.com the law would encourage more districts to implement their own secret sex change policies, and leave moms and dads unable to trust teachers and even consider switching to private schools. Whether teachers should tell parents when their kids change sex at school has become a hot-button issue between progressives and conservatives, who say that parents should be kept in the loop about such an important decision. 'This is a five alarm fire ethically and legally because it excludes parents from knowing vital information about their own child's school records,' said Erika Sanzi, from the campaign group Parents Defending Education. Under the law, school districts can no longer pass rules for parents to be alerted when their kids change their pronouns in class Campaigners say some LGBTQ + students live in unwelcoming households and need protection from their own parents. 'If a school facilitates the gender transition of a minor without notifying parents, they are engaged in a psychosocial intervention without parental consent.' The new law will override policies passed by less than a dozen California school boards in Republican-leaning pockets of California that required staff to inform parents about trans students. Democratic state officials pushed for the law, saying students have a right to privacy, and that some LGBTQ+ students live in unwelcoming households and need protection from their own parents. Poll Should kids be able to transition at school without their parents knowing? Yes No Not sure Should kids be able to transition at school without their parents knowing? Yes 147 votes No 9249 votes Not sure 106 votes Now share your opinion Trans activists say such guidelines are vital, as some kids need protection from old-fashioned moms and dads who won't accept their desire to change sex. But for many parents, they are dangerous, and could deny them a chance to help their children as they struggle to navigate puberty. A Rasmussen Reports poll last year found that 82 percent of California voters supported laws that required parents to be notified of major changes in a child's physical, mental, or emotional health or academic performance at school. Brandon Richards, a spokesperson for Newsom, said the law 'helps keep children safe' while also allowing families to 'have deeply personal conversations' about children's gender identities. But Jonathan Zachreson, an advocate of so-called parental notification policies, opposes the law and says telling parents about students' gender changes is 'critical to the well-being of children and for maintaining that trust between schools and parents.' Wealthy moms and dads will move their children to private schools, he told DailyMail.com. Many others will look for charter schools that 'fly under the radar' and continue to notify parents, he added. Others still will join the exodus of Californians leaving the Golden State, he added which often means opting for lower Texas and more family-friendly policies in nearby Arizona and Texas. Dr Erica Anderson, a male-to-female trans clinical psychologist, warned that California was on a dangerous 'slippery slope.' 'The California legislature decided that teachers know better than parents what is good for the children,' she posted on X. 'And that youth should be able to decide what parents know.' Democratic Gov Gavin Newsom signed the law that his office says 'helps keep children safe' while also allowing families to 'have deeply personal conversations' about children's gender identities Transgender Californians were among those who took to social media to pan the new law Olivia Garrison, who has previously posted on TikTok about their 'queer safe space classroom,' has admitted to helping students change their gender identity without parents' knowledge Parents are clashing with teachers across the US over whether transgender teenagers can change sex in class without their knowledge. States across the country have sought to impose bans on gender-affirming care for minors, bar transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports, and require schools to inform parents about their kids' trans or nonbinary status. Some conservative lawmakers in other states have introduced bills with broad language requiring that parents are told of any changes to their child's emotional health or well-being. Erika Sanzi calls the law a 'five alarm fire' The California law led to heated clashes in the state legislature, where LGBTQ+ lawmakers said minors should be able to decide what to tell their own parents, and others highlighted cases of schools trampling on parents rights. California mom Jessica Konen last year settled a suit Spreckels Union School District for $100,000 after saying her daughter was 'socially transitioned' into a trans boy by her middle school. Konen's daughter Alicia, 11, was allegedly told by Buena Vista Middle School in Spreckels that she was upset because she didn't know who she 'truly was inside.' The school allowed the child to use the boys' bathroom and male pronouns in class without her mom's consent. Single mom Konen accused teachers of encouraging her daughter to think she was a trans boy when she was at the school in 2019 only for the child to return to her female persona while learning remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Konen's lawyer Harmeet Dhillon, CEO and founder of the Center for American Liberty, called the new law an 'outrageous attempt to keep parents in the dark while schools indoctrinate kids with radical gender ideology.' Earlier in 2023, a California high school history teacher revealed she had helped students change their gender at school without their parents' knowledge - and said it was necessary in some cases. Olivia Garrison, an unabashedly progressive non-binary person, told the New York Times that they felt it was their job as a teacher to 'protect kids' 'sometimes from their own parents.' Such cases are becoming more common as teachers grapple with the small-but-growing number of children wanting to change gender at school, and the especially tricky ones who don't want their parents to know about it. On this frontline in America's culture wars, parents, kids, teachers, and therapists have to make tough calls about rising rates of transgenderism, mental health issues, peer pressure and whether affirmation-on-demand is always the best answer. But for many parents, they are dangerous, and could deny them a chance to help their children as they struggle to navigate puberty. DailyMail.com has spoken with several parents of trans-identifying kids. Many worry that their offspring were influenced to transition by classmates, TikTok influencers, or teachers and school counselors with a drum to beat. Some do not believe their kids are truly transgender and aim to defer such irreversible steps as puberty blockers or surgery. Many said their child instead had mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and autism. A millionaire Miami developer accused of trying to poison his estranged wife died after the FBI showed up to raid his waterfront home on Tuesday. The FBI were at the $8million Coral Gables home of Sergio Pino amid an ongoing probe on claims of poisoning, arson and stalking made during the nasty divorce battle with his wife of 32 years Tatiana. Pino had not been charged with any crimes, but four others have been arrested in what police called a 'stalking conspiracy,' including a man who Tatiana said worked for the couple on their yacht, as reported by NBC Miami. The developer's home and his offices were also searched in June. Officials confirmed Pino died by suicide. Officials have not revealed the purpose of the raid, but images showed about a dozen police vehicles outside the home, which had broken windows. The FBI searched the $8million Coral Gables home of Sergio Pino Tuesday as part of an ongoing probe on claims of poisoning, arson and stalking made during the nasty divorce battle with his wife of 32 years Tatiana Officials have not revealed the purpose of the raid, but images showed about a dozen police vehicles outside the home, which had broken windows Tatiana's lawyer Sam Rabin had told NBC that Pino would be getting arrested on Tuesday but later corrected himself saying it was unclear if there would be an arrest or additional searching. Telemundo reported that a medical examiner was seen entering the home. Tatiana, 55, married Pino, 67, in 1992 and they have two children - as well as a reported combined net worth of $153 million, according to one filing. He is the the president of Century Homebuilders Group, billed as the largest Hispanic-owned homebuilder in the nation. In 2022 Tatiana filed for divorce against Sergio and the two have been in a legal battle ever since. Tatiana claimed in a deposition that she had been suffering from a mystery ailment for years, before a specialist told her she had been ingesting fentanyl. Her lawyer said Tatiana 'feels very strongly' that Pino had been trying to poison her for two years before she filed for divorce. The developer's home and his offices were also searched in June. FBI agents pictured Tuesday Tatiana, 55, married Pino, 67, in 1992 and they have two children - as well as a reported combined net worth of $153 million, according to one filing 'I just don't think that my housekeepers would have a motive. He would have a money motive maybe. A financial motive, Tatiana said in the deposition. 'I was sick for three years. I leave my house and I have never been sick again.' The four men arrested are accused of being part of an August 30 hit-and-run outside Tatiana's home as she was returning from a divorce hearing. According to home video surveillance, the unlicensed rental truck quickly fled the scene. Investigators believe that the incident was not an accident, the Miami Herald reported. One of the accused, Michael Dulfo, reportedly told police he was 'contracted by someone working for the opposing party' in the Pino divorce. Tatiana claimed in a deposition that she had been suffering from a mystery ailment for years, before a specialist told her she had been ingesting fentanyl Meanwhile Tatiana recognized another of the accused, Bayron Bennett, 32, as a former Pino employee. Bennet told officials he solicited Dulfo for the hit-and-run by 'someone' who wanted him to commit crimes against Tatiana. He also admitted to the torching of three cars in 2022 and 2023 outside the home of Tatiana's sister. All four men have pleaded not guilty. Pino, on his part, has repeatedly insisted on his innocent through his attorney. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said Donald Trump hinted he could clinch a cabinet position during their call on Monday. Former President Trump called Burgum and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to inform them that he did not select them to be his running mate in the 2024 race instead he chose Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). Burgum said Trump called him 'Mr. Secretary' on the call, but didn't say whether he would accept a position in the administration. 'I got a call and great conversation with the president and he said, 'Hey Mr. Secretary.' He's always been so positive and so considerate to [my wife] Kathryn and I this whole time,' Burgum told CNN during an interview at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday. 'But as you know, Kaitlan, we were never running for a cabinet position, never running for VP,' he added. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (left) said that Donald Trump called his 'Mr. Secretary' during their conversation on Monday where the former president informed him he would not be his running mate Burgum, Rubio and Vance were the final three in consideration for the spot as Trump's running mate in November. Trump announced on Monday afternoon that he selected Vance after he made calls to Burgum and Rubio to tell them they were out. The delegates gathered for the Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday then voted to officially nominate Vance as the Republican vice presidential candidate. Burgum was previously running in the Republican presidential primary against Trump and a dozen other candidates. He dropped out in December 2023 when he failed to qualify for the third primary debate. After ending his own presidential bid, the North Dakota governor and billionaire joined Trump's campaign as an adviser on energy policy. 'But as you know, Kaitlan, we were never running for a cabinet position, never running for VP,' Burgum told CNN on Monday In response to Trump picking Vance as his running mate, Burgum wrote on X: 'Donald Trump is the strongest leader to enter the political arena in modern American history! Today he selected J.D. Vance as his running mate, whose small town roots and service to country make him a powerful voice for the America First Agenda.' 'I look forward to campaigning for the Trump-Vance ticket to Make America Great Again!' the governor concluded. Jay Slater suffered broken bones when he plunged to his death from a height, a preliminary autopsy has revealed. While results from the full post-mortem examination are yet to be made public, Spanish police today confirmed that the body found was the missing teenager. The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out on the Spanish island on June 17, prompting a huge search operation involving police, volunteers and family members which spanned almost a month. On Monday morning, the Spanish Civil Guard tragically discovered a body with the apprentice bricklayer's possessions and clothing, near to where his phone last pinged. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice has now confirmed that it was Jay, whose body was found near the village of Masca. Officials also revealed documentation belonging to Jay was discovered with the body. At a court hearing on Tuesday, a spokesman said: 'Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.' Following the devastating news, Jay's mother Debbie Duncan said: 'The worst news. I just can't believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.' The result of the preliminary autopsy points to the cause of death being 'a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered', the Civil Guard said. It comes as: The mother of Jay Slater, Debbie Duncan (pictured), has paid tribute to her 'beautiful boy' after the missing British teenager's body was tragically found on Tenerife A body found in the hunt for Jay Slater has now been confirmed as the missing teenager, a court spokesperson said Pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan Spanish police released footage showing officers searching the area in the hours before they found a body. They had continued a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' A Civil Guard spokesman said Jay's injuries included several broken bones. She said: 'The body of the man located yesterday has been identified of that as Jay Slater through fingerprint comparison and identification. 'The result of the preliminary autopsy points to the cause of death being a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered.' Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings. He said: 'The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height. There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Tuesday July 16: Spanish court confirms that the body is Jay's. His mother pays tribute to her 'beautiful boy'. Advertisement 'We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest back.. We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere'. A family spokesman told MailOnline before the hearing: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. 'Initially they thought how could he be so close and yet be missed but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' The family update followed Jay's best friend Lucy Law penning an emotional tribute to the 'happiest and most smiley person'. Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with Lucy and another friend, Brad Hargreaves, before he vanished. In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Brad, meanwhile, wrote: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' It comes after the Spanish Civil Guard revealed that they had continued a 'discreet search' despite saying they had stopped looking in the area on June 30. The shock decision after just 13 days led to amateur sleuths vowing to continue their own search through the rugged Tenerife mountains, while Jay's family refused to give up and leave the Spanish island. The high-profile investigation saw internet sleuths jet out from the UK to Tenerife, while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook were awash with vile conspiracy theories which Jay's mother claimed 'hindered' efforts to find him. Announcing the discovery of a body yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard said: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. Jay, 19, vanished on the island of Tenerife last month, prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. At around 9.04am, Jay is reported missing and his friends spend the day searching but to no avail. The following day, local police and mountain rescue teams scoured the rugged landscape and his family flew out to Tenerife to join the search. On June 19, the search was temporarily moved to the Los Cristianos area in the south of the island because of a potential lead, but this is quickly discounted and the search returned north. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, said she feared her son had 'been taken against his will'. Emergency workers continued to comb bushes, overgrown terrain, hillsides and rivers back in the Masca valley, but failed to find the missing teenager. Jay's family are 'absolutely broken' after a body was found. He is pictured here with mother Debbie Duncan (left) and brother Zak Slater (right) Jay's father Warren Slater and brother Zak pictured during a search and rescue last month The Spanish police also came under fire for rejecting support from the Lancashire Constabulary back in the UK. On June 28, after having no luck in finding Jay, the Spanish police appealed for a mass army of volunteers such as firefighters and mountaineering experts but only six people turned up the following day. On June 30, Spanish police then called off the search but insisted the case 'remains open'. Jay's family and friends stayed in Tenerife, while TikTok sleuths also vowed to continue helping. One TikTok detective subsequently quit the search after saying he and his group had not received any of the money raised to help find Jay on GoFundMe. But Jay's mother hit back, claiming she had given him 740 of her own money for accommodation, adding: 'We don't need hikers, we need experts.' TikTok explorer Paul Arnott was also helping in Tenerife, as was detective-turned-investigator Mark Williams-Thomas. Nevertheless, Spanish police officers were discreetly continuing their own search of the mountains. On July 14, Debbie spoke of her 'heartache' and criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' about her son's disappearance. Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Part of the clip shows two members of the search team (pictured) being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body (not pictured) had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay In a statement released through LBT Global, Ms Duncan said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.' Ms Duncan said the family wish to thank the public for 'their continued support and well wishes' and praises the British Embassy and police for 'doing all they can to support us'. But she also criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and says were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. Just 24 hours later, a body was found by Spanish police. Charity LBT Global said that while formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca on Monday. The force said Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where the body was discovered. The body was lifted out of a ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing It will likely be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said that the 'lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search'. They added: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days.' Parts of the countryside were 'preserved' so they were 'not filled with curious onlookers', they told Sky News. Officers continued: 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 - in the absence of full identification. 'The first investigations reveal he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations since the tragic update was revaled. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. Donald Trump dissenters have shared their wild conspiracy theories about the assassination attempt on the former president. The 78-year-old was nearly killed by gunman Thomas Crooks on Saturday afternoon as he was speaking at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The 20-year-old registered Republican was able to slip onto a rooftop location 150 yards from the stage and began firing an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle, purchased by his father, officials said. A bullet grazed Trump's ear before the gunman was taken out by a Secret Service sniper. Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed trying to protect his family while David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were wounded in the shooting. But some people have claimed the assassination attempt was a 'false-flag' and staged in a set of warped theories. Donald Trump dissenters have shared their wild conspiracy theories about the assassination attempt on the former president The 78-year-old was nearly killed by gunman Thomas Crooks on Saturday afternoon as he was speaking at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania BLUEANON: A shocking amount of Dems are fully on board with "Trump staged the assassination", blaming him for casualties at the rally. One man even saying the blood on Trump's ear was drawn by secret service when they ran to cover him. pic.twitter.com/u9foz3QKBH James Klug (@realJamesKlug) July 16, 2024 YouTuber James Klug interviewed the public at Huntington Beach in California to ask them their views on the assassination attempt on Trump. 'It was a false flag,' one man told him. He replied: 'Somebody died and two people were injured, what do you think about that?' But the man just responded: 'False flag.' Another beachgoer said: 'I thought it was magnificently staged. It was professionally done. It almost looked real.' He was asked who it could have been staged by and he responded: 'By Mr Trump of course.' The man added that the death and injuries were a 'small price'. 'It doesn't matter to Trump,' he added. 'Do you think he cares if people die for him to be elected? 'Death doesn't mean anything to Trump. 'I think that he walked away alive, perhaps a scratch on his ear. Behind the scenes that was all fabricated. YouTuber James Klug interviewed the public at Huntington Beach in California to ask them their views on the assassination attempt on Trump 'It was a false flag,' one man told him. He replied: 'Somebody died and two people were injured, what do you think about that?' But the man just responded: 'False flag.' 'They put a little scratch on his ear, threw a little blood on his face.' Klug asked: 'So you think they planned from 130 yards away to shoot off the corner of his ear? The man replied: 'They never shot off the corner of his ear. That was all done by the people hanging around him.' 'I think this whole thing was staged,' a third man claimed. 'It could be [Trump] or the other side trying to make a scene. 'But the fact it only got his ear and he stood up and said America, come on, it doesn't feel normal. 'To me it looks like it was planned. Bless that soul for dying for this cause. I am so sorry for that person's family. It's just a feeling.' The Secret Service, responsible for protecting presidents and former presidents, went on the defensive on Monday against criticism of its failure to detect the gunman. A bullet grazed Trump's ear before the gunman was taken out by a Secret Service sniper Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old would-be assassin who shot Donald Trump, was once rejected from his high school rifle club and considered a danger 'Secret Service personnel on the ground moved quickly during the incident, with our counter sniper team neutralizing the shooter and our agents implementing protective measures to ensure the safety of former president Donald Trump,' Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director, said in a statement. Biden ordered an independent investigation into how the gunman, who was shot dead by agents moments after opening fire, could have come so close to killing or severely wounding Trump despite the heavy security provided by the agency. The president has also ordered the Secret Service to begin a protection detail of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump flew to Milwaukee on Sunday, 24 after the assassination attempt. Trump pumped his fist in the air several times and appeared to mouth the words 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' as he descended the stairs from his plane. In an interview during the trip, he said the realization that he came so close to being killed was sobering. 'That reality is just setting in,' Trump was quoted as saying by the Washington Examiner. 'I rarely look away from the crowd. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today, would we?' 'I want to try to unite our country,' the New York Post reported Trump saying during the flight. 'But I don't know if that's possible. People are very divided. Former Superman actor Dean Cain is predicting that Donald Trump's 'iconic' response immediately after his attempted assassination will secure his reelection. Trump narrowly escaped death on Saturday after Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired multiple shots at the former president from just 130 yards away in a spectacular security failure that is being investigated. The ex-president luckily turned his head at the vital moment and only ended up with a bloody ear instead of a bullet to his head. He was hustled off stage by his Secret Service detail, but not before giving his supporters a clenched fist salute. Cain told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention that Trump's fist pump in the air seconds after he was shot was an 'amazing and historical' moment. As a former police officer himself who has a lot of military friends, he says true character shines through when you survive a shooting. 'The way that President Trump reacted, that shows his character. It's one of the most iconic moments we'll ever find - the photo of him with a flag behind him, even upside down, a nation in distress with blood and saying 'fight, fight fight!'' Following the shooting, Trump put out a statement thanking the Secret Service for their 'rapid response' 'I think it's gonna affect their votes. I sure hope it does,' Cain told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview 'I think he displayed the kind of courage and character that he really has, that a lot of people saw for the first time, and I think it's gonna affect their votes. I sure hope it does,' he told DailyMail.com. The former president addressed the now-iconic moment where he raised his fist and mouthed 'fight' to the stunned audience. 'A lot of people say it's the most iconic photo they've ever seen,' Trump said. 'They're right and I didn't die. Usually you have to die to have an iconic picture.' Cain said he was at home when his mom called him to frantically spill the breaking news: 'Trump has been shot.' 'It was horrific. You know, the moment was just terrifying [because] I didn't know if he had been killed or anything happened,' he explained. Cain said he blames the 'rhetoric 'that has been going on - adding that hopefully the shooting will turn down the temperature of the nation. 'You don't call everybody don't like disagree with a Nazi. You don't call them you know, a threat to democracy. They're still doing it, and I wish it would stop because someone's gonna be a little off kilter.' The movie star said he's looking forward to Trump's Thursday evening speech at the convention which he says will call for unity. 'I think he'll be extremely humble. I think it has changed him probably for the better. It's horrific that it took place but I'm very hopeful for the future as a result.' Cain, who played Clark Kent from 1993 to 1997, is also working on another film set for release on September 12. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust is the latest iteration of a series directed by and also starring David White. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust is the latest iteration of a series directed by and also starring David White The film deals with faith and politics, explained Cain. And it is coming out at the ideal time because 'God already had a hand in this election' by 'turning his head that little tiny bit' and saving his life. He told DailyMail.com that Trump is expected to attend the premiere showing of the film at the RNC this week. White told DailyMail.com that the film is designed to get Christians to get out and vote this election. White told DailyMail.com that the film is designed to get Christians to get out and vote this election The former president addressed the now-iconic moment where he raised his fist and mouthed 'fight' to the stunned audience 'It's time to step out,' he went on. 'There is this statistic that 40 million American Christians don't vote in presidential elections.' 'This movie is really a call to say it is an opportunity. It is a responsibility, that if you know so often we sit back and we don't want to get involved. Let somebody else do it. But we've seen what happens to our country as we have not been involved. And more and more we have to get involved.' White added that it's time to 'put God back at the center of our country that the foundation of our country that it was built upon.' Demonstrators have taken to the streets of the Irish capital again today to protest against asylum seekers being housed at an old factory in Dublin. Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, today, waving Irish flags and placards that read 'protect our children' and 'border control is everyone's duty'. Violence erupted across parts of north Dublin yesterday after clashes between gardai and rioters, which led to the arrest of 19 people. A number of Garda cars were damaged during the disturbances and public order officers used incapacitant spray on anti-immigration protesters who threw missiles at them. Irish Premier Simon Harris has today claimed that yesterday's protest was 'hijacked' by thugs, but a demonstrator has alleged that officers 'caused chaos themselves'. Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, today, waving Irish flags and placards that read 'protect our children' and 'border control is everyone's duty' Demonstrators have taken to the streets of the Irish capital again today to protest against asylum seekers being housed at an old factory Irish police came under sustained attack on Monday at a disused factory designated as accommodation for up to 1,500 asylum seekers. Videos posted on social media showed machinery and materials had been set on fire at the site. The violent clashes led to a security guard requiring hospital treatment. Fifteen people - 13 men and two women - appeared before a late-night sitting at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday, charged with a range of public order offences. Six others appeared in court on Tuesday. Mr Harris said on Tuesday that those engaged in the riots were not 'protesters'. He added: 'I am somewhat perplexed that this morning that I still hear in media and political discourse a reference to protesters. To be clear, when you decide to use a petrol bomb, you lost your right to be called a protester. 'I'm not quite sure why we have decided to, in any manner or means, legitimatise in any way, shape or form the actions of people who engaged in sheer thuggery yesterday evening and try to harm the men and women of An Garda Siochana, disrupt a community and cause utter chaos.' Mr Harris added: 'I've had it up to here with this whataboutery. We will continue to communicate better with communities, good decent people across the country who want to talk about legitimate issues. There is such a role for that. 'What we saw last night was such a distance away from a question about community engagement, it was sheer thuggery and it should be called out as such. Protesters gather at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, today following plans to redevelop the disused warehouse to house asylum seekers One demonstrator has claimed that the protesters oppose the asylum housing because they are afraid of 'unvetted men' coming into the 'already underprivileged' area. Protesters are pictured outside the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock today Dozens of demonstrators gather in Coolock today as they continue to protest the Crown Paints factory being turned into asylum housing Protesters are seen demonstrating outside the former Crown Paints factory today A demonstrator wearing a ski mask is seen near a public bus in Coolock this evening Social media users who witnessed the demonstration today recalled how the protesters lined both sides of the road as they waved Irish flags and anti-immigration placards A masked rioter is seem kicking a Dublin bus during the demonstration outside the former Crown Paints factory this evening But Sandra, who was protesting at the site yesterday, claims police incited the violence that broke out at the warehouse. 'We have all been protesting here for the last 115 days,' she told GB News today. 'They moved in there about 3.30am in the early hours of Monday morning, and the police came in and told the last couple of lads that were staying here that they had 30 seconds to clear out - then they just ransacked the place.' She claims the officers 'created havoc' themselves by bringing in air crew, armed forces and stopping traffic. Sandra added that police 'blocked us all in and took over the whole road'. The demonstrator, when asked why locals were so opposed to the building turning into asylum housing, said that they are fearful that 'unvetted men' are coming into the 'already underprivileged' area. 'I fear for my children, my grandchildren growing up around unvetted men that are coming in, economic migrants coming into the country,' Sandra said. 'Nobody knows anything about them. We're not told about them, and it's not safe to have them here.' She also cited concerns that the asylum seekers 'won't have anything to do' in Coolock, adding that 'there's no jobs in this area for half the people already in the area.' Gardai officers deploy pepper spray at a protester on Monday after fires were started at the former site of the Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin A protester throws an object at Gardai officers as they deploy pepper spray in retaliation during Monday's protest in Coolock Gardai officers stand guard next to a digger that was set alight during an anti-immigration protest on Monday Fireworks thrown by protesters land at the feet of Gardai officers during Monday's protest Protesters fire fireworks at Gardai officers during a stand off in Coolock on Monday Mr Harris, in his statement today, noted how he wanted to 'pay respect' to the Coolock residents who 'called for calm' yesterday and 'cleaned up after others came to their community to cause chaos'. 'Everybody knew this facility was going to be used to provide shelter for migrants,' he stated. 'People can agree or disagree, but no amount of community engagement is required to tell somebody not to throw a brick, not to set a digger on fire, not to harm a security guard, not to put the men and women of An Garda Siochana in danger. He continued: 'This is not protest or an issue of community engagement. 'This is an issue of a relatively small number of people who think they have a right to do whatever the hell they like in this country, who showed disdain for the laws of our land, disdain for the men and women for An Garda Siochana. 'It was the hijacking of a situation by a group of people who engaged in utter thuggery and it's not reflecting any means of the community of Coolock.' The Premier also said he was 'particularly pleased' to see the 'benefit' of the body-worn cameras that the Gardai began wearing earlier this year. A youngster throws a bottle towards Gardai officers during a stand off on Monday Gardai officers detain a protester at the former site of the Crown Paints factory on Monday Gardai officers detain a protesters after a number of fires were set outside the old Crown Paints factory in Coolock on Monday Gardai public order unit officers deploy pepper spray at a protester during Monday's riot The scenes at the former Crown Paints factory yesterday have been widely condemned. Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman, whose department oversees the housing of international applicants, said there has been 'engagement' with the Coolock community for the last four months. 'I think it's really important that we are clear in terms of the engagement that took place as regards the Crown Paint site and the community engagement team in my department would have notified TDs, councillors and Dublin City Council in late March that an offer had come in in terms of the use of this site for international protection accommodation,' he said. 'In early April a meeting was convened again with TDs, with councillors and with community reps through the auspices of the North-side partnership. 'Subsequent to that, a detailed briefing was circulated in mid-April setting out at that point, what was the plans for the particular use of the site. 'We would have had further engagement with the North-side community forum again providing further information. So four months ago, the initial information about the planned use of this site was provided and our community engagement team have been there throughout all that time. 'There has been very detailed information provided on the use of this particular site. Even if there wasn't, still no excuse to throw petrol bombs, but detailed information has been in the public domain for a very considerable period of time.' Gardai public order unit officers deploy pepper spray at protesters during Monday's protest The Garda Public Order Unit as wheelie bins are set alight by protesters on Monday A man uses a bottle of water to wash pepper spray from his eyes during Monday's riot Masked protesters are pictured at a stand off with gardai officers on Monday Protesters wore masks and balaclavas on Monday as the demonstration area filled with smoke from the digger on fire Gardai officers detain a protester in Coolock, north Dublin on Monday Gardai officers detain a protester during the stand off on Monday The Green Party minister also defended the decision for contractors to enter the site in the early hours of Monday. 'In terms of the operational decisions that An Garda Siochana advise our department and contractors, they are ultimately a call that the gardai made in terms of when's the best time to access a particular site,' he added. 'It varies in that in place to place. An Garda Siochana were supportive of the machinery and equipment coming up to the site in terms of their direct engagement, asking the protesters to move aside. Obviously they refused. 'Access was secured but subsequently a call was put out in terms of bringing people and encouraging them to engage in disruptive and violent behaviour. 'There is no excuse for that. But as I say, very clear information was provided over the last four months in terms of the use of the Crown Paint site.' Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the violence was 'completely unacceptable' and will not be tolerated. Speaking in Dublin, she said: 'Gardai responded quickly and in force and I want to commend members of An Garda Siochana for the way in which they did respond. Protesters gather at the former site of the Crown Paints factory in Coolock on Monday Gardai take security measures as anti-immigration protesters gathered in Coolock on Monday Two Gardai officers detain a protester on the ground during Monday's demonstration Ireland police department Gardai arrest an anti-immigration protester on Monday Gardai officers during a stand off with protesters on Monday after a number of fires were started in Coolock Ireland police department Gardai take security measures as anti-immigration protesters gather at a site designated for asylum seekers in Coolock on Monday 'It is completely unacceptable that any person that they will be attacked when going about their business. 'Significant arrests were made, 15 men and women were before the courts and I expect that there will be more arrests later today. 'Importantly as well, body cameras were used yesterday and will be part of the evidence in the coming weeks and months. 'This is not a legitimate protest. This is criminal behaviour and activity and it will be treated as such.' New York, US (PANA) - The UN Deputy Secretary-General on Monday urged global leaders to redirect resources from warfare to peace and sustainable development initiatives Seven people have been injured after a double-decker bus crashed outside a shop on a busy street in north-west London. The horror crash unfolded earlier today when the bus veered off the road and smashed into scaffolding outside the West 9 Food & Wine store on Harrow Road in Maida Vale. Emergency services raced to the scene just before 2:30pm and medics treated seven people in total, including the driver, with four being taken to hospital. Pictures from the scene show the crumpled front of the number 18 bus surrounded by shards of glass, with its front windscreen and driver's side window having been smashed during the incident. Other images also show a trail of destruction left in its wake, having crashed through a lamppost and several bollards before stopping. A double-decker bus has crashed into the scaffolding of a shop on a busy street in north-west London. Pictures from the scene show the front of the vehicle just inches away from the shop window, with a smashed front windscreen Other images also show the trail of destruction left in the bus's wake, having smashed through a lamppost and several bollards before stopping No18 bus smashes into shop on Harrow Road pic.twitter.com/7eLrWOfDhG Paul Barlow (@paul_barlow) July 16, 2024 The Met Police said in a statement: 'Police were called at 14:18hrs on Tuesday, 16 July to reports of a bus in collision with scaffolding on Harrow Road, W9. 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene the bus, which was carrying passengers, had collided with scaffolding on a commercial premises. 'Six people, including the bus driver, were treated by medics at the scene. None of the injuries are thought to be serious. 'Road closures and safety cordons are in place. 'There have been no arrests. 'Anyone who witnessed this incident or has dashcam footage should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 4316/16JUL.' The front windscreen and driver's side window of the bus were smashed during the crash Members of the public can be seen gathered round the bus after the horror smash in Maida Vale on Tuesday A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 2.19pm today (16 July) to reports of a road traffic collision at the junction of Harrow Road and Sutherland Avenue, W9. 'We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, incident response officers and members of our hazardous area response team (HART). 'Our first paramedics arrived in less than five minutes. 'We treated seven patients in total. We took four patients to hospital and discharged the other three at the scene.' Spanish police are refusing to say whether they have recovered a 12,000 Rolex watch Jay Slater allegedly stole before his death. The Civil Guard in Tenerife confirmed today the body found in a ravine near the village of Masca was his, and said all indications pointed to him dying in an accidental fall. However, authorities have refused to say whether he was found with a luxury timepiece he had allegedly bragged about stealing from a fellow reveller. Jay's injuries included broken bones, according to a statement released shortly after court officials also revealed his identity had been confirmed with fingerprinting. They had initially claimed full identification wouldn't happen till 'next week' because the body was 'very deteriorated.' Questions remain as to whether police have a watch the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer reportedly confessed to stealing from a reveller during an altercation outside Papagayo Beach Club near his holiday accommodation. The precise location where police mountain rescue experts found Jay at around 10am on Monday also remains a mystery. It comes as: Jay Slater's body was discovered at around 10am on Monday in a hazardous mountain area on Tenerife after a month-long search The Guardia Civil released video footage of the search efforts undertaken to find Jay. A helicopter was called in to help with the recovery of his body Jay Slater is alleged to have posted on Snapchat that he had stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and planned to sell it for 10,000 (stock image of a Rolex watch) TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas (pictured) issued an update on Wednesday, claiming he had been told Jay had stolen a 12,000 Rolex and was trying to sell it Jay Slater's final Snapchat at the remote Airbnb before he went missing. It is not the same Snapchat as the one where he 'admitted to stealing an expensive watch'. Asked about the watch and the precise location of where Jay's body was found, the Civil Guard in Tenerife said this afternoon: 'All the information we're prepared to release at this stage has been put in the public domain. 'Any updates should we decide to publish any more information will be made available through the normal channels.' TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas has claimed Jay posted a video on Snapchat boasting about the theft of the Rolex shortly before he vanished on June 17. He travelled back to a rented Airbnb in Masca with two men including a convicted drug dealer he had met while out partying shortly before he went missing. Spanish police have never confirmed whether they are investigating the theft of a watch. A preliminary autopsy has suggested Jay, from Oswaldtwistle near Blackburn, died after falling from a large height. His mother Debbie Duncan said: 'The worst news. I just can't believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.' A Civil Guard spokeswoman said earlier: 'The body of the man located yesterday has been identified as that of Jay Slater's through fingerprint comparison and identification. 'The result of the preliminary autopsy points to the cause of death being a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered.' Earlier in the day court officials in Tenerife had released the first confirmation the body discovered was Jay's despite claiming initially they thought it would take up to a week to get a positive ID. The Canary Islands' High Court of Justice said in an official statement just before 2pm today local time: 'Court of Instruction Number One in Icod de los Vinos can confirm that through fingerprints the body has been identified as that of Jay Slater. 'The autopsy has determined that his death was the result of multiple injuries compatible with a fall in a rocky area.' The 29-day search for apprentice bricklayer Jay came to an end yesterday around 10am. A helicopter was called in to recover his body. The large-scale police search in the mountains near Masca had been suspended around two weeks after he disappeared on June 17, but mountain rescue police specialists had continued with a smaller search on a daily basis. Civil Guard sources have indicated there are no current plans to facilitate a new press conference with Cipriano Martin, the head of the Civil Guard's Greim mountain rescue unit. Mr Martin had addressed the media shortly before the large-scale mountain search for Jay was officially suspended on June 30. The mother of Jay Slater, Debbie Duncan (pictured), has paid tribute to her 'beautiful boy' after the missing British teenager's body was tragically found on Tenerife The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Ayub Abdul (pictured) rented the Airbnb which missing raver Jay Slater visited just before he disappeared Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, a charity supporting Jay's family, said the organisation was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings. He said: 'The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height. 'There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible.' Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Tuesday July 16: Spanish court confirms that the body is Jay's. His mother pays tribute to her 'beautiful boy'. Advertisement Mr Searle also hit out at the amateur detectives who had shared cruel and unproven conspiracy theories about Jay's fate online. He added: 'We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest. 'We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. 'I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere'. Jay's friend Lucy Law, who was the last known person to speak to him during a phone call on June 17, issued a tribute on her Instagram page. She said: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was (sic) one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll "have your dancing shoes polished and ready" waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay allegedly sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. His disappearance prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. Model and rapper Amber Rose's Republican National Convention speech Monday night was called 'classy' by some factions of Donald Trump's MAGA base - while some conservatives held a very different view. Rose, the ex-girlfriend of Kanye West and ex-wife of Wiz Khalifa, told the Milwaukee convention crowd that voting for Trump is 'the best chance we have to give our babies a better life.' Online, X user Saras76 said Rose gave a 'classy and heartfelt speech,' while Pensive Politics podcast host Christian Watson praised the Republican National Committee for inviting her. 'The RNC should continue embracing people like Amber Rose. You cannot preach conservatism to an audience that already agrees with you,' Watson posted to X. 'You cannot model virtue before a crowd of saints. And most importantly, you cannot judge someone for being a human when you are no better.' However, conservative podcaster Matt Walsh thought booking Rose was egregious. 'Trump has just reached mythic status by defying death and surviving an assassination attempt and the GOP decides that the best next move is to have him sit and listen to a porn star talk about diversity. Brilliant move. Thanks guys,' Walsh posted to X. Model and rapper Amber Rose 's Republican National Convention speech Monday night was called 'classy' by some factions of Donald Trump 's MAGA base - while some conservatives held a very different view X user Saras76 said Rose gave a 'classy and heartfelt speech,' during Monday's Republican National Convention while former President Donald Trump looked on Conservative podcaster Matt Walsh had a very different view on Rose's appearance, inaccurately calling her a 'porn star' and pushing that Trump doesn't need the help Walsh doubled down on that sentiment as X users argued that Rose's appearance at the RNC was to help the GOP attract new voters Rose was a former stripper, not an adult actress, and rose to fame due to her relationship with West, whose also been in Trump's orbit, though whose anti-Semitic comments and associations with white supremacists have largely outcast him from Hollywood. She previously said she'd move to Canada if Trump got elected in 2016 and was one of the founders of SlutWalk, which encouraged women to dress like 'sluts' to shed light on gender discrimination after a police officer had pushed that women could protect themselves from being sexually assaulted if they covered themselves up. Walsh argued that Rose was too new to the conservative movement to deserve a primetime speaking slot at the convention. 'The RNC gives a primetime speaking slot to a pro-abortion feminist and self-proclaimed slut with a face tattoo whose only claim to fame is having sex with rappers,' Walsh continued. 'Truly an embarrassment.' When another X user pointed out that Rose was picked to help Republicans gobble up more voters, Walsh suggested Trump didn't need the help. 'Right. Donald Trump just survived an assassination attempt as he runs against a senile vegetable whose own party has abandoned him but the thing that will really put this election over the top is ... Amber Rose,' Walsh wrote Tuesday morning. 'Brilliant! Republican political genius on full display again.' Rose was one of the few speakers Trump witnessed in person Monday, as he made a surprise appearance at the convention a little after 9 p.m. With a bandage covering his ear, Trump grinned through Rose's five minute-long appearance. 'I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don't care if you're black, white, gay or straight, it's all love,' Rose said. 'And that's when it hit me, these are my people, this is where I belong.' Rose's appearance stood out Monday as the other speakers consisted of politicians, average Americans and a top union boss. Republican conventions historically haven't had a lot of Hollywood types onstage compared to the Democratic counterparts. And even Trump's past as a reality TV star hasn't really helped. In the last decade and a half the most notable onstage celebrity appearance was likely when director and actor Clint Eastwood pretended that a chair was then President Barack Obama, making the case for GOP nominee Mitt Romney in 2012. Trump attracted a handful of D-listers to the 2016 convention in Cleveland, giving Antonio Sabato Jr. and Scott Baio speaking slots. In 2020, Trump's convention moved to Washington, D.C. amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with a slimmed down speakers' schedule. Beyond Rose, reality TV star Savannah Chrisley will speak onstage at the four-day affair. There were some rumblings that 50 Cent may also be on hand, with CNN reporting Monday that the rapper 'is in talk' with convention officials to perform. But a spokesperson told DailyMail.com that he currently has a scheduling conflict. 'He's slated to be somewhere else,' his publicist said. The body of Jay Slater was found in a deep and desolate ravine less than two miles from where he was last seen in Tenerife. MailOnline was told today that the 19-year-old apparently plunged to his death while walking along a treacherous ridge in the Baranco Juan Lopez area of the Rural de Teno national park. Local residents who know the area have speculated that he may have fallen while heading towards the sea so he could follow the coast to return to his hotel. Our reporter retraced the last movements of Jay, following a path which led part way to the ravine where he died, and compiled a map believed to show the most complete picture of his final, fatal journey. The almost inaccessible spot where he died is only a few hundred yards from areas which were repeatedly searched for almost a month by police, volunteers and members of his family after his disappearance on June 17. Jay Slater was found dead at around 10am on Monday July 15 after almost a month of searching by Spanish authorities Mail reporter Andrew Young at the Barranco Juan Lopez hiking path, close to where Jay Slater's body was found The ravine where Jay Slater is thought to have been found is pictured to the right of this image The cactus-lined path is popular with hikers but the trail comes to an abrupt stop as the terrain turns more treacherous A MailOnline reporter tried to scramble down the path towards the ravine before turning back, deeming it too dangerous to follow the route Jay may have taken Jay Slater's father Warren and brother Zak (left and right) have previously visited the area in the search for Jay - unaware his body was lying nearby His father Warren Slater was previously photographed on a number of occasions walking along paths in the area, as he desperately hunted for any sign of the teenager without realising that his body was lying nearby. Several villagers said that they had seen police activity in the ravine yesterday morning as his body was recovered by helicopter. A video was also released by police showing members of the search team being winched back up to a helicopter. The remote area, which is usually only accessed by climbers with proper ropes and equipment, is around a mile from the phone mast which linked to Jay's phone before his battery ran out. A MailOnline reporter went half a mile down the twisting track which leads from the main road and heads down the Juan Lopez valley towards the ravine. The cactus-lined path is easy to walk on and takes hikers into the valley, passing a seemingly abandoned hut, before it suddenly comes to an abrupt stop. It is believed that Jay followed the track and then scrambled down a perilous slope to try and continue his journey to the sea through rocky scrubland. But the geography of the area changes and becomes dramatically more craggy as the valley gets closer to the coastline. Jay would have had to climb up rocky outcrops at the end of the valley, leading up to steep ridges with sheer drops into a ravine below. A local man who climbs in the area and asked not to be named said: 'It is extremely dangerous terrain. 'I have been in the area, but only with proper ropes and equipment. There is a ravine with tall cliffs and sheer rock faces either side. 'You can walk along ridges and there are places that you have to climb, but an inexperienced person could easily fall.' MailOnline decided it was too dangerous to leave the path and climb down the rocky and sandy slope leading to the ravine around 350 yards away. A reporter who scrambled down just a few feet from the path nearly fell over on the uneven ground. Jay Slater's body was discovered at around 10am on Monday in a hazardous mountain area on Tenerife after a month-long search Jay Slater pictured with his mother, Debbie Duncan, who said the confirmation of her son's death was the 'worst news' Ms Duncan (pictured), has paid tribute to her 'beautiful boy' after the missing British teenager's body was tragically found on Tenerife Jay Slater's final Snapchat at the remote Airbnb before he went missing. It is not the same Snapchat as the one where he is said to have admitted to stealing an expensive watch Jay Slater is alleged to have posted on Snapchat that he had stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and planned to sell it for 10,000 (stock image of a Rolex watch) The Guardia Civil released video footage of the search efforts undertaken to find Jay. A helicopter was called in to help with the recovery of his body The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing But views from the rugged spot where the path ends, show the sea appearing tantalisingly close behind rocks which looked deceptively easy to climb. It is easy to believe how Jay might have thought that he could easily climb over the craggy rocks to reach the sea beyond, and then head back along a beach. Once he was on the rocky ridge, he may have felt that he had to press on to the sea and that he could not turn back as he had gone so far. The whole valley was eerily deserted today with the silence only broken by the cries of a crow soaring on thermals, and the wind whistling around rocky outcrops. Italian teacher Luca Pischedda, 52, from Sardinia, who was on a hiking holiday in Tenerife with friends, said: 'These mountains can be treacherous. If you lose a path, and try and climb, it is easy to fall down. 'We are trying to keep to the paths rather than climb up the rocks. We have found paths closed because of a big fire last year. 'It is not an area where you would want to be walking alone. We are very sorry to hear what happened to this boy.' Jay, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out when he attended the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo nightclub in the resort of Playa de las Americas. The apprentice bricklayer left his friends when he went off with two men who drove him back to their Airbnb accommodation on the outskirts of the village of Masca, around 20 miles away in the north of the Spanish holiday island. While in the car, Jay allegedly sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. He later shared a photo on his Snapchat account, which showed him standing at the doorway of a house shortly after 7am. Around an hour later he called his friend Lucy Law, telling her that he was 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and had missed a bus back south to his accommodation in Los Cristianos. Spanish police searching for Jay Slater on Tenerife last month. The large-scale search operation was called off on June 30 - but mountain rescue experts continued to look for Jay Family members, aided by locals and friends, continued looking for Jay in the valley near the village of Masca earlier this month Jay is thought to have ventured towards this ravine in an effort to find his way home after missing a bus Jay was on his first-ever friends holiday with Lucy Law (pictured) and Brad Hargreaves when he went missing in Tenerife He claimed he had set off on foot to try and get back to his hotel, despite it being around 11 hours away. MailOnline later found a witness who revealed that he had walked north out of the village, instead of taking the winding road south towards Los Cristianos. Locals have speculated that he may have decided that it might have been quicker for him to find the coast and walk back along it, rather than trek along the winding road back through the mountains. But even if Jay had made it the sea after climbing over the rocks, he would not have been able to easily walk along the coast from the spot because most of the coastline is cliffs. Although there is a small beach at Juan Lopez, it is only accessible by boat. Spanish officials confirmed today that documentation belonging to Jay had been found with his body which had multiple injuries, and everything pointed to him dying in an accidental fall. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice confirmed that his body was found near the village of Masca. At a court hearing on Tuesday, a spokesman said: 'Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.' Spanish authorities have refused to say whether Jay was found with the Rolex he is alleged to have stolen from a fellow reveller. His mother Debbie Duncan said following the confirmation of Jay's identity: 'The worst news. I just can't believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.' Jay's friend Lucy Law, who was the last known person to speak to him during a phone call on June 17, issued a tribute on her Instagram page. She said: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was (sic) one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll "have your dancing shoes polished and ready" waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Amid questions over how his body was missed for 29 days, Jay's family said they could 'appreciate the remoteness' of the area and said he 'would most likely have been killed instantly'. The valley surrounding the village of Masca on Tenerife's west coast is popular with hikers A helicopter was deployed to aid with the recovery of Jay Slater's body (file photo of a Civil Guard helicopter looking for Jay on June 29) TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas (pictured) travelled to Tenerife to help in the search for Jay Slater Friends have shared tributes to Jay on social media after his body was found on Monday His friend Lucy Law said she was 'honestly lost for words' when Jay's body was found A family spokesman told MailOnline before the hearing: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. 'Initially they thought 'how could he be so close and yet be missed?', but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. 'There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay allegedly sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. The search efforts saw friends, family, TikTok sleuths and even TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas travelling to Tenerife to help. Shocking bodycam footage captured the moment a quadriplegic YouTube influencer rammed Florida cops with his motorized wheelchair as they arrested his mother. Bryant Amastha, 32, known on YouTube as recording artist El Valien-T, was arrested in May on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer following a foul-mouthed episode outside his home in Miami. Florida cops have now released bodycam footage of the incident, showing Amastha appear to accelerate his wheelchair into an officer, while accusing him of 'laughing at' him. Amastha previously denied the charges in court, as a judge said they have 'truly never seen a case like this.' Shocking police bodycam footage captured the moment Bryant Amastha, 32, flew into a rage at Florida police officers after they arrested his mother Amastha, known on YouTube as recording artist El Valien-T, was seen in the foul-mouthed episode shouting at officers and challenging them after he rammed them Amastha is seen at the start of the bodycam footage after he called 911 on his mother, claiming she swung at him in some kind of altercation. He was seen downplaying the severity of the situation and insisted that she only 'grazed' him, and appeared to grow nervous as police felt they should arrest her. In his conversation with police, Amastha described how his mother takes care of him in their home, but said she was arrested the previous September after a separate mental health incident. He said she attempted suicide two weeks later, which led officials to instate the Baker Act at the time. The law allows for the involuntary detention of people who have a mental illness and may harm themselves or others. Amastha said his mother was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder, but refused to take her medications or visit her psychiatrist. Amastha is seen at the start of the bodycam footage after he called 911 on his mother, claiming she swung at him in some kind of altercation He repeatedly pleaded for authorities not to arrest his mother, and instead urged them to 'Baker Act' her - a Florida mental health law After describing the recent encounter that led him to call the cops, Amastha repeatedly urged officers not to arrest his mom, but instead to 'Baker Act her.' In separate footage, Amastha's mother was seen being arrested and taken into custody in handcuffs, which triggered him to become enraged at the officers. Amastha repeatedly ordered officers to arrest him alongside his mother, telling them: 'If she's going, then I'm going too.' As the officers took his mother to their vehicle, Amastha appeared to accelerate down his driveway to ram one of the officers in the legs, as he accused the cop of 'laughing at' him. Amastha admitted to hitting the officer in the clip, telling him: 'I just hit you again, what the f*** are you gonna do about it?' After his first court appearance, Local10 asked him outside the courthouse if he hit the officer, to which Amastha responded: 'I absolutely did not.' Amastha admitted to hitting the officer in the clip, telling him: 'I just hit you again, what the f*** are you gonna do about it?' He later alleged that officers 'manhandled' him, although the Miami-Dade Police Department said they had not received any complaints about the incident Amastha was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, and previously denied the charges He also claimed that the officers 'manhandled me', although the Miami-Dade Police Department said they had not received any complaints about the incident. They also said they had not been informed of any allegations of rough handling during the arrest or damage to the wheelchair. He is next due in court on Wednesday, after he was released by a judge who agreed that he did not pose a flight risk. Amastha, recognized as a Colombian artist and producer, boasts a substantial following on social media platforms like Instagram, where he has amassed nearly 100,000 followers. He shares music videos featuring himself singing and, in some cases, surrounded by dancing women on his YouTube channel. On his YouTube, he describes himself as a 'talented artist' who has 'demonstrated his power across the globe by breaking barriers never broken before, becoming the first latin urban music icon in a wheelchair.' Muriel McKay's daughter Dianne has claimed she is 'not allowed' to attend the dig for her mother's remains after she complained about a previous investigation. Police are searching a Hertfordshire farm for her remains 55 years after Mrs McKay was kidnapped and murdered when she was mistaken for media mogul Rupert Murdoch's wife. Daughter Dianne McKay today claimed she was 'not allowed' at the dig site today after she submitted a complaint about the 2022 search, alleging DCI Mark Cranwell had been 'disrespectful' towards her and had not kept her informed about developments. Also expressing her frustration at what some members of the family claim was the lack of progress by investigating officers, she said: 'We see them trying but [we're] not too happy that we got all the answers they never did. 'I'm not allowed there. Mark [Dianne's son] is invited and will take my brother who's come over from Australia.' Mark Dyer added that after meeting with him and Ian McKay at the dig site today, DCI Cranwell had made it 'blatantly clear' that his mother was banned from going anywhere near the site where she believes her own mother to be buried. Muriel's daughter, Dianne (pictured, left), has for years fought to learn the truth of her mother's murder, travelling to Trinidad with her son Mark Dyer (right) to speak with one of her killers, Nizamodeen Hosein (centre). She claimed she was 'not allowed' at the dig site today Dianne McKay claimed she was 'not allowed' at the dig site today after she submitted a complaint about the 2022 search. She is pictured speaking with one of the killers, Nizamodeen Hosein, as he told the family where to look Muriel McKay's son Ian (right) and her grandson Mark Dyer (left) speak to the press today as they joined police in the search for her body at Stocking Farm in Hertfordshire A digger was seen inside a barn where officers with spades were also seen as part of the team Mrs McKay was 55 when she was kidnapped from her home in Wimbledon in 1969 by brothers Nizamodeen and Arthur Hosein in the mistaken belief she was the wife of Rupert Murdoch 'There is no reason for this treatment and disrespect and this cannot be tolerated,' he said. 'We are making an urgent complaint to senior commanders in the Metropolitan Police. My uncle Ian was also told in no uncertain terms of his sister that, should she turn up at the farm, the search would be called off immediately.' A Met spokeswoman said: 'A complaint was made and is under investigation. 'That is not correct about her not invited due to that complaint. The landowner will not allow further members of the family to visit the site unless Muriel is found. 'It is private land and a consented search, so he can make those requests and we need to respect his wishes.' Speaking of the decision not to have Nizamodeen present the spokeswoman added: 'This has been carefully considered and we do not believe it would provide us with any further or useful consistent information. 'Therefore we will not formally be approaching the Home Office, who would be required to grant permission.' It comes after the family described themselves as 'apprehensive' today as they joined police at the dig for her body at the farm, more than half a century after she was last seen. They also criticised police for not allowing one of the men convicted of kidnapping and murdering her from being allowed on the site to help with the search. Mrs McKay was 55 when she was kidnapped from her home in Wimbledon, south west London, in December 1969 by brothers Nizamodeen and Arthur Hosein in the mistaken belief she was the wife of Rupert Murdoch. She was actually married to the media tycoon's right-hand man, Alick McKay. Her abductors took her to Stocking Farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire then known as Rook's Farm and where Arthur was living and demanded 1 million. But attempts to hand over some money failed and she was never seen again. Muriel McKay's son Ian McKay (right) and her grandson Mark Dyer who have visited the farm Son Ian and grandson Mark Dyer walked with members of the police search team at Stockings farm as they were shown around the search site Mark arrived at the farm yesterday with Ian, 82, who described it as a 'place of horror' Police were spotted yesterday making preparations ahead of an extensive dig of the farm The brothers were later jailed for life for blackmail, kidnap and murder following a trial at the Old Bailey which made UK legal history as the first conviction of its kind without the victim's body. A search of the farm took place at the time and another in 2022, although neither elicited any evidence of Mrs McKay's remains. Nizamodeen, 75, has since provided fresh information after being contacted by his victim's daughter, Dianne, 84, and her son Mark Dyer, 59, leading to the excavation of a site this week. Mark arrived at the farm yesterday with Dianne's brother Ian, 82, who described it as a 'place of horror' and revealed he was 'apprehensive' about the visit and had deliberately 'stayed away' from the site previously. Asked if he was prepared for the possibility of his mother finally being found, he told the Mail: 'I will have to tell you at the end of the day.' Ian, who travelled from his home in Australia, also expressed anger that detectives had not allowed Nizamodeen to fly in from his native Trinidad to aid the five-day joint operation between Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police. Extensive searches have taken place at the farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire Police have begun a fresh dig for the remains of Muriel McKay, who was murdered 'It seems to me a nonsense that Nizam is not here,' he said. 'The fact he's a convicted criminal is hard for us to swallow but he has served his sentence. Why would you not have the man who has now admitted to burying her here to help find her?' Mr Dyer, whose mother may fly in from her home in Majorca later this week, agreed, saying: 'What he did was disgusting but we need him here. Not having him for the 'grand finale' is bonkers.' Speaking to The Sun, her son said: 'I don't know how I feel. It has been a place of evil and terror for me. 'The reason I have not been to England for so long is because I have these feelings that are of horror. 'I feel it is a day of apprehension for us.' Alick McKay died in 1983 without ever having closure. Before his death, he said: 'All I want to know is where my wife has been buried so that I can go and place some flowers.' Arthur Hosein died while serving time but his brother was eventually freed and deported to Trinidad, where he handed over new details to Dianne and Mark when they flew there in January. He claimed mother-of-three Mrs McKay was given powerful sedatives and died from a heart attack after watching a television appeal from her family. Crucially, he also said she was buried in her coat in a 5ft-deep hole dug at a dung heap before shovelling soil and grass on top of her. The last search of the farm was near the spot but police have revealed they didn't realise how large the dung heap had been. Photos released yesterday showed a small digger excavating several feet down inside a barn which covers part of the spot indicated by Nizamodeen. Brothers Arthur (left) and Nazamodeen Hosein (right) were found guilty of her murder. Arthur died in prison in 2009, while Nizam was deported after serving a 20-year-prison sentence The abduction is believed to have involved a case of mistaken identity - with the kidnappers intending to seize Anna Murdoch, first wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch (pictured) Police searched the farm in 2022 (pictured), but Hosein claims they searched the wrong area Alick McKay is pictured making an appeal from his home in Wimbledon for the safe return of his missing wife in January 1970, with son Ian and daughters Jennifer (left) and Dianne (right) Gloved officers then moved in and carefully cleared away more dirt with trowels that was taken away in wheelbarrows by colleagues. Around 20 specialist officers are involved. An area outside the barn will also be examined. Police have said they remain concerned about inconsistencies in Nizamodeen's account but agreed to look in a limited search area. They expect to remain until Friday but could stay longer if they believe it is warranted. Met Police Commander Steve Clayman said before the latest search: 'Other areas have been highlighted as being of potential interest and it is these that we will search. 'The main area is where a manure heap once stood we know now this was larger than we previously thought and therefore that area was not entirely searched in 2022. 'While we do have concerns about inconsistencies in the account by Nizamodeen Hosein, for completeness we want to do this.' However, the family have been told that this will be the last attempt to find Mrs McKay as 'it would not be proportionate to carry out any further searches or investigations'. Blue tents have been set up at spots around the farm and a large number of police vehicles are present. A public footpath through the 12-acre site has been closed off. A female prison officer shared over 4,000 texts and dozens of phone calls with an inmate and said she 'just had human emotions and feelings for him', a court heard. Dawn MacCormack, 42, was working at HMP The Mount near Hemel Hempstead when she allegedly shared a 'prolific' number of texts and calls with inmate Josh Moore. After her arrest, she allegedly told a friend that she 'just had human emotions and feelings' for Moore, who was serving an eight-year sentence. When the police examined her phone they found two images of the prisoner. One was with his torso exposed and the other was him in a T-Shirt, a jury at St Albans Crown Court was told today. Opening the case, prosecutor Mark Seymour said: 'She was banned by the terms of her contract not to have a social relationship with a prisoner.' He said Moore had access to two illicit phones inside the prison in 2019 and in August 2020, Moore, then 28, pleaded guilty to having them. Dawn MacCormack, 42, was working at HMP The Mount near Hemel Hempstead (pictured) when she shared a 'prolific' number of texts and calls with inmate Josh Moore MacCormack of Organ Hall Road, Borehamwood, denies misconduct in a public office between 1 January 2019 and 22 June 2019 by failing to disclose that Moore had a mobile phone. She also denies two charges of unauthorised transmission of either calls or texts between 15 May 2019 and 8 June 2019, relating to the first phone, and again between 16 June 2019 and 20 June 2019 involving the second. The prosecutor said the two phones were recovered from Josh Moore's cell in Nash Wing on different days in June 2019. On the first phone in 25 days there was 'prolific' contact with 85 calls and 4,100 texts. 'They spanned every single day and were distributed for all hours of the day,' he said. After the first phone was discovered Moore got hold of a second mobile. In a period of less than 48 hours there were 7 calls and 272 texts at all hours of the day. MacCormack was arrested on 22 June 2019. The texts on her phone had been deleted. MacCormack of Organ Hall Road, Borehamwood, denies misconduct in a public office and denies two charges of unauthorised transmission of either calls or texts. Pictured: HMP The Mount But Mr Seymour said two images of Josh Moore were found in the memory of her phone. One had his torso exposed and the other was him in a t-shirt. In a prepared statement she told the police: 'At no point have I acted in a manner that would display misconduct in a public office.' MacCormack resigned as a prison officer on 24th June. The jury was told that in November 2019 she sent a message to a friend saying: 'I am only human. It boils down to human feelings. I just had human emotions and feelings.' But the prosecutor said: 'The defendant's behaviour was inappropriate. It involved a breach of her duties as a prison officer. 'Communication by mobile phone with an inmate is a serious offence in its own right. 'She failed to disclose he was in possession of illicit mobile phone. It was frankly her job to do that. 'The phone contact was not just the odd call or text it was genuinely prolific. She acted inappropriately with Mr Moore.' The case continues. As Vice Presidential hopeful J.D. Vance moves into the spotlight after being selected as former President Donald Trump's running mate in 2024, the campaign is setting the record straight on a number of issues - including his height. Google search results identified Vance's height is 5'7," which appeared as a significant underestimation of his stature, based on his record in the Senate with his colleagues. To set the record straight, a campaign official sent a photo of Vance standing next former President Trump, himself listed as 6'3 by his White House physician. The spokesman sent the following photo to DailyMail.com and noted that Trump and Vance were of similar height. Donald Trump with his chosen running mate Sen. J.D. Vance It's not the first time that online search results have been wrong about the height of a significant political figure. Vice President Kamala Harris griped in a recent interview with Katie Couric that Wikipedia listed her height as 5'2." 'That is absolutely incorrect. I am 54 and a quarter,' Harris said cooly after Couric reported her height as 5'2." 'They just want to make us just smaller in every way,' she lamented. Harris added she was 5'7" and a half when she wore heels. 'I've said this to my team, I don't know where that came from, I haven't been 5'2" since I was twelve,'" she said, clearly frustrated that the misinformation online had not been corrected. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) departs from the Senate Chambers If elected Vice President Vance would be the tallest vice president in recent memory. Former Vice President Mike Pence is 5 10, Biden, who was former President Barack Obama's vice president is 6 feet tall. Former Vice President Dick Cheney is 5 8 and former Vice President Al Gore is 6'1." A mother of two with a baby in her arms was seized and handcuffed by heavily armed police at a London airport after they mistook her for a drink-drive fugitive. Horrified Brazilian-born Alline Fernandes Dutra was stopped as she checked in baggage for a family trip to Italy from the airport. It is currently unclear at which airport in London the incident took place. British-based businesswoman Alline, 36 was mistaken for another Brazilian national named Aline Fernandes who had apparently fled a drink-driving charge court case in 2022. But chilling phone footage shot by Alline's British husband Joel Winston Petrie shows how police insisted on arresting her. Horrified Brazilian-born Alline Fernandes Dutra was stopped as she checked in baggage for a family trip to Italy The police reportedly dismissed Alline's protests as 'irrelevant' and led her to a cell where she was fingerprinted Even when her prints did not match the fugitive's prints police refused to let her go and held her in custody overnight Alline told the police that although the names are similar they are significantly different with different spellings and family names. And when she was finally shown a picture of the fugitive it was obvious that it was not her, she said. Even when the couple told police Alline does not drive or even have a licence they still led her away to an airport cell following the 13th June arrest, according to Brazillian media. In one tense exchange, Alline says as she cradles her baby: 'I am not being arrested. I haven't done anything wrong.' But a female officer insists: 'You are already under arrest.' Alline's husband says: 'One, she doesn't drive, two it's not her picture - so why are you arresting her?' One officer snaps back telling Alline she will 'have to explain that to the court'. The police reportedly dismissed their protests as 'irrelevant' and led Alline away to a cell where she was processed and fingerprinted. But even when her prints did not match the fugitive's prints police refused to let her go and held her in custody overnight for a hearing at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 14th June. Horrified Alline realised that the police had not included either the fingerprint evidence or the photos that would have cleared her instantly in their evidence, according to Brazilian media. Worse, her address had reportedly been inserted on the original 2022 arrest documents linking her to the case. It was only when magistrates saw a video of the fugitive's original 2022 arrest that they realised they were dealing with two different women, according to reports. The case was remanded until 28th June for further inquiries when magistrates, reports Brazilian media, declared her innocent. But Alline still has to carry a document showing her innocence in case she is arrested again. Brazilian media say she had been held in custody from 11 am on 13th June until 5 pm the next day. Alline later told Brazilian media: 'I said I don't know how to drive, I don't have a driver's licence, and I wasn't in the vicinity where the other person was arrested. 'During my arrest at the airport, the police refused to show me the information they had taken down about the suspect arrested in 2022, such as her date of birth, address, what car she was driving, or where she was arrested.' When she finally did see the suspect's photo, says Alline, it was obvious it was not her. She said: 'The photo was clearly not me! When my husband questioned the police about the photo, they said that the fact that it was not me was irrelevant.' Alline added: 'After seeing the video of 'Alinne Fernandes' being arrested in 2022, they said it wasn't me, and so I was released on parole with a date set for my return. 'My family and I returned to court on the 28th for another hearing, and for my defence to clarify once and for all the mistake that the British police made in wrongly arresting me.' Photos appearing in Brazilian media show Alline's chaffed, raw wrists and her bruised, swollen feet. Alline was born in Goiania, Brazil. but has lived in the United Kingdom for 15 years, and has dual Brazilian and Italian citizenship, according to Brazilian media. In a statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Consulate General in London, reported that it is monitoring the case and providing the Brazilian national with the necessary consular assistance. Brazilian media requested information from the police in London but had not received a response at the time of writing. A high-end apartment building is so overrun with huge rats that residents can't sleep or cook, and always carry something to ward off the rodents. The Flats in Dupont Circle, in a popular inner-city Washington DC neighborhood, rents out studios starting at $2,000 and two-bedrooms for $4,300. But despite desirable amenities like a gym, 24-hours concierge, yoga studio, a pool and sun deck, and dry cleaning, dozens are clamoring to leave. A survey found 78 of 145 residents who responded saw a rat in their unit in the past six weeks, and they were even photographed in the gym. A high-end apartment building is so overrun with huge rats that residents can't sleep or cook, and always carry something to ward off the rodents A rat is caught on security camera scurrying across a kitchen in the building Tenants filmed the 'cat-sized' rats scurrying around their apartments, found their floors covered in droppings after going on holiday, or are woken up by their noise. Some go to bed armed with sticks to ward them off or hit the walls when they hear them inside, or walk around with objects to throw at them. The rats are persistent and cleaver, gnawing through walls and brick mortar, squeezing past sheet metal, and sneaking up rubbish chutes. Residents claimed the building management, Equity Residential, largely ignored their complaints and failed to fix the problem. The company sent an email last month residents saw as minimizing the problem, despite dozens of complaints over months. 'While only a small percentage of our apartment homes are affected, please know that we are working diligently to address each reported case. The Flats in Dupont Circle, in a popular inner-city Washington DC neighborhood, rents out studios starting at $2,000 and two-bedrooms for $4,300 A rat caught in a trap set up by one of the residents inside their apartment Said they were sealing entry points to the building rats used, and its pest control contractor was inspecting apartments and doing drill and dust treatments to follow rodents to their burrows with a tracking powder. 'We can use you help with keeping any potential food sources off of counters, keeping trash containers empty, garbage disposals clean/clear, and reporting anything that you see.' One resident wrote in a message to a local social media page that 'lots of us are getting concerned for our health'. 'Apparently there is a horsefly issue in the lobby of the building due to dying rodents in the walls and a stench that has needed to be addressed several time[s] for the same reason,' they wrote. The problem is so bad that DC Health ordered the building management on July 1 to show it was working to get rid of the 'active rat burrows'. Two weeks later, it planned to fine the company $500, and more if the issue continued to go unsolved. A rat scurries across the gym at the high-end building packed with amenities A rat jumps on to a shelf as the startled tenant films its intrusion Residents, who can't just leave because of huge lease breaking penalties, got fed up and formed a WhatsApp group called 'The rats at DuPont circle' to share stories and evidence, and organize the survey and demands to management. 'I've waked up to giant rats in my apartment nearly every night for the last month,' one comment on the survey read, according to the Washington Post. 'They have died in the walls multiple times and the management does nothing. The smell is so awful and if you have asthma it makes it worse,' another added. 'No matter how often you have the window open or clean it doesn't work if you can't find the source! Even air purifiers didn't help!' A third wrote: 'Rats are taking the place over, lots of evidence of rats and I have seen them inside my unit various times. I'm going to start charging em rent.' A fourth recalled: '[One] attacked my foot while I was cooking and then ran under the stove and then another one scurried out from under my dish washer and also ran under the stove. 2 rats in my kitchen.' Ben Lowe, 25, the resident group's defacto leader, told the newspaper he lost so much sleep from the rats that work colleagues asked if he was sick. He got so annoyed he caught a rat in a trap and left it in the leasing manager's office to make a point. The building management sent an email last month residents saw as minimizing the problem, despite dozens of complaints over months Another tenant, Maria Pena, takes a stick to bed to hit the wall when she hears the rats inside, and is so terrified she paid for her brother to come form Bogota, Colombia, to stay with her for six months. 'I was basically broken in tears,' she said of one time she was so sleep deprived she couldn't function at work. At least one resident sued Equity Residential and others will likely follow. Kayla Goodman-Weinbaum took the company to small claims court and got permission to break her leave without penalty, and some of her rent back. She said her rat infestation was so bad that she moved a couch on to her balcony and slept there, despite a summer heatwave, after discovering a rat gnawed on a lollipop and left the rest covered in hair. 'Receiving money for my bad experience also isn't a replacement for competent and effective pest control,' she said. New York, US (PANA) - Five senior UN officials have welcomed the decision by The Gambia to uphold its ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling it a critical win for womens and girls rights Barrister and TV star Rob Rinder says he changed his anti-death penalty stance after finding out about the executioner who hanged a Nazi responsible for his grandfather's torture. The presenter's grandfather, Morris Malenicky, escaped the death camps because he was a teenager and capable of working so forced into slave labour at Buchenwald concentration camp instead. Mr Rinder's Jewish ancestors - great grandparents, as well as four great aunts and a great uncle - were murdered at Treblinka death camp during the Holocaust. As part of research for his latest programme, Britain Behind Bars: A Secret History, Mr Rinder, still a member of the Bar although not currently practising, found out about one of the country's last and most famous hangmen Albert Pierrepoint, who executed 200 Nazis, as well as a string of notorious UK murderers. The 46-year-old said his experience as a defence barrister has always made him a staunch advocate of Article 2 of the Human Rights Act the right to life and against state executions. Barrister and TV star Rob Rinder says he changed his anti-death penalty stance after finding out more about Albert Pierrepoint, the executioner who hanged a Nazi responsible for his grandfather's torture during the Holocaust As part of research for his latest programme, Britain Behind Bars: A Secret History, Mr Rinder, researched into one of the country's last and most famous hangmen Albert Pierrepoint Executioner Albert Pierrepoint who was responsible for hanging a string of notorious UK murderers, as well as 200 Nazis - including one responsible for torturing Rinder's grandfather during the Holocaust But finding out about how Pierrepoint dispatched one of Buchenwald's commanders, 'responsible for torturing my grandfather', Mr Rinder said: 'It changed my view (against capital punishment). 'It made me less confident (and see) that the issues are complex.' Mr Rinder's grandfather Mr Morris, a Lithuanian Jew, arrived in Britain as one of 300 'Windermere children' orphans who survived the Holocaust and were brought to the Lake District. The television star, speaking at the Buxton International Festival, Derbyshire, learned about Pierrepoint while filming at Shrewsbury's historic former prison for his latest series, currently showing on Channel 4. He said the programme director invited him to read a two-page summary about Pierrepoint, who was appointed to be one of the hangmen after the Nuremberg trials of senior Nazis following the end of World War Two. The first page was about the hangman as a person, including a grim tale of how he executed a string of prisoners on one day 'two by two', adding: 'I did it early, because I wanted to be home to have my supper in time.' But Mr Rinder recalled how the director then urged him to 'have a sip of Scotch' before turning over the page to find a list of the notorious criminals Pierrepoint had dispatched at the gallows including Nazi figures. Robert Rinder's grandfather Morris Malenicky was forced into slave labour at Buchenwald concentration camp during the Holocaust. Pictured: Morris with his wife Lottie Turning point: Rinder said he changed his views on the death penalty after finding out more about British executioner Albert Pierrepoint (pictured in 1973 writing his memoirs) A photograph of Nazis on trial for war crimes and sentenced to death by a British military court after the Second World War. They were executed by hanging on 13 December 1945 at Hamelin prison by British executioner Albert Pierrepoint 'One of them was at Buchenwald, who was personally responsible for torturing my grandfather. 'The director asked me, 'so what do you think (of capital punishment) now?' The programme, which began last week, saw Mr Rinder visit three prisons in total, also including Dartmoor, Devon, and Shepton Mallet, in Somerset. Robert Rinder previously researched his family history in BBC's Who Do You Think You Are (pictured) - and learnt his grandfather's entire family was wiped out at Treblinka in Poland The barrister spoke out against repeatedly sending prisoners to jail for short periods without proper rehabilitation. He said: 'What's fascinating in terms of short-term sentences is we've been doing the same thing again and again over the years, expecting a different outcome, which is the definition of madness.' During the talk, Mr Rinder also confirmed he would be filming another series of The Grand Tour, with fellow television presenter Rylan Clark which has been rumoured since the first series aired in May. Asked by an audience member about his next project, he replied: 'The next series will be another tour with Rylan. I don't think it's been announced (yet). 'I don't make telly for telly's sake. There's a reason we went on the Grand Tour we were exploring something personal for ourselves and it was something cultural as well.' But as well as exploring art and culture in Rome, Florence and Venice, Mr Rinder told how he and Mr Clark came under homophobic abuse and had to be saved by four elderly women. He likened the 'four Nonnas' to Roman soldiers, saying they formed a 'Praetorian Guard' around the pair in Venice and walked them to St Mark's Square after they were insulted while being filmed dressed in drag. The Secret Service ramped up security around Donald Trump after receiving intelligence of an Iranian assassination plot in the weeks before he was shot at the Pennsylvania rally, a bombshell report reveals. Despite the heightened state of alert, 20-year-old gunman Thomas Mathew Crooks was still able to climb on a roof just 140 yards away from the former president and open fire with a clear line of sight. The staggering assassination plot, first reported by CNN, raises more questions of the Secret Service and the massive security failure that led to the attempt on Trump's life. It does not appear that Saturday's shooter is connected to the Iranian plot. Crooks, 20, shot Trump in the ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday before he was taken out by U.S. Secret Service. The new report of enhanced security around the former president could raise even more questions after Republican outcry ensued on how Secret Service failed to detect the would-be assassin before he opened fire at the rally. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced calls to resign over the massive security failure and claims there was no presence on top of the building where Crooks shot at Trump because it had a sloped roof. Ever since the attack that took out Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran has vowed revenge. The attack took place under Trump's presidency in January 2020. Officials who worked on national security in Trump's administration have had tight security teams since then. And in March, the FBI posted a notice seeking information on an alleged Iranian spy the agency believed is 'involved in plots to kill current and former US government officials.' U.S. authorities were provided intelligence from a source in recent weeks detailing the Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, multiple people briefed on the situation told CNN. In a statement on Sunday, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that the agency recently 'added protective resources and capabilities to the former President's security detail.' Trump's campaign has received multiple warnings more recently about their outdoor rallies because it poses higher risks than indoor events that have controlled access points to the venue. But sources claim these warnings were more general in nature and did not specifically disclose the threat from Iran. The roof where Crooks was positioned to try and assassinate Trump was just 147 yards from where Trump was speaking on stage. It does not appear that would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was connected to the Iranian plot USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle claims there was no presence on top of the building where Crooks shot at Trump because it had a 'sloped roof'. Pictured: Police stand on the slanted roof where the body lay of would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks While local police snipers were inside the manufacturing building, none were on top because of the sloped roof, Cheatle claims. 'That building in particular has a sloped roof at its highest point. And so, you know, there's a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldn't want to put somebody up on a sloped roof,' the Secret Service chief told ABC News in an interview Tuesday. 'And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside.' Witnesses pleaded for law enforcement to act when they saw Crooks climb onto the roof with his AR-style rifle, but the lapse in security allowed him to remain there for up to 30 minutes before he pulled the trigger. The mistakes that led to Trump nearly escaping death sparked calls for Cheatle to step down, but she has refused. Saturday's assassination attempt on Trump does not appear to be connected to the Iranian plan to carry out their own attacks against the former president and now officially the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Crooks was a registered Republican who in 2021 donated to a group backing President Joe Biden. He graduated high school in 2022 in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and was described as a loner who was bullied. The gunman was neutralized by agents seconds after he shot Trump in the ear. He killed one rally goer, former fire chief and father-of-two Corey Comperatore, 50, and critically injured two others David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74. Iran has vowed revenge ever since the January 2020 attack under President Trump that took out Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qasem Soleimani (pictured) The FBI released a notice in March for an alleged Iranian spy they say is behind the plot to assassinate current and former government officials in retribution for the death of Soleimani Just four months before Saturday's attempt, the FBI posted a notice requesting information on an alleged Iranian spy it believed to be involved in assassination plots. Majid Farahani, 42, is accused by the FBI of plotting revenge killings after Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was killed in a Trump administration-led attack. The FBI claims Farahani is acting on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. One of America's most beloved seasoning mixes has been banned in South Korea after officials classified an ingredient as a narcotic. Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been prohibited after it entered the country's official list of restricted foods in 2022. According to South Koreas Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the poppy seeds in the blend might contain opiates. A representative from Seouls Incheon Airport said, 'Seed products with narcotic substances have always been banned from being brought into Korea. 'Recently, the customs offices have been strengthening crackdown on narcotic related items.' Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs including narcotics can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or fined up to 100 million won under the Narcotics Control Act in the country. Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been prohibited after it entered the country's official list of restricted foods in 2022 According to the Trader Joe's website, the beloved $1.99 item contains a blend of sesame seeds (white and black), dried garlic and onion, sea salt flake along with poppy seeds As a result of the ban, travelers arriving at Seouls Incheon Airport recently have reported seeing signs specifically mentioning the Everything But the Bagel seasoning mix not being permitted. One such signage that was posted on X read: 'We would like to inform you that the following products containing poppy seeds are restricted from being brought into the country as "Papaver Somniferum L", an ingredient of the poppy family designated as narcotic substance under South Koreas narcotic drugs control law has been detected.' In February 2023, the US Defense Department issued a memo stating that the eating poppy seeds can result in a positive urine test for the opiate codeine. These seeds come from a species of poppy plant called Papaver somniferum which in Latin means sleep-bringing which insinuates that it might contain opiates. As a result of the ban, travelers arriving at Seouls Incheon Airport recently have reported seeing signs specifically mentioning the Everything But the Bagel seasoning mix not being permitted Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs including narcotics can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or fined up to 100 million won under the Narcotics Control Act in the country Opiates are known to be powerful compounds that depress the central nervous system and can induce drowsiness and sleep and is majorly used in painkillers, the most biologically active of which are morphine and codeine. While the seeds themselves do not have opiates, experts believe they can become contaminated with opiates contained in the milky latex of the seed pod covering them during harvesting. According to the Trader Joe's website, the beloved $1.99 item contains a blend of sesame seeds (white and black), dried garlic and onion, sea salt flake along with poppy seeds. Apart from being used on bagels, the mix is also used on grilled chicken, buttered popcorn, baked potatoes, creamy dips, pizza dough, salad dressings, pasta, mac and cheese as well as panko-breaded items. Other countries including Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have restrictions on poppy seeds as well, according to SFGate. Jay Slater's mother says she wants to see him one last time after Spanish authorities confirmed that a body found in a ravine on Tenerife was that of her son. Debbie Duncan intends to visit her son after his body was found in a state of deterioration almost one month after the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer disappeared on the Canary Island. A preliminary autopsy has revealed Jay suffered broken bones when he plunged to his death from a height in a ravine near the village of Masca on the island's west coast. The ravine in which Jay was found is a treacherous, almost inaccessible detour from the path in the Baranco Juan Lopez area of the Rural de Teno national park. And while the family have not been told they need to formally identify the body, a spokesperson says Ms Duncan, 55, wants to see her boy for a final time. It comes as: Jay Slater pictured with his mother Debbie Duncan, who has said she wants to see her son one last time Volunteers searching for Jay Slater in the rural regions near Masca at the end of last month Spanish police released footage showing officers searching the area in the hours before they found a body. They had continued a 'discreet search' away from 'curious onlookers' Jay Slater was found dead at around 10am on Monday July 15 after almost a month of searching by Spanish authorities Ms Duncan's wish comes despite, a spokesperson for the family said, the fact that it is possible Jay had lain in the ravine for 'the best part of a month'. The spokesperson said: 'Formal identification of Jay's body will be done using a DNA sample provided by the family to the Spanish Guardia Civil during the early stages of the search. 'Debbie has said she wants to see him one last time. Obviously that's a personal voice but given he's been there the best part of a month in those conditions, I'm not sure that's a memory she will want.' Ms Duncan said the revelation that the body found was that of her son was 'the worst news'. She said in a statement: 'I just can't believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.' The result of the preliminary autopsy pointed to the cause of death being 'a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered', the Civil Guard said. Jay, 19, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, vanished following a night out on the Spanish island on June 17, prompting a huge search operation involving police, volunteers and family members which spanned almost a month. On Monday morning, the Spanish Civil Guard found a body with his possessions and clothing, near to where his phone last pinged a mobile phone tower as he made a final phone call to his friends. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice has now confirmed that it was Jay. Officials also revealed documentation belonging to Jay was discovered with the body. At a court hearing on Tuesday, a spokesman said: 'Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.' Officials have, however, refused to say whether a 12,000 Rolex watch was among the possessions found with his body. TV detective Mark Williams-Thomas - last seen filming a documentary for the scandal-hit PPE Medpro firm linked to Tory peer Lady Mone - claimed Jay had shared a picture of the watch on his Snapchat after swiping it from a fellow reveller. The Civil Guard in Tenerife said this afternoon: 'All the information we're prepared to release at this stage has been put in the public domain. 'Any updates should we decide to publish any more information will be made available through the normal channels.' Arrangements are being made to repatriate the body to the UK after the discovery - which came after a full-scale search of the region was wound down by police on June 30. However, investigations continued at pace in the background - with Spanish police keen to keep amateur detectives and TikTok sleuths from impeding their work amid a flurry of conspiracy theories about Jay's disappearance. A body found in the hunt for Jay Slater has now been confirmed as the missing teenager, a court spokesperson said Pictured: Jay Slater with his mother Debbie Duncan A Civil Guard spokesman said Jay's injuries included several broken bones. She said: 'The body of the man located yesterday has been identified of that as Jay Slater through fingerprint comparison and identification. 'The result of the preliminary autopsy points to the cause of death being a fall or plunge from height due to the broken bones he suffered.' Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings. He said: 'The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height. There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible. Jay Slater timeline Sunday June 16: Jay and his friends, including Lucy Mae Law, party at the final day of the NRG music festival at Papagayo night club in the resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. Monday June 17: Between 3am and 6am BST, Jay goes back to an Airbnb with two men after they leave Playa de las Americas in a car. 7.30am: Jay shares a photo on his Snapchat account, which shows him standing at the doorway of a house with the location Parque Rural de Teno. Between 8.15am and 8.30am: Jay calls Lucy and says he is 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and has missed a bus back south and was attempting to walk. It would take 11 hours. The call cuts out and the phone's last location is a path in the rugged Rural de Teno national park, which is popular with hikers. Grainy CCTV, released on June 24, shows a possible sighting of Jay at Santiago at around 6pm - nearly ten hours after his mobile phone last pinged in the Rural de Teno Park at around 8.50am. The CCTV is taken close to a church, San Fernando Rey, where Jay's mother told MailOnline a man has come forward to say he saw someone matching her son's description sitting on a bench with two men. Tuesday June 18: Friends search the area but there is no sign of Jay and he does not return to his accommodation. Local police and mountain rescue teams start hunting for Jay - and his mother Debbie flies to Tenerife. Wednesday June 19 - Spanish police use drones, dogs and a helicopter but Jay is not found. They change their search to Los Cristianos because of a possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno. Thursday June 20: Guardia Civil, mountain rescue, firefighters and volunteers continue to search the national park. Friday June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined by the Spanish police. Saturday June 22: Search teams continue scouring the national park and Debbie says: 'We just need you home.' Sunday June 23: Police examine outbuildings at the bottom of a ravine where his phone last pinged. Monday June 24: MailOnline learns Spanish police are investigating whether Jay's past is relevant. Jay's family focus on the area of Santiago de Teide - where the grainy CCTV they think is Jay was taken. Tuesday June 25: Jay's mother issues a heartbreaking plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out to Tenerife. TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas is seen outside Airbnb Jay went to. Wednesday June 26: Mr Williams-Thomas tells the two men that Jay went back with to 'come forward with crucial information' Thursday June 27: Jay's mother says she is in talks to withdraw some of 36,000 from GoFundMe to help with rescue efforts and living expenses. Friday June 28: Police in Tenerife call for an army of volunteers to help them scour the rugged terrain. Saturday June 29: Only six volunteers show up to help with the search. Investigators also say the two men Jay went back with have 'no relevance' to the case. Sunday June 30: Spanish police officially end the search for Jay Slater. They say the investigation 'remains open', however. Monday July 15: A body is found in the hunt for Jay Slater. His possessions and clothing are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an 'accidental fall'. Tuesday July 16: Spanish court confirms that the body is Jay's. His mother pays tribute to her 'beautiful boy'. Advertisement 'We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest back.. We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere'. A family spokesman told MailOnline before the hearing: 'The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for. 'Initially they thought how could he be so close and yet be missed but now having seen the location they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search. 'It looks as if he fell from a height so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time. There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK and repatriation should be within a week or so it's all time dependent.' The family update followed Jay's best friend Lucy Law penning an emotional tribute to the 'happiest and most smiley person'. Jay had jetted off to Tenerife for an eight-day holiday with Lucy and another friend, Brad Hargreaves, before he vanished. In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know. 'I'm sure you'll 'have your dancing shoes polished and ready' waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.' Brad, meanwhile, wrote: 'Nothing be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.' It comes after the Spanish Civil Guard revealed that they had continued a 'discreet search' despite saying they had stopped looking in the area on June 30. The shock decision after just 13 days led to amateur sleuths vowing to continue their own search through the rugged Tenerife mountains, while Jay's family refused to give up and leave the Spanish island. The high-profile investigation saw internet sleuths jet out from the UK to Tenerife, while platforms such as TikTok and Facebook were awash with vile conspiracy theories which Jay's mother claimed 'hindered' efforts to find him. Announcing the discovery of a body yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard said: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers. Jay, 19, vanished on the island of Tenerife last month, prompting a huge search effort which involved police, volunteers, family members and even TikTok sleuths. The apprentice bricklayer was attending the three-day NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. Video from the early hours of June 17 shows Jay partying the night away at Papagayo nightclub in the tourist resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of the island. At around 5am, Jay left the Veronicas strip and got into a Seat Leon hire car with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Qassim's unnamed friend, who he had met earlier on the holiday. They travelled to Qassim's 40-a-night Airbnb, Casa Abuela Tina, in the remote village of Masca - around an hour's drive away from Playa de las Americas. While in the car Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. At Casa Abuela Tina, Jay posted a picture on Snapchat at 7.30am of him standing in the doorway of the property having a cigarette - with the location tagged as being in Rural de Teno park, near Masca. The men he went back with were deemed 'not relevant' to the investigation by Spanish police. Half an hour later, the teenager decided to try and make his way back to his accommodation and was spotted at a bus stop outside the Airbnb. After missing a bus, he called his friend Lucy Law between 8.15am and 8.30am, telling her he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation - a journey that would take around 11 hours. In the frantic last phone call, Jay said he had 'cut his leg' on a cactus and had 'no idea where he was'. Lucy said her friend told her he was 'lost in the mountains, he wasn't aware of his surroundings, he desperately needed a drink and his phone was on 1 per cent'. Jay's phone ran out of battery shortly after with his phone last pinging in the Rural de Teno park at 8.50am. At around 9.04am, Jay is reported missing and his friends spend the day searching but to no avail. The following day, local police and mountain rescue teams scoured the rugged landscape and his family flew out to Tenerife to join the search. On June 19, the search was temporarily moved to the Los Cristianos area in the south of the island because of a potential lead, but this is quickly discounted and the search returned north. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, said she feared her son had 'been taken against his will'. Emergency workers continued to comb bushes, overgrown terrain, hillsides and rivers back in the Masca valley, but failed to find the missing teenager. Jay's father Warren Slater and brother Zak pictured during a search and rescue last month The Spanish police also came under fire for rejecting support from the Lancashire Constabulary back in the UK. On June 28, after having no luck in finding Jay, the Spanish police appealed for a mass army of volunteers such as firefighters and mountaineering experts but only six people turned up the following day. On June 30, Spanish police then called off the search but insisted the case 'remains open'. Jay's family and friends stayed in Tenerife, while TikTok sleuths also vowed to continue helping. One TikTok detective subsequently quit the search after saying he and his group had not received any of the money raised to help find Jay on GoFundMe. But Jay's mother hit back, claiming she had given him 740 of her own money for accommodation, adding: 'We don't need hikers, we need experts.' TikTok explorer Paul Arnott was also helping in Tenerife, as was detective-turned-investigator Mark Williams-Thomas. Nevertheless, Spanish police officers were discreetly continuing their own search of the mountains. On July 14, Debbie spoke of her 'heartache' and criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' about her son's disappearance. Jay Slater's best friend Lucy Law (right) posted an emotional message to the 'happiest and most smiley person' after a body was found near where his phone last pinged In a heart-wrenching Instagram post published last night Lucy wrote: 'Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you'll be missed more than you know' Jay's friend Brad Hargreaves, who went on holiday with him and flew back last week, paid a poignant tribute on Instagram on Monday A video released on Monday showed police mountain rescue experts moving through difficult terrain on foot, scaling mountains and picking their way through thick undergrowth Part of the clip shows two members of the search team (pictured) being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body (not pictured) had been found and recovered A 13-day search by police using drones, dogs and a helicopter failed to find any trace of Jay In a statement released through LBT Global, Ms Duncan said: 'As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay's disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.' Ms Duncan said the family wish to thank the public for 'their continued support and well wishes' and praises the British Embassy and police for 'doing all they can to support us'. But she also criticised 'awful comments and conspiracy theories' posted on social media, which she branded 'vile' and says were 'hindering' people trying to help locate the teenager. Just 24 hours later, a body was found by Spanish police. Charity LBT Global said that while formal identification has not yet taken place, the remains were found with the 19-year-old's clothes and possessions near his last known location. Members of a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard discovered the body near the village of Masca on Monday. The force said Jay could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where the body was discovered. The body was lifted out of a ravine described by police as 'steep and inaccessible' by a helicopter belonging to a regional government emergency and rescue group. The 40-a-night remote Airbnb in the remote village of Masca where Jay spent his final hours before going missing Jay Slater's final Snapchat at 7.30am on Monday June 17, taken at remote Airbnb before he went missing Jay's mother Debbie Duncan and father Warren Slater leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas on July 2 It will likely be transported to the northern city of La Laguna where an autopsy will be performed in the coming days. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said that the 'lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search'. They added: 'Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days.' Parts of the countryside were 'preserved' so they were 'not filled with curious onlookers', they told Sky News. Officers continued: 'All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 - in the absence of full identification. 'The first investigations reveal he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy.' Supporters raised more than 54,000 to help fund the hunt for the teenager. Questions have been raised about what will happen to the money given by generous strangers after a body was found following a month of searching. There has been a flurry of new donations since the tragic update was revaled. A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Sun it is in 'regular contact' with Jay's family to work out the next steps for dealing with the money over the next few weeks. The Telegraph reported that the money will be used towards the funeral and repatriation costs. The family began to withdraw money two weeks ago to help with the search. Jay's mother Debbie previously said the money was also being used to support mountain rescue teams, her own accommodation and food costs. The cash was used to fly in a team of specialist rescue volunteers yesterday as five people and four dogs were deployed, with a sixth person joining today. The group were sent by the non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden, based in the Netherlands, who have about 20 years experience in searching for missing people. Signi Zoekhonden contacted Mr Slater's family after reading about the case and promised to deploy drones as part of their search, subject to flight permission being granted by local authorities. A taxpayer-owned shipyard will not be directly awarded the contract to build new CalMac ferries - putting its future in doubt. The Scottish Government yesterday launched the procurement process for seven new electric ferries on the Clyde and Hebrides network. Ministers rejected calls from trade unions and local politicians to directly award the contract to the Scottish Government-owned Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow amid legal concerns. But the yard is likely to bid for the work and ministers yesterday announced 14.2million of new funding to help it modernise and improve its prospects of winning new contracts. Last year, directors at Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG) warned there is a risk of insolvency if it does not secure a workstream of new contracts. Ministers have rejected calls to directly award new ferry building contracts to the nationalised Ferguson shipyard at Port Glasgow The over budget and behind schedule Glen Rosa ferry at Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said: It has taken far too long to reach this point to the dismay of islanders. As the procurement for the small ferries replacement programme finally gets underway, it is vital the SNP ensures it delivers value for money for taxpayer and puts the needs of island communities first. Given the secrecy that has been at the heart of the SNPs ferry scandal, the process of awarding this contract must be fair and transparent throughout. Once it is awarded, it must deliver ferries that are on time and on budget and are lifeline services islanders will be confident are reliable. Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesman Willie Rennie said: The decision to opt for a competitive tender process is risky as the yard needs a regular drumbeat of orders and work to maintain the skilled workers essential for the construction of the ferries. The estimated cost of the first phase of the small vessels replacement programme, which includes the seven ferries, port improvements and shore power upgrades, is around 175 million. Explaining why the contract was not directly awarded to Ferguson, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: Extensive analysis and legal advice confirm that a direct award of the small vessels phase one contract to FMPG introduces substantial risks and uncertainties for the shipyard and the communities which rely on the lifeline vessels, due to the strict conditions imposed by the UK Subsidy Control Act. Instead, we will do everything which is legally possible to support the yard and the workforce to secure a long-term future, which is why we have come to an agreement on initiatives and funding to improve productivity. The formal invitation to tender for the contract is expected to be issued in September, with a view to awarding the contract next March. The 14.2 million of new funding announced yesterday will be used over two years to support modernisation of the yard and to improve productivity. It will include buying new equipment and upgrading existing equipment. Talks are also said to be at a final stage with BAE Systems about the yard securing further work on the type 36 frigate programme. The two CalMac ferries already being built at the yard are already way over budget and behind schedule. The Glen Sannox was originally supposed to be finished in early 2018, while the Glen Rosa was due to be handed over by the end of that year. The two ships are due to cost 360 million, compared to an original estimate of 90 million, and the Scottish Government also handed the previous private operator of the shipyard a 45 million loan. Ms Forbes said: Now that Glen Sannox is approaching handover, our focus is on the next phase for FMPGs future. That requires change and investment to target new opportunities. The Board has developed a business plan that it believes has the potential to secure a competitive future. Subject to independent legal and commercial analysis, the Scottish Government will provide significant new funding to support the yards modernisation and improve productivity. Speaking to journalists in Aberdeen, Ms Forbes said a direct award could be tied up in legal wrangling and subsequently be the worst of both worlds for those on Scotlands islands. Ms Forbes said the Scottish Governments commitment to shipbuilding on the Clyde remains unwavering, but added: The company will of course be able to consider a bid, either individually or in partnership with other yards, but its long-term future depends on winning work on a competitive basis. Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, the quango responsible for CalMac ferries and harbours, said: We welcome the Scottish Governments decision to progress the SVRP. What matters for us is being able to move forward with our plans to improve the fleet with new vessels. This is great news for island communities, and we look forward to delivering the all-electric lifeline vessels over the coming years. A 'psychological monster' who beat, terrorised and threatened to kill her disabled husband over many months has been jailed for over two years. Elizabeth Ameyaw-O'Malley, 48, a 'cold, calculating, skilful manipulator' and devoutly religious woman of Ghanian descent, imposed 'religious rules' in the household. York Crown Court heard that she ruled with an iron fist, making her seriously ill husband Terence O'Malley's life a living nightmare. Prosecutor Brooke Morrison said any failure to comply with those 'strict rules' was met with violence inside the marital home in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Ameyaw-O'Malley, who used to work as a teaching assistant at a local primary school, would often poke her husband on the arm and elbow, knowing this would be 'particularly painful' because they were parts of his body seriously injured in the road accident. The court heard she once physically restrained him on a bed, climbed on top of him 'in rage' and punched him. She also repeatedly threatened him with a knife, telling him she would kill him, then punched him in the face with such force that his glasses broke. She then spat in his face. York Crown Court (pictured) heard that she ruled with an iron fist, making her seriously ill husband Terence O'Malley's life a living nightmare Ameyaw-O'Malley, a former teaching assistant and a doctor's daughter, turned into a 'monster' after her 62-year-old husband suffered serious injuries in a road accident in 2014 which left him disabled and partially sighted and quadriplegic. Ms Morrison said the former couple had been married for 16 years after meeting in Ghana. Mr O'Malley had fallen ill while on holiday in the west African country and was treated by his future wife's father through whom they met and later married. The initially happy marriage soured when Ameyaw-O'Malley's behaviour changed after she became her husband's carer following the road crash 10 years ago. 'The defendant, following the car accident, developed some quite extreme religious views which she attempted to impose (on Mr O'Malley and the household),' added Ms Morrison. 'She imposed a number of strict rules in his home and became violent whenever those rules were not complied with. That included shouting and becoming physically violent.' Things came to a head on January 21 this year when, during an argument, Ameyaw-O'Malley went into the kitchen, grabbed the 'largest knife in the house' and told her husband: 'I will kill you. God wants me to kill you.' She then ran at him with the kitchen knife and bit him on the chest, causing bruising. Ameyaw-O'Malley, of Mount View, Scarborough, was subsequently arrested but falsely claimed that it was her husband who had been abusive to her and was 'trying to make problems for her'. She was charged with using controlling and coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and threatening a person with a weapon. She denied the latter two offences but admitted using controlling and coercive behaviour between April 2023 and January this year. The prosecution ultimately dropped the charges she denied. Ameyaw-O'Malley appeared for sentence today when the prosecution read out a statement from her long-suffering husband, who divorced her soon after her arrest. He said he had been 'living in fear (of her) for some time' and described her as a 'psychological monster' who was 'unable to feel any remorse for the violence that she has inflicted'. He said she was 'a really cold, calculating woman' who 'believed her own lies'. Her husband had been 'traumatised' by her bullying behaviour and 'extreme religious views' and had since been diagnosed with clinical depression for which he was on daily medication. He has since fitted CCTV cameras around his home and changed all the door locks in case his ex-wife came round to the property. 'The (victim) said the defendant is a skilful manipulator who is highly deceitful,' added Ms Morrison. She said the victim had been 'scarred for life' by his ex-partner's behaviour which included 'multiple methods of controlling behaviour'. Ms Morrison said the father-of-two had been subjected to cruelty and violence for at least nine months which was intended to 'degrade' him through verbal abuse and insults. She said he was a 'particularly vulnerable' individual as he suffered from a range of serious health conditions including advanced renal disease and diabetes. Defence barrister Victoria Smithswain said that problems in the marriage had arisen due to the strain of Mr O'Malley's debilitating and deteriorating condition following the road accident. She said Ameyaw-O'Malley developed 'chronic fatigue' from looking after her husband which aggravated her violent and controlling behaviour towards him for 'many years of his life'. Judge Simon Hickey said Ameyaw-O'Malley's behaviour towards her 'extremely vulnerable' ex-husband was so serious that only an immediate jail sentence could follow. He told her that instead of providing her ex-husband with love and care following the road accident, she had subjected him to 'extreme violence' over many months. Mr Hickey said she was a 'cold, calculating' woman who appeared to have a 'religious fixation' and didn't seem to feel 'any remorse or guilt' for what she had done. He said he agreed with the victim that Ameyaw-O'Malley had shown 'total indifference' to his suffering and had been 'ice cold after each and every act'. She had caused 'extreme emotional harm' with the intention of 'degrading this poor man'. Jailing Ameyaw-O'Malley for two years and three months, Mr Hickey told her she would serve half of that behind bars before being released on prison licence. She was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order banning her from contacting her ex-husband directly and going to his address. Boris Johnson says Donald Trump is on 'top form' despite the recent attempt on his life as the pair posed for a photograph together at the Republican National Convention. The former Prime Minister said he an the ex-President discussed Ukraine in a meeting at the fringes of the RNC and insisted Trump would 'give the strong and decisive leadership necessary to protect democracy against aggression'. Johnson attended the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and spoke on a panel about the UK and US elections alongside former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway. Disgraced Prime Minister Liz Truss also attended the event, but seemingly did not secure an audience with the presidential hopeful. She said it was 'great' to see Trump 'get nominated' and that he is the 'leadership the West needs'. Boris Johnson says Donald Trump is on 'top form' despite the recent attempt on his life. The pair posed for a photograph together at the Republic National Convention today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They also shared a roughly half an hour meeting where they discussed Ukraine Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Saturday, with the bullet having 'pierced' his ear, during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The former president, his face smeared with blood, forced his right fist through a tangle of agents' arms as he was escorted away Johnson and Trump engaged in talks for roughly half an hour, according to reports. Following their discussion, the ex-Tory leader issued a statement on social media, featuring a photograph of him and Trump, whose right ear was bandage, giving a thumbs up. Johnson said: 'It was great to see President Trump, who is on superb form following the appalling attempt on his life. I noted the courage, resilience and sheer indomitability with which he has responded. 'We discussed Ukraine at length and I know that he will give the strong and decisive leadership necessary to protect democracy against aggression.' Johnson also spoke on a panel about the elections, accompanied by Conway who served as an adviser during Trump's presidency. The discussion was attended by a few dozens people, reported The Mirror. In addition to Johnson and Truss, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who was elected Clacton MP during the UK's General Election earlier this month, is also due to attend the convention. Farage is expected to travel to the US on Wednesday after after the King's Speech in Parliament. Disgraced Prime Minister Liz Truss also attended the event, but seemingly did not secure an audience with the presidential hopeful. She said it was 'great' to see Trump 'get nominated' and that he is the 'leadership the West needs' In an interview after the assassination attempt, Trump said that when he looked up and saw that the crowd hadn't left, he felt he needed to offer assurance and project strength. He is pictured at the rally fist pumping his supporters The RNC is now in its second day, with Trump officially as its presidential nominee and US Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate. The presidential hopeful appeared at the convention Monday night, breaking cover for the first time since he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Saturday during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania. He energised the crowd Monday night by entering the arena with a bandage on his right ear after being injured during the assassination attempt Saturday. Trump was left bleeding from the head on Saturday after the barrage of bullets flew through the air, with one having 'pierced' his ear. Secret Service agents rushed to his aid and when they finally gave the go-ahead that it was safe to move from the stage, Trump was heard telling his agents - who had encircled him in a protective bubble and helped him to his feet - 'wait, wait, wait!' The former president, his face smeared with blood, forced his right fist through a tangle of agents' arms. He raised it high into the air before pumping his fist. 'Fight!' he mouthed to the crowd and cameras as he pumped his arm sharply three times, in a sign of undeniable defiance and assurance that he was OK. The gesture sent the crowd cheering, with many rising to their feet. 'We gotta move, we gotta move!' an agent shouted. In an interview with the Washington Examiner after the assassination attempt, Trump said that when he looked up and saw that the crowd hadn't left, he felt he needed to offer assurance and project strength. 'The energy coming from the people there in that moment, they just stood there. It's hard to describe what that felt like, but I knew the world was looking, I knew that history would judge this and I knew I had to let them know we are OK,' he said. Seeking again to reassure voters he remains robust despite the near-miss, Trump's team announced he will address a campaign rally this upcoming Saturday afternoon - just one week on from the attack - with his new vice presidential pick Ohio Sen. JD Vance (pictured after receiving the VP nomination on Monday night) Sen. J.D. Vance is seen pointing at former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio Seeking again to reassure voters he remains robust despite the near-miss, Trump's team announced he will address a campaign rally this upcoming Saturday afternoon - just one week on from the attack - with his new vice presidential pick. Trump received a rapt ovation on Monday evening when he appeared with a bandage on his right ear signaling how close he came to losing his life when a lone shooter on a roof fired at him. Saturday's rally will be their first chance to lay out the Trump-Vance campaign message in person. Given the shocking events of a week earlier, the Trump appearance - and the level of security at the rally - will be closely watched. Microsoft sparked internal revolt after it fired its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team, leading the program's leader to slam the company's 'changing business needs.' The tech giant's move was exposed in an email obtained by Business Insider, which appears to show the DEI internal team leader criticizing the fact diversity was 'no longer business critical.' Microsoft joins a number of tech companies in walking back DEI commitments that were made in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, including Google, Meta and Zoom. It is unclear how many employees were laid off, and Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com. Microsoft reportedly laid off its entire diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team, leading the team's leader to slam the company for feeling it is 'no longer business critical' In a statement to Business Insider, Microsoft insisted that its 'D&I commitments remain unchanged.' But according to the reported email leak, the former DEI team leader felt the company had quietly given up on the DEI initiatives it pushed during the BLM protests. This included spending $150 million on DEI programs, and mandating training on racial allyship and privilege for all non-Black employees. CEO Satya Nadella previously insisted such moves would not be a 'one-time event.' However, the email reportedly scathed how in the time since, 'true systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020.' It comes amid further questions over the company's pledge in 2020 to double the number of Black leaders it employs at the top of the company by 2025. Microsoft's progress on this promise appears to be unclear, and the company did not immediately respond to a request for an update. In a statement after the email was exposed, Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones said the company's commitments 'remain unchanged', and insisted its work on the issue will 'hold firm.' 'Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work,' he said. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made a number of moves in the wake of the BLM protests that he promised would not be a 'one time event' - including funneling $150 million into DEI programs The statement did not mention the reportedly fired employees, although they come at a time when the tech giant routinely culls its workforce when the fiscal year comes to an end. Last year, Microsoft announced plans to fire 10,000 staffers in a mass-sacking, joining a number of rivals as 'tech wreck' swept Silicon Valley. Like other tech giants, Microsoft hired a large number of new staff during the pandemic as its profits soared. But in the first months of 2023, the winds shifted as brands looked to save their bottom lines - with Microsoft continuing to roll out additional rounds of layoffs since. Mass layoffs also hit a number of Microsoft's competitors, with Amazon announcing plans around the same time to sack 18,000 employees. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk led the way when 'tech wreck' swept Silicon Valley, laying off huge swaths of their employees to save their bottom lines In March 2023, Meta announced it would cut roughly 10,000 jobs and cease recruiting in 5,000 positions it was trying to fill, part of a larger effort to cut 13 percent of its entire workforce. The most high-profile round of cuts, however, came at Twitter, after billionaire Elon Musk bought the company for $44 billion before turning it into X. Musk brutally cut 50 percent of the whole company's workforce, taking its whole staff count to fewer than 2,000 people. Simon Pritchett needed to go and 'get some fresh air' at the coast instead of sitting in his room looking at images involving child abuse, Hull Crown Court heard. Pritchett, 46, of Withernsea, East Yorkshire admitted three offences of making indecent images of children and another of possessing extreme pornography, involving animals. Ben Hammersley, prosecuting, said that police were alerted about images on the internet, including Snapchat, in February 2022 and they went to Pritchett's home. They seized his mobile phone, laptop and a computer and hard drive. 'All four were found to have illicit images in varying numbers,' said Mr Hammersley. Pritchett, 46, admitted three offences of making indecent images of children and another of possessing extreme pornography, involving animals. Hull Crown Court, where Pritchett was given 30 days' rehabilitation and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. There were 157 images of children in the most serious Category A, 82 in Category B and 91 in Category C. There were also images of bestiality. Pritchett originally denied distributing the images and he had been due to face a trial on August 27 but that charge was dropped. He claimed that he was sent images by a stranger but closed them and sent them back, telling the person on Snapchat to 'f*** off'. He later denied knowledge of the indecent images and having a look at them and claimed that he had been sent links but that, when he realised that they involved children, he deleted them. He admitted having an interest in bestiality. Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that Pritchett pleaded guilty and he was willing to comply with a community order. He had no previous convictions. Judge Mark Bury told Pritchett: 'I suggest you get out more. 'What you have been doing over an 18-month period is downloading and retaining indecent images of children and extreme pornography images. 'You have no history of contact sexual offending. There is no suggestion that you are a risk of it. 'You must understand that the seriousness of this offending is that each image that you have possession of represents an image of an abuse of a child. 'Okay, you didn't take the photograph of the abuse and you, even less, were not the abuser but if there wasn't market for this sort of offending, then fewer children would be abused in the first place. That's why it's serious.' Pritchett was prepared to admit that he had an interest in bestiality. 'You need to stop doing that as well,' said Judge Bury. Pritchett lived in a coastal area and there were plenty of things that he could do to 'get some fresh air and meet people' rather than 'sit in your room and access images like this'. Pritchett was given 30 days' rehabilitation and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. A deprivation order was made for his computer equipment. 'It's very important that you put behind you this offending,' said Judge Bury. 'If there is any repetition of it, next time it won't be a community order, it will be a prison sentence.' A decision for a sadistic killer who stabbed a woman 60 times during sex to give evidence at his public parole hearing in private, has been branded a 'farce' by the mother of his victim. Steven Ling, a farm worker, was jailed for life in December 1998 after admitting murdering Joanne Tulip on Christmas Day a year earlier. A charge of rape was left on file. Ling stabbed the 29-year-old 60 times during sex at his home in Stamfordham, Northumberland. In April last year, Caroline Corby, the chairwoman of the Parole Board for England and Wales, granted an application for Ling's fifth parole hearing to be held in public. But on the first day of proceedings, the panel chair said Ling's evidence would be heard in private. Doreen Soulsby from Wall, Northumberland whose daughter Joanne Tulip, was murdered by Stephen Ling in 1997 Ms Tulip's mother, Doreen Soulsby, said: 'It's just a farce. The fact that you can't see or hear the offender is just ridiculous for it to be a public hearing.' Ling opted not to appear on camera during the hearing. Ms Soulsby, who watched proceedings via a link, said she felt that there was a lack of consideration for victims' families. She applied for proceedings to be held in public and said hearing Ling's evidence was the reason she did so. 'I thought, at last, he is going to be accountable for what he has done, he will have to face it all,' she said. Parole reviews typically take place behind closed doors, but legal reforms that came into force in 2022 allow some to be heard in public, when requested, in a bid to remove the secrecy around the process. Steven Ling, a farm worker, was jailed for life in December 1998 after admitting murdering Joanne Tulip Joanne Tulip (pictured), 29, was stabbed 60 times on Christmas Day in 1997. A charge of rape was left on file. The panel chair said on Tuesday they considered hearing part of his oral evidence in public, but 'recent developments have satisfied me as panel chair that this would not give you (Ling) the opportunity to contribute your best evidence'. The media made a request to challenge the decision, but were told they could not address the panel. A Parole Board spokesperson said in a statement: 'To ensure the panel could make a fair and informed decision based on the risk he presents to the public, it was very recently decided that Steven Ling's evidence should be held in the private section of the hearing. 'This was to ensure there is opportunity for him to give his best evidence, and his ability to speak openly about specific areas of interest to the panel. 'The Parole Board understands that the public hearing attendees, especially the victims, were disappointed by these developments. We are very sorry that the victims were unable to observe all of the proceedings and understand the impact that this has had on them and their understanding of the process.' Statements from Ms Tulip's family were also heard in private and were described by the panel chair as 'extremely moving'. Doreen Soulsby pictured next to a photograph of her daughter Joanne Tulip She said: 'There can be no doubt that Ms Tulip's murder has caused lifelong harm.' Ling's prison offender manager gave evidence in public on Tuesday, telling the panel that Ling has been afforded 'the highest level of trust' in prison. She said her professional assessment is that he meets the test for release, but that her 'preference' is he be moved to 'open conditions' first where he can gain confidence in his ability to be in the community after 25 years in custody. The proceedings heard that Ling has been struggling with anxiety and stress, which his prison offender manager said was linked to 'the fear of judgment, shame, guilt' from his offending. She also said that he has 'always' been aware of the impact of his offending on Ms Tulip's family. 'He finds it very difficult to align himself with the person he was who committed that crime,' she said. She added that Ling knows 'nothing he can say or do will ever make amends for what happened'. There has also been confusion over the spelling of Ling's first name with official records differing over the years, but the Parole Board and Ministry of Justice have since corrected and confirmed the spelling. The decision to hear Ling's evidence in private follows the news which emerged last Thursday that double child killer Colin Pitchfork's next parole hearing will no longer be held in public due to 'unforeseeable developments including fresh allegations'. The Parole Board said that the allegations were 'in respect of relatively recent conduct' and apologised for the 'increased stress' on the families of the victims. Pitchfork, 64, was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling 15-year-old girls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. In June, there was a last-minute delay in murderer William Dunlop's public parole hearing, which was branded 'absolutely disgraceful' by the victim's mother. Joanne Tulip (pictured) who was murdered on Christmas Day in 1997 The hearing for Dunlop, who strangled pizza delivery woman Julie Hogg in Billingham, County Durham, in 1989, was adjourned after an eleventh-hour request by the Ministry of Justice, the Parole Board said. Ms Hogg's mother, Ann Ming, complained to staff at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, and could be heard saying: 'It's absolutely disgraceful.' Ms Ming campaigned for 15 years to bring Dunlop to justice for her daughter's murder. Almost two hours after the hearing was supposed to begin, a statement was read out by staff announcing the postponement. An amended Parole Board statement issued later in the day made no reference to the Ministry of Justice requesting an adjournment - having previously said new information was produced by the department 'at the last minute'. Ling was initially ordered to serve at least 20 years behind bars, but in 2009, a High Court judge cut the minimum term to 18 years. During sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, Mr Justice Potts told Ling: 'You inflicted appalling injuries on (Ms Tulip) while you were having sexual relations with her. I'm also satisfied that there was in your motivation an aspiration of sadism.' He added: 'You will never be released so long as it is thought you constitute a danger to women.' The parole hearing will continue on Wednesday with more evidence to be heard both in public and in private, with the panel likely to make a decision at a later date. The Associated Press, July 9, 2024 The Talibans morality police are contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation among Afghans, according to a U.N. report published Tuesday. Edicts and some of the methods used to enforce them constituted a violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the report said. The Taliban set up a ministry for the propagation of virtue and the prevention of vice after seizing power in 2021. Since then, the ministry has enforced decrees issued by the Taliban leadership that have a disproportionate impact on women and girls, like dress codes, segregated education and employment, and having a male guardian when they travel. The punishments attached to non-compliance with instructions and decrees are often arbitrary, severe and disproportionate, said the report from the U.N. Mission in Afghanistan. Sweeping bans with a discriminatory effect on women have been introduced. Human rights violations, as well as the unpredictability of enforcement measures, contribute to a climate of fear and intimidation among segments of the population. The mission said it documented at least 1,033 instances between August 2021 and March 2024 where ministry employees applied force during the implementation of orders, resulting in the violation of a persons liberty, and physical and mental integrity. This includes the use of threats, arbitrary arrests and detentions, excessive use of force by de facto law enforcement officials and ill-treatment. These instances mostly affected men, who were punished for allegedly violating Taliban orders or because their female relatives had breached them, according to the report. It said the ministrys role was expanding into other areas of public life, including media monitoring and eradicating drug addiction. Given the multiple issues outlined in the report, the position expressed by the de facto authorities that this oversight will be increasing and expanding gives cause for significant concern for all Afghans, especially women and girls, said Fiona Frazer, the head of UNAMAs Human Rights Service. The ministry rejected the U.N. report, calling its findings false and contradictory. Decrees and relevant legal documents are issued to reform society and should have their implementation ensured, the ministry said. The missions report comes a week after a Taliban delegation travelled to Qatar to attend a U.N.-sponsored meeting on increasing engagement with Afghanistan amid the countrys economic challenges and humanitarian crises. That meeting sparked anger from rights groups and activists because it excluded Afghan women and civil society. A woman who played a 'devout and pious Muslim' to attract the attention of a drill rapper as he planned a mass casualty terror plot has been spared jail. Tasnia Ahmed, 21, knew boyfriend Al-Arfat Hassan was planning an attack involving weapons or a bomb but did not alert the authorities. Ahmed was flattered by the attentions of weed-smoking Hassan, 21, who was known as 'Official TS' in his music and had 2.5m followers on social media, Woolwich Crown Court heard. Hassan bought chemicals online to construct an improvised explosive device and had videos showing how to kill a prisoner with knives. Ahmed, who had been in a relationship with Hassan since 2021, wept loudly in the dock as she was spared jail after earlier being convicted of two counts of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. Tasnia Ahmed (pictured) knew her boyfriend was intending to carry out an attack involving weapons or a bomb. She was today spared jail after earlier being convicted of two counts of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism Al-Arfat Hassan (pictured) was sentenced to five years in a Young Offenders Institution with an extended license period of two years after planning an attack involving weapons or a bomb but did not alert the authorities Known as Official TS, Al-Arfat Hassan (pictured) was a popular drill rapper with 2.5million followers on social media Judge Christopher Kinch KC began his sentencing remarks by telling Ahmed that she was not going to be sent to prison. Relieved Ahmed wept loudly while more than 20 family members and friends in the public gallery celebrated by rising from their seats and hugging each other. The court previously heard how Ahmed, from Tower Hamlets, had been in a relationship with Hassan since October 2021. He told her in a message: 'I have to get it done, I know the perfect spot where millions, millions of people are'. Ahmed told him he would be dying 'for a good cause' adding: 'I'll support you if that's what you really want.' She also offered to buy him a better knife. In messages to her cousins she referred to Hassan as 'bomb man' and a 'terrorist.' Judge Kinch said it was a 'exceptional case' that had 'not been either easy or straightforward'. He told Ahmed: 'You were convicted...on two counts of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. 'The prosecution accept you were following a persona desired to attract him and keep that interest. Hassan (pictured) aka Official TS wrote lyrics which showed 'growing immersion in Islamic ideology and extreme violence perpetrated by terrorist groups' 'You were excited at the prospect of a relationship with a young man who was a well-known drill artist who had over two million followers, and that you adopted a supportive persona in your online exchanges to further that relationship. 'The defence on the other hand argue that there was a predatory background to Hassan's actions. 'They point to the fact that you resorted to the desperate measure of creating a false account in the name of a fictitious cousin to explain to Hassan that you were seriously sick in hospital as a device to keep distance from him. 'Any invitation to treat you as a victim yourself would have been more persuasive if you had shown the insight and courage to plead guilty to these offences.' The judge said Ahmed's case lacked the 'added element of gravity and danger that must be present when someone shares the main offenders mindset and is motivated by a desire to assist a terrorist or potential terrorist in achieving their aims. 'Other than reference to possible days of the week, there was no information that you had about a potential date, about a location or locations, or about people or groups who were being targeted. 'No information about any workshop or storage arrangements that might have been made, nor about who was providing any assistance to Hassan. 'Had any report been made by you, it seems to me the these would be the first areas you would have been questioned on, and you could not have provided answers because your information did not cover those issues.' Judge Kinch said Ahmed 'secretive' behaviour resulted from 'pushing against the boundaries of a restrictive home environment. Hassan also used a cupcake emoji as a secret symbol for bombs as he planned his martyrdom in a suicide bombing 'When you wanted to report him to the 'feds', as you put it, you were worried about your parents finding out about an illicit relationship with a boy, and conversations with other young women of your acquaintance did nothing to inject common sense or realism into that situation. 'You are clearly an intelligent young women. Despite your educational accomplishments I've formed the view that you were decidedly immature even for your young years. 'It does appear to me that the offences here are so serious that neither a fine nor community sentence can be justified. 'In order to reflect the mitigating factors I have identified I ought to reduce the custodial term, in your case particularly to reflect the lack of maturity and the length of time that has passed before the case has come up for sentence, and reduce the the custodial term to one of 12 months imprisonment. 'I am satisfied that this is an exceptional case where it would be right and just to suspend the sentence of imprisonment.' Ahmed, wearing a green knitted top and black headscarf, was greeted outside the courtroom by cheering family and friends after she was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years. Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC earlier said Ahmed 'created and adopted a persona in which she played a devout and pious Muslim woman in order to attract and keep (Hassan's) attention and to enter into a relationship with him. 'Her motive in adopting a persona appears to be her desire, at least at some points, to have engaged in a relationship with someone who appeared to be dangerous. 'The defendant was willing to overlook and indeed at times encourage information disclosed to her by Hassan about his plans to commit a mass casualty terrorist attack. Sameer Anjum (pictured) became friends with Hassan online and they began discussing his plan for the terrorist attack 'Those plans, of course disclosed to her, included use of explosives or bladed weapons.' Ahmed also told Hassan in a phone-call on 10 February 2022 that he 'made her life not boring' but warned him: 'Don't go full on red'. Mr Sandiford said the information received and not reported by Ahmed was 'very significant' because Hassan was 'planning to commit a mass casualty terrorist attack using bombs or bladed weapons'. Hassan's lyrics showed 'growing immersion in Islamic ideology and extreme violence perpetrated by terrorist groups'. According to the prosecution his 'music and his social media posts led to him becoming engaged in text conversations with young fans. 'He consistently expressed support for violent jihad and repeatedly spoke of his desire to die as a martyr in a terrorist attack. 'He described himself as explosively violent, an extremist and a terrorist. 'He would threaten carnage by blowing himself up in a public place. 'He appeared to become increasingly obsessed with the idea of dying as a martyr by killing himself and others by carrying out a suicide bombing.' Sameer had assisted him with the creation of one of his music videos, the court heard. They became friends online and both became radicalised. The court also heard that Hassan and his friend Sameer Anjum, 17, used 'cupcakes' and cupcake emojis as code for bombs and 'calories' as code for how explosive they were. They had been exchanging extremist messages, graphics and voice notes almost daily over a number of months, Woolwich Crown Court heard. Jurors were shown detailed messages in which Anjum's mum Nabeela Anjum, 48, pleaded with her son to stop communicating with Hassan and told him 'please get rid of everything from your phone*' On 16 February 2022 Hassan had contacted Sameer suggesting he was about to undertake a suicide bombing. Sameer attempted to persuade him not to go ahead and asked his mother to buy him a train ticket to London but did not tell the police. Sameer Anjum (pictured) admitted failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism by failing to tell police information about Hassan Hassan contacted Anjum (pictured) suggesting he was about to undertake a suicide bombing Hassan later recorded a video of himself dressed all in black with a knife in a seat where he said 'need to go out looking good though, final moment, life took a very great turn.' He then showed the camera the two chemicals. In another video he said: 'You lot gonna miss the music man, we've all gotta go one day you know what I'm saying?' He was arrested on 27 February 2022 at Heathrow Airport as he was about to board a flight to Bangladesh. After reading about Hassan's arrest on the news Sameer deleted messages between them and 140 extremist videos. Kirsty Brimelow KC, defending, had Ahmed, was a 'victim' of Hassan, who she described as a 'predator'. Ms Brimelow continued: 'She was vulnerable, she was isolated, she was flattered by his attention. 'He sought out young women*he was communicating with more than one female admirer at the time, he smoked cannabis, mixed with his uncovered female customers and in that respect Miss Ahmed was correct in that she didn't take him seriously - she thought he was a fake. 'She messaged him with a joking message and then he (replies) straight back, and she finds it flattering that a man with 2.5 million followers would then respond.' Ms Brimelow said Ahmed exhibited 'no terrorism or extremist mindset' and that conversations between the two largely consisted of 'very banal and childish communications'. She said Hassan became 'controlling' and threatened 'to inform her parents of their relationship'. She read out a message sent by Ahmed to Hassan that read: 'Would you hurt my family if you stopped loving me?'. 'She became in a situation where she didn't know what to do', Ms Brimelow said. 'This is not a case where somebody was left a plan, left a suicide note, was shown certain items.' Hassan, of Enfield, north London, earlier admitted possession of acetone and hydrogen peroxide for the purposes of terrorism between 12 January and 4 March 2022. He denied but was convicted of possession of a video called 'You Must Fight Them' likely to be useful for preparing or committing an act of terrorism. The video included instructions for planning a terror attack, how to kill people with knives and how to make explosives including using acetone and hydrogen peroxide to make acetone peroxide or TATP using lightbulbs as a detonator. Hassan was earlier sentenced to five years in a Young Offenders Institution with an extended license period of two years. Sameer, of Leeds, admitted failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism by failing to tell police information about Hassan. He was sentenced to two and a half years in a Young Offenders Institution with an extended license period of 12 months. Ahmed was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for a period of two years. On each count a further period of 12 months licence was added to create a 'special custodial sentence of two years length' without any time in custody. The 21-year-old was ordered to undertake 60 rehabilitation requirement days and to perform unpaid work for a total of 150 hours. She was also made subject to a GPS trail monitoring requirement and told to pay the appropriate statutory charge. Registration requirements lasting 10 years were also applied as an automatic consequence of the sentence. Scotland's police officers will be paid to take part in Pride parades despite the force cutting back on fighting crime, the Mail can reveal. Uniformed officers are being urged to represent the overstretched force at LGBTI marches in exchange for pay or a day off in lieu. While hundreds will be on active duty policing the marches, senior officers have requested that other staff join the parades to show support for the marchers. The 'astonishing' move will also see plain-clothed officers on light duties given special Pride badges. It comes after Police Scotland shelved inquiries into minor crimes as it battles a financial black hole and the lowest number of officers in 16 years. Police Scotland officers are being encouraged to attend gay pride marches in return for pay or time off More than 5000 took part in "Glasgow's Pride Mardi Gla" parade from Glasgow Green, through the city centre to finish in George Square Rank-and-file officers last night accused top brass of setting a 'dangerous precedent' by paying officers to take part in 'highly political' parades. Calum Steele, the former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), said: 'Moving to a situation where officers are now paid to march (and actively encouraged with the inducement of payment to do so) is an astonishing development and has to raise questions over the effective use of resources.' David Kennedy, the current SPF general secretary representing officers, said police participation in parades was not a priority for the troubled force. He added: 'Whilst we fully support events like pride, Police Scotland is setting a dangerous precedent as to what events they should and shouldn't support in this manner. 'The police service is absolutely stretched; they are not answering routine calls and members of the public are having to wait over 20 minutes for 101 [non-emergency] calls to be answered. 'The priority must be to make sure that frontline resources are kept to a maximum level and are fully supported.' The revelations have appeared in an internal Police Scotland memo by Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, which has been seen by the Mail. It calls for officers to sign up to represent the force at Pride events in Glasgow, West Lothian, Oban and Stirling in the coming months. Organised by the Scottish LGBTI Police Association, those involved will 'represent the organisation' alongside other marchers in processions through town and city centres. The memo, which has now been widely circulated, promises officers a 'shift change or a day back will be provided for those participating in line with regulations'. ACC Mairs' memo - sent to divisional commanders and department heads - said it was 'recognised that this [Pride] is a community engagement opportunity, therefore participation will be considered a duty day'. Uniformed officers are being urged to represent the overstretched force at LGBTI marches in exchange for pay or a day off in lieu He adds: '[Officers] will parade in full uniform and PPE [personal protective equipment]' and 'modified/light-duty officers [taken off the frontline because of injury or suspension] and members of staff will wear plain clothes with Pride badge (supplied) to show their affiliation to policing.' ACC Mairs said he would be 'grateful' if the contents of the memo could be brought to the attention of 'all officers/staff under your control'. He also made it clear that 'participation numbers may need to be capped due to operational need'. The first Pride event will be held in Glasgow on Saturday (JULY 20) and the last is in Stirling on September 21. The new policy comes after Scotland's police chief was accused of 'virtue-signalling nonsense' when she apologised for enforcing laws which 'criminalised love'. Chief Constable Jo Farrell said in May that she was sorry for 'recent and historical injustices' suffered by 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex' people. Cathy Larkman, who served for more than 30 years and is now the national policing lead for the Women's Rights Network, criticised the new push to have police involved in the 'highly political' parades. She said: 'Policing a march is of course fine, as the public need to be kept safe and their rights to assemble protected. 'But in this case, officers are actually being pulled away to participate in a march. Chief Constable Jo Farrell recently publicly apologised for 'injustices' suffered by LGBT people 'That isn't right and it's hard to envisage any other situation where that would be permitted, let alone encouraged.' But Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: 'Police Scotland is responsible for policing a diverse community and one of our great strengths is that our officers and staff are drawn from different backgrounds and experiences. 'What unites us is our shared and non-negotiable set of values - integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights. 'We value the relationship we have with all diverse groups and it is important that Police Scotland is represented at events such as these. 'Participation will be considered by line managers to ensure there is no impact on operational policing.' Police Scotland has come under heavy heavy criticism after it emerged it was no longer going to investigate so-called 'minor' incidents. The cash-strapped force claimed shelving rather than probing so-called lesser crimes was part of a new 'proportionate response'. It is estimated 15,000 crimes a year may not meet the threshold for an investigation. Frontline officers said the move would risk missing opportunities to solve crimes as politicians claimed the force was being forced to 'surrender to criminals'. It follows a warning last year by Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs that 'hard choices' would have to be made to prioritise policing duties amid a major financial squeeze. Police officers shot dead a knife-wielding man in a hail of bullets less than a mile from the Republican National Convention venue in Milwaukee. Five officers patrolling on bicycles reportedly opened fire after the man turned to them with the blade. It came hours before Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance were due to hear speeches by Republican luminaries at the convention arena. Police from Columbus, Ohio, were involved in the shooting. The officers were on assignment in Milwaukee to help with the beefed-up security for the event after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump on Saturday. The shooting happened outside the perimeter policed by the Secret Service. Initial reports suggested the dead man was homeless, had been involved in a fight with another homeless man, and was a user of crack cocaine. Witnesses said the man was known by the nickname 'Jehovah'. A police officer has shot and killed an individual a mile away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee He lived in an encampment of dozens of homeless people. Shelly Sarasin, director of the Street Angels group, told the Columbus Dispatch: 'He was a person. He was human. This is more trauma on top of trauma for those who knew him and still live here.' The shooting happened as the theme of the day at the convention was 'Make America Safe Once Again'. It took place near a social services building in the early afternoon. More than 100 cops swarmed the scene near North 14th and West Vliet Streets. Witnesses told TMJ4 the officers shot the man in the back while he was walking across the street from a homeless encampment where he lived. It followed a fight between two men who were armed with knives. The cop from Columbus, Ohio , who fatally shot the man was in the city to help with the beefed-up security for the event after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump on Saturday Columbus Police reportedly provided a 'Police Dialogue Team' of 13 officers to Milwaukee for the Convention. The dialogue team, who wear light blue vests, were seen walking with protesters on Monday near the Convention center. Their aim is to police protests while avoiding conflict. It was not clear if the officer involved in the shooting was from that team. The shooting is not believed to be connected to the Convention, but law enforcement is at a heightened state of alert in the aftermath of Trump's shooting. More than 4,000 officers from around the country are in Milwaukee for the Convention this week. More than 100 cops swarmed the scene near North 14th and West Vliet Streets outside of the security perimeter after the shots rang out Cops cordoned off the area near the shooting which sparked a huge law enforcement response More than 50,000 people are descending on Milwaukee for the event. It comes days after a would-be assassin shot Trump in ear during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman, Thomas Crooks, 20, was shot dead by Secret Service. One rally attendee is deceased and others are injured. Less than 24 hours after the shooting Trump decided he would still be going full steam ahead to Milwaukee for the Convention. He will end the week as the official GOP presidential nominee. The 2024 GOP Convention is at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Fiserv Forum opened in 2018 and is the home of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA basketball team and the college basketball team the Golden Eagles of Marquette University. The arena has a capacity of about 18,000 when set up for concerts. U.S. Secret Service requires that protesters and others who intend to demonstrate at the Convention register and sign-up for the Demonstration Speakers Platform and Parade Route. Those registered are required to remain in the designated First Amendment zone. The Parade Route allows groups to move and march to express their views, while the Speakers Platform gives demonstrators a time slot for an opportunity to make remarks and speeches about their cause. The platform and parade route are 'both within sight and sound access of the Republican National Convention,' according to USSS. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley told Fox News Sunday after the shooting the day prior that 'in terms of the physical sense, the arena is set. The security is here' RNC Chairman Michael Whatley told Fox News Sunday that 'in terms of the physical sense, the arena is set. The security is here.' 'We feel very comfortable that we're working with the Secret Service, we're working with 40 different law enforcement agencies in terms of what that security is going to look like,' he added. During a press conference on Sunday, USSS said 'we're not completing any changes to our operational security plans for this event.' 'We're confident in the plans that we have and we are moving forward with those plans,' they added. BrewDog says it intends to abandon its claim that it is a 'carbon negative' brewery - months after it emerged that half of the trees in its eco-friendly forest had died. The Scottish brewery, said to be worth 2billion, said in its latest interim sustainability report that it would 'wind down' its claim to be carbon negative - meaning it was producing less carbon emissions than it was offsetting. The firm has previously promoted its lagers, ales and stouts as 'planet positive beer'. But bosses now say offsetting its carbon with external schemes is too expensive and the company can no longer claim to be producing less carbon than it is offsetting. Staff have been told to prepare to move away from the carbon negative messaging, which featured on bartender uniforms and cans of beer sold in shops. The decision has provoked fury from workers' representative Unite Hospitality who say the firm is abandoning yet another ethical pledge and straying further from its original 'punk' ethos encapsulated by its first beer, called Punk IPA. It comes after the firm stopped paying the 'real' living wage to new recruits in its bars and that half of the trees in the 'Lost Forest' - a supposedly carbon-busting BrewDog-owned tree plantation in Scotland - had died before they could take root. BrewDog has previously promoted itself as a 'carbon negative' brewery but plans to abandon the claim as it pulls out of investing in offsetting projects The brewery said today it was 'no longer outsourcing our carbon responsibilities' in a new report (above) and an email to staff Instead it plans to focus on its own carbon reducing schemes such as The Lost Forest in Kinrara Estate, Scotland, where half of the saplings it planted last summer died BrewDog is best known for its Punk IPA beer - though critics of the firm say it has strayed too far from its 'punk' ethos since its founding BrewDog co-founder and former CEO James Watt, who stood down from the role in May this year amid allegations of improper conduct towards staff - which he strenuously denied BrewDog has instructed staff to move away from the carbon negative messaging, which has even featured on staff t-shirts (pictured: the BrewDog Waterloo bar in London) BrewDog says it is 'no longer outsourcing (its) carbon responsibilities' and intends to 'double down' on its own sustainability schemes, such as the troubled Lost Forest, instead of investing in carbon offsetting elsewhere. Carbon offsetting schemes see companies invest in schemes to reduce or neutralise their own carbon emissions. They can take the form of tree planting, or investing in alternative ways of capturing carbon from the air and storing it in the ground. Companies buy into these by purchasing 'carbon credits' to offset each tonne of carbon dioxide they produce. But BrewDog's latest Make Earth Great Again (MEGA) report published on Tuesday claimed many carbon credits were now of 'highly questionable' environmental benefit and that the costs of those it could trust had 'gone through the roof'. 'The cost is now so astronomical that the only way for BrewDog to sustain a carbon negative claim is at the expense of our own sustainability initiatives,' the report said. It consulted with Professor Mike Berners-Lee, an expert in tracking carbon emissions who runs environmental consultancy business Small World, before making the decision to step away from investing in carbon offsetting projects. 'Over the next few months, you'll see the carbon negative claim wind down on our products and in our bars,' the report added. 'Some people will be disappointed that well be relinquishing our carbon negative claim, but the use of funds wed otherwise spend on carbon offsets is better invested in facilitating the decarbonisation of our process.' Small World was contacted for comment. James Arrow, who became BrewDog's CEO after founder James Watt stepped aside in May, confirmed the plans to 'let... our carbon negative claim lapse' in an email to staff seen by MailOnline. Mr Arrow told workers: 'Our passion for the planet remains, this move ensures we are focused on the things that really matter.' But workers have reacted negatively to BrewDog's decision to abandon its eco-friendly pledge in what they see as another step away from the brewery's so-called 'punk' ethos that once saw its co-founders blow up cans of Heineken as a PR stunt. In January, BrewDog stopped paying the 'real' living wage - a salary higher than the government-set minimum wage drawn up by the Resolution Foundation to cover what it says is the true cost of living - to new employees. This was despite a strong festive trading season - amid fears it will report a fourth annual loss in a row after reporting an operating loss of 24million in the year ending December 2022. Its accounts for the year to December 2023 are late, having been due at the end of June. BrewDog says it consulted carbon offsetting expert Professor Mike Berners-Lee (above) in making the decision to stop buying carbon credits The Kinrara estate in Scotland, home to BrewDog's troubled Lost Forest tree planting scheme BrewDog, founded by James Watt (left) and Martin Dickie (right), has never shied away from publicity, launching a 41 per cent beer called Sink the Bismarck in 2010 It has also sold beers packaged in bottles inside stuffed animals, including the 55 per cent End of History ale (above) Bryan Simpson, lead organiser of Unite Hospitality, said: 'This is yet another failed promise from a company that seems to pride itself on abandoning any and all moral commitments to workers and the planet. 'Whether it be on refusing to meet workers over the abandonment of the real living wage or claiming to be the first carbon negative brewery in the country, BrewDog appear to have given up on being the ethical business that their whole brand is built on.' But a BrewDog spokesperson fired back in a comment to MailOnline: 'We are laser focused on reducing our emissions. 'More and more companies are concluding, like us, that carbon negative and carbon neutral claims - which can only be achieved by buying carbon credits - have become a distraction.' The value of the carbon offsetting market shrank dramatically last year amid reports that carbon offsetting schemes may be limited in the impact they have on the planet, as BrewDog has claimed. A report by Ecosystem Marketplace found the market more than halved in value from $1.9bn (1.5bn) in 2022 to $723m in 2023. In response, the UK's Climate Change Action Group, led by the former UK chief scientific adviser Sir David King, published a report calling for more stringent scientific measures of offsetting schemes to rebuild trust in offsetting projects. But BrewDog's own efforts to offset its carbon emissions have been plagued by accusations of 'greenwashing' after half of the saplings it planted on its own estate in the Scottish Highlands died. Thousands of trees in the Lost Forest on Kinrara estate in the Cairngorms failed to take root, according to a survey carried out by Scottish forestry assessors. Around 690,000 of taxpayer cash has been put towards the company's environmental efforts to date and BrewDog stands to gain 1.2million in public grants in total. MailOnline has previously reported on how the planting scheme had failed - but BrewDog said of the efforts in its new report: 'We will stay the course, and we wont let setbacks dishearten us.' BrewDog landed itself in hot water as it launched the Lost Forest project - initially tying it into sales of its Lost Lager beer, promising that it would plant a tree in the forest for every pack of the beer sold. James Watt, who was CEO of BrewDog until May this year, has been dating Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo and was criticised for jetting off to the Maldives as his firm abandoned its committment to the 'real' living wage BrewDog was founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie (left and right) with a so-called 'punk' ethos that critics say has been undermined by its recent business practices It is now a global brand, selling its beer in over 55 countries and opening bars in locations as diverse as China (a BrewDog bar in Shanghai, above) 'For every pack we plant a tree in the BrewDog Lost Forest,' the firm said - before later claiming this was an error, and that sales of the beer would support an Eden Project scheme in Madagascar. And it had its knuckles rapped by advertising watchdogs over its claims that BrewDog was 'beer for your grandchildren'. The ASA said in December: 'We considered that there was no information provided in the ad which explained the basis of BrewDogs "carbon negative" accreditation or the claim "Beer for your grandchildren".' The firm is also investing in an anaerobic digester at its main brewery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire - where it aims to break down waste from beer production into gas to power the facility, and to reuse wastewater in its beer. It had pledged to have the carbon-busting facility by the end of 2021 in a previous environmental report - but now says only that there is a 'credible pathway' to the scheme being fully up and running at an unspecified date. The end of BrewDog's carbon negative claim comes after James Watt stood down as company boss in May this year - amid allegations of inappropriate conduct first raised in a BBC Scotland investigation in 2022. Mr Watt, who co-founded BrewDog in 2007 with Martin Dickie, has moved to a newly-created position of 'captain and co-founder'. He retains his shares in the company. Earlier this year, the brewery failed to have a single objection upheld against BBC Scotland after it shot a documentary containing allegations of inappropriate conduct by Mr Watt, which he strenuously denied. The Truth About BrewDog featured claims from female bar staff of feeling 'powerless' and 'uncomfortable' around Mr Watt, and that bar staff were allegedly advised on how to avoid unwelcome attention from the ex-boss. Mr Watt, who is dating Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, appeared to attempt to warn staff away from taking part in the documentary in a post on BrewDog's Equity for Punks investors forum reported by the Guardian. He wrote ahead of its broadcast: 'If anyone is in any way concerned by this, it is not too late to withdraw your consent (to appear on the programme)'. The programme included reports that Mr Watt had purchased 500,000 of shares in Heineken and invested 2million in a Cayman Islands hedge fund - suggesting a damaging contrast between his business dealings and BrewDog's 'punk' image. Mr Watt said following the airing of the show that he regretted 'anyone feeling in any way uncomfortable around me, as the programme set out'. But BrewDog was stripped of its highly coveted B Corporation status - recognition of a company's ethical commitment to the environment and its staff - after the documentary was aired. Ofcom said in a review earlier this year that Mr Watt and BrewDog had been given adequate time to respond to the allegations and that their responses had been appropriately included. The suspect in the brutal killing of an Australian couple and their relative holidaying in the Philippines has handed himself in to police. David James Fisk, 57, his wife Lucita Barquin Cortez, 55, a Philippines-born Australian citizen, and their daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30, were found dead at The Lake Hotel, at Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of Manila. Hotel staff made the discovery on July 10 when they failed to check out of their room. All three victims were reportedly found lying face-down with their hands and feet bound and tape over their mouths. Tagaytay police chief Charles Daven M Capagcuan revealed a man had 'surrendered' to officers on Tuesday evening in connection with the crime. Tagaytay city Mayor Abraham Tolentino and Capagcuan presented the suspect at news conference on Wednesday. The man was ushered into the room in handcuffs and was wearing a hooded jacket, dark sunglasses and a black face mask. 'He wanted to get back at the hotel management for his dismissal,' Mr Capagcuan told reporters. Mr Capagcuan added the suspect had previously worked as a swimming pool cleaner at the hotel. A man suspected of killing an Australian couple and their relative while they were holidaying in the Philippines has surrendered himself to police (pictured) The 31-year-old man was presented to reporters following his surrender in Tagaytay city, Cavite province Philippines on Wednesday (pictured) The development comes after police spent the last week searching for a man who was spotted on CCTV footage exiting the room on the day of the alleged murders. Hotel security camera vision showed the man leaving the room dressed in a black hood jumper, maroon shorts, sneakers and carrying a black backpack. Mr Capagcuan said the suspect was identified by at least three hotel employees based on the images captured by the security cameras. The identification led authorities to the suspect's home in the province of Batangas, near Tagaytay, where the man decided to hand himself in. It is understood police are planning to charge the suspect with murder and robbery, after he allegedly admitted to taking Mr Fisk's watch and shoes following the attack. According to local media reports, hotel security guard Rodney Parahinog passed the man at 6am on Wednesday at the resort's entrance gate and asked him where he was going. Mr Parahinog said the man replied that he was a guest and was holding a key card for Mr Fisk's room. On Friday, Mr Fisk's family released a statement sharing their grief as they pleaded for answers about the horrific deaths. Pictured: Australian national David James Fisk, 57, his Philippine-born Australian wife Lucita Barquin Cortez, 55 The three murder victims are pictured, left and centre, with another family member (right) during Mr Fisk's visit to the Philippines with partner Lucita Barquin Cortez 'The love we have for our Father and Lucita is so dear and this situation is like living a nightmare,' the statement read. 'We pray for answers and the truth in this horrific matter and just pray for their safe return to Australian shores. 'David's daughters, local known and loved residents in the Sutherland Shire, ask on behalf of their family that the media respect our privacy in this incredibly difficult and tragic time and we will be making no further comment.' The family have set up a GoFundMe to assist with 'support getting justice for all loved ones involved' and will be used to 'help ease the financial stress and burden that will arise from this incredibly difficult time'. Mr Fisk's body will be repatriated to Sydney, while both women will be buried in the Philippines, with the government to pay for their funeral service and burial. Police have launched an urgent search to locate an 11-year-old boy who vanished in Brisbane yesterday afternoon. The boy was last seen around 1.30pm on Inala Avenue, Durack. He is described as approximately 130cm tall, brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a green and gold polo shirt and green shorts. Police are appealing to the boy, or anyone with information about his whereabouts, to come forward. The Democratic coup against President Joe Biden is back on. Biden got a brief break from the rebellion in the wake of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. But, a move by the Democratic Party to secure an early formal nomination of Biden as the candidate - to meet an Ohio ballot requirement - has resparked the plot against the president. Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who is the party's Senate candidate in California, warned during a private meeting with donors on Saturday that the party would suffer overwhelming losses if Biden remained the nominee. 'I think if he is our nominee, I think we lose,' Schiff said, the New York Times reported, citing a recording of his remarks. 'And we may very, very well lose the Senate and lose our chance to take back the House.' President Joe Biden is again facing a rebellion from the Democratic Party Since May, Biden has been set to be confirmed through a virtual roll call, weeks before the Democratic National Convention in August in order to accommodate an Aug. 7 deadline to place him on the ballot in Ohio. But that was before his debate performance led to fears Biden's candidacy would result not just in a loss of the White House but of the House and Senate. Now a group of House Democrats who question Biden's candidacy are trying to rally support for changing the nominating path to allow for potential challenges at the convention, the New York Times reported. The party's rules committee is holding a virtual meeting on Friday at 11 am ET. Most of its members are long-time Biden loyalists. Then the more than 4,000 delegates are expected to begin casting their ballots for the party's presidential nominee as soon as Monday. That process is expected to take a week. The committee will then hold the roll call, which typically occurs on the convention floor but is being held virtually this year. It is expected to be wrapped up by August 5th. The Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19. Some Democrats, however, continue to have second thoughts about Biden's ability to win in November and are pushing back at the process. 'People are back to being angry at Biden and a push to sign on to this letter is going around ... the 'replace Biden' movement is back,' a House Democrat told Axios. Rep. Adam Schiff told donors he's worried Biden could lead Democrats to big losses There is a letter circulating arguing there is 'no legal justification' for the early nomination as Ohio has now changed its deadline. 'We respectfully but emphatically request that you cancel any plans for an accelerated 'virtual roll call' and further refrain from any extraordinary procedures that could be perceived as curtailing legitimate debate,' the letter says. Under the party rules, Biden, who has won enough delegates to be awarded the Democratic nomination, must agree to step down. He cannot be forced out. He is showing no sign he will exit. 'Look, 14 million people voted for me to be the nominee in the Democratic Party, OK?' the president told NBC News. 'I listen to them.' A Labour MP has hit out at a primary school for getting young children to pose with a trans-inclusive pride flag. Rosie Duffield said the 'tiny' pupils could not understand the concepts of sexuality and gender identity they were being encouraged to celebrate, and should be left alone to discover them when older. She spoke out after campaigners spotted that the London school had posted publicly on social media a photograph of an infant school class marking 'Pride Day' last month. The picture showed 20 young children, some of whom were holding up a large Progress Pride flag - which updates the traditional rainbow to include pale pink and blue stripes to represent transgender people - while others waved paper versions. One young boy held a sign stating: 'I can't even think straight.' Ms Duffield, who has faced abuse from within Labour for her opposition to gender ideology, wrote on social media: 'These tiny children can have no real concept or meaningful understanding of sexuality/gender identity - theirs or anyone else's. The picture which showed 20 young children, some of whom were holding up a large Progress Pride flag Labour MP Rosie Duffield ( pictured) said the 'tiny' pupils could not understand the concepts of sexuality and gender identity they were being encouraged to celebrate, and should be left alone to discover them when older 'They should be left alone to discover these things for themselves as teenagers/young adults, not while still using dummies!' Campaigner James Esses, who first spotted the picture, wrote: 'Pride Month is over, yet here is a London primary school forcing ideology on young children. 'One of the children in this photo is even holding up a sign which reads 'I can't even think straight'.' He told the school - which the Mail is not identifying - to 'stop sexualising and indoctrinating children'. Others said it was a 'safeguarding fail' by teachers to post the photograph, which showed the children's faces, publicly online. A transgender flag being waved at an LGBT gay pride march Participants and revellers gather during the annual Pride in London parade in central London in June The school put it on Twitter/X last Friday with the caption: 'Being proud of who we are and celebrating pride values.' But amid a backlash yesterday [tues] the photo, along with several others showing older children with rainbow flags, was deleted from social media and the school's website. In previous years the school had asked pupils to wear bright colours on Pride Day and donate 1 which would go to controversial lobbying group Stonewall as well as to 'buy more inclusive resources'. Photos posted by another primary school in the same federation show pupils were asked to draw flags for different sexualities including 'polysexual', 'pansexual' and 'genderqueer'. A spokesman for the school said: As a school with LGBTQ parents, we celebrate Pride by allowing our children to attend in non-uniform. All our personal, social and health teaching is in line with the national curriculum. Draft sex education guidance published in May by the Conservative government said primary schools 'have discretion over whether to discuss sexual orientation or families with same-sex parents'. But it insisted: 'Schools should not teach about the broader concept of gender identity.' Up to 100,000 jobs are at risk if Labour presses ahead with its attack on oil and gas drillings in the North Sea, business chiefs have warned. Investment worth 30billion and tax receipts totalling 20billion could also be lost by 2029, according to the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. The energy sector was already reeling from a windfall tax introduced by the Tories after Russias invasion of Ukraine sent bills soaring. But Labours plans to raise the levy from 35 per cent to 38 per cent and scrap tax breaks on profits that are reinvested in fossil fuel production are causing alarm. The Government has also said drilling licences for new oil and gas fields will not be issued. Secretary of State of Climate Change and Net Zero, Ed Miliband and Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer take a boat trip on the River Tees Fear about Labours North Sea plans rose last week when it was forced to deny reports that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband had banned regulator Ofgem from issuing new drilling licences A section of the BP ETAP (Eastern Trough Area Project) oil platform in the North Sea, around 100 miles east of Aberdeen, Scotland Critics fear the increasingly hostile environment will result in oil and gas firms fleeing overseas, hitting energy supplies and tax receipts. The Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce said the plans risked an open revolt. Warning that our path to net zero could look more like a road to nowhere, the groups chief executive Russell Borthwick added: Confidence is at rock bottom. The 100,000 energy jobs under threat are across the UK, but they are concentrated in the north-east of Scotland and Aberdeen in particular. Fear about Labours North Sea plans rose last week when it was forced to deny reports that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband had overruled officials and banned regulator Ofgem from issuing any new drilling licences, including those in their first round of approval. His department later clarified that licences for new fields will not be issued, but existing ones would not be revoked and fields already operating would be managed for the entirety of their lifespan. The confusion came as Labour races ahead with plans to meet its target of zero-carbon electricity by 2030. Experts say that if the transition to renewables is poorly handled it could lead to a hard stop to investment with dire consequences for the 200,000 jobs in the oil and gas sector, not just in Aberdeen but across the UK. The future of the shipyard that built the Titanic was in doubt last night after Labour prepared to block a 200million lifeline. Ministers were set to reject Harland & Wolff's request that the Government guarantee a loan to keep it afloat. Sir Keir Starmer's Government has reportedly decided that it would be an inappropriate use of public funds. The move fuelled fears that the 162-year-old firm could go bust after its shares were suspended this month when it failed to file audited accounts. If it collapsed, British warships could be built by a foreign yard for the first time in the Royal Navy's history. And the saga has raised questions over Labour's industrial policy and ambitions. The RMS Titanic (pictured) which launched at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast on May 31, 1911 Sir Keir Starmer's (pictured) Government has reportedly decided that it would be an inappropriate use of public funds The White Star liner 'Titanic' in course of construction at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast Bosses want to borrow cash from a consortium of UK banks, but need the Government to act as guarantor that is prepared to repay lenders. Harland & Wolff, which employs more than 1,000 workers across four UK sites, had been in talks with Conservative ministers for more than a year. But Labour has decided not to sign off the guarantee, the Financial Times reported yesterday. It cited a Whitehall insider that said such a move would be 'deeply irresponsible'. However, the Belfast group famous for building the Titanic more than a century ago insisted that discussions were ongoing. 'Harland & Wolff is aware that the new ministers are in the process of being briefed by civil servants on our case,' a spokesman said. The construction of the world's biggest sea vessel in 1911 was a huge achievement for Harland and Wolff. Picture shows the Titanic sliding down the slipway of the Belfast docks A selection of Titanic memorabilia are displayed for sale at The Pump House in The Titanic Quarter in Belfast The historic shipyard, which has built 174 vessels for the Royal Navy between 1868 and 1969 Picture shows the Titanic being launched from a shipyard in Belfast in May 1911 One of the cranes at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast in 2019 'With the new government having been in office for just over a week, it will take time to work through the process. 'As yet, we have not been informed of any decision, and we stand ready to meet with the new government at their convenience.' Harland & Wolff chief executive John Wood previously insisted that failure to secure the guarantee would not spell the end for his company, as there were other options to pursue. A photograph taken on March 6, 1912, showing The RMS Titanic (left) and The RMS Olympic (right) The ill-fated White Star liner, Titanic, in dry dock at the Harland and Wolff shipyard The RMS 'Titanic' in drydock about to be launched at Harland & Wolff shipyards RMS Titanic being fitted out at Harland and Wolf Shipyard, Belfast, 1911-1912 A hydraulic hammer working on the Olympic (Titanic sister ship) at Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast But Labour's decision casts doubt on the future of a 1.6billion contract to build Royal Navy ships in the UK, which could be built in Spain if the business shuts down. Other crises causing a headache for Sir Keir include Tata Steel's plans to axe 2,800 jobs, Royal Mail heading for foreign ownership and Dyson consulting on cutting 1,000 roles. The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment. An avid outdoorswoman documented the moment she came face-to-face with a grizzly bear in the Montana mountains. Amanda Wylie was hiking on a trail at Glacier National Park on the Fourth of July when she said she first encountered the fearsome predator. She had noticed 'bear tracks in the mud, fresh scat and dug-up roots,' she wrote in the caption to a TikTok video, but did not see any visible threats, so she continued her walk. 'I listen[ed] for the birds and smaller animals to warn me of a bigger threat based on their actions,' Wylie recounted. 'That's when I saw a prairie dog leap from my right side to the left side of the trail, and I thought to myself: "How many bears have seen me while I haven't seen them?"' Amanda Wylie was walking on a trail through Glacier National Park on the Fourth of July when she encountered a grizzly bear twice her size She said she then looked to her right and found a 'grizzly two times my size on his hind legs, paws up.' 'Terrified, I reminded myself not to run and said aloud, "Oh God, it's happening,' Wylie wrote in the caption to the now-viral video. 'The safety video I watched before getting my backcountry permit immediately played in my mind.' 'I took out my bear spray, got low and backed away slowly from the bear. 'I talked to him nice, and once I felt a safe enough distance away, I got my phone out to record, wondering if these would be my last moments.' In the video, the bear could be seen following Wylie through a lush mountainous area at a distance as she breathes heavily. She said she realized she was safe once the bear shook its body 'We're good, we're OK,' she quietly reassured the animal. After a few moments of the bear watching her, the beast shook its fur and looked at her. 'You're OK, you're OK. Please don't come here, thank you,' Wylie said. At that point, the bear turned and walked away. As she realized she was safe, Wylie turned the camera to herself and said, 'F****** thank God.' She noted in the caption that 'any sudden or unexpected behaviors by me could have turned this curious grizzly into a defensive one,' but when the bear shook its body it 'let me know I could relax a little.' 'Once he turned away, I rejoiced, knowing I would live to see another day and have an amazing encounter story to share,' Wylie wrote. She added she would 'still choose the bear,' referencing a popular meme which asked women whether they would rather encounter a bear or a man in the forest. After the bear walked away, Wylie turned the camera on herself as she expressed relief that she was safe Many who commented on the video were impressed by how calm the bear seemed. 'The bear's like: "You OK darling? Any men bothering you?' one TikToker wrote. Another suggested the bear was thinking, 'I AM OK. Are you OK?' while a third said the bear realized 'she doesn't seem interested' and decided, 'I'll leave her alone.' Others also praised Wylie for the way she handled the situation. 'Well done you for being calm and having bear spray,' TikTok user Niamh wrote, noting that 'toxic me thinks no animal would ever hurt me because they can sense my love for them.' Another TikTok user said she was watching the video 'praying you had bear spray just in case, and it made me so happy to see it. 'Props to you for being prepared and holding it together.' Meanwhile, Brittany Marie wrote: 'Hot DAMN girl, you held it together... SO proud of you and glad you're alive. 'The fear in your voice, but your bravery... you're a badass.' Labour has warned Britain is locked into a small-boat migrant crisis in the Channel just days after scrapping the Rwanda deportation scheme. Yvette Cooper issued the alert to Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday as figures showed 427 people made the crossing in seven boats on Monday. And that took the number who have arrived under the new Labour government to 1,185 since July 8. A Cabinet read-out said: 'The Home Secretary said that small boats crossings were at a record high in the first half of the year and indicated a difficult summer ahead. 'Tackling illegal migration was, therefore, an important part of our European reset, where the Government is working with European partners and agencies, including Europol, to tackle criminal gang networks and work to disrupt supply chains and illegal migration upstream.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the number of illegal migrants who have arrived in the UK since July 8 - when the new Labour government took control - now stands at 1,185 Sir Keir Starmer is expected to speak to Italy's populist right-wing prime minister Giorgia Meloni about his idea to recruit a 1,000-strong immigration task force to tackle illegal migrants Figures show 427 people made the crossing in seven boats on Monday, including this large group of migrants brought into Dover, Kent Migrants are spotted leaving the beach of Gravelines in Calais, France to board boats heading for Britain, last Thursday After winning the election nearly two weeks ago, one of Sir Keir Starmer's first acts as Prime Minister was to ditch the Tories' flagship Rwanda policy. The Tories jumped on Ms Cooper's comments, saying her 'gimmicks' for stopping the boats were 'a waste of time' and that Sir Keir's alternative plan puts too much 'faith' in the European Union to stop illegal crossings. The previous government had argued the Rwanda scheme was necessary for acting as a deterrent to would-be crossers as the threat of being deported to the African nation would make them think twice. But Sir Keir will instead recruit a 1,000-strong immigration task force as part of a new Border Security Command in a bid to fast-track removals and better tackle people smuggling gangs upstream. The issue of migration will dominate the European Political Community summit on Wednesday at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire with Sir Keir hoping to speak with leaders to build support for his new approach. He is expected to speak to Italy's populist right-wing prime minister Giorgia Meloni as well as French President Emmanuel Macron. But former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: 'As we all warned, by scrapping the Rwanda plan Labour has advertised to the people smuggling gangs that it's open season for illegal arrivals in the UK. The gimmicks that Yvette Cooper has just announced are a waste of time and will do nothing to stop another summer of failure to secure our borders.' Tory MP Danny Kruger said: 'Yvette Cooper has admitted the boats will keep coming this summer. The only way to stop them is to detain and deport all illegal arrivals, either back to their own country or to a safe third country. The new PM previously said he hopes to negotiate an EU-wide returns agreement to try to make Britain a less attractive destination for migrants. Pictured: Migrants arrive in France last Friday The provisional number of crossings for 2024 so far is 14,759, some 12 per cent higher than the volume recorded this time last year 'The Government is putting its faith in the EU to stop the boats for us. They won't.' Another Tory MP Louie French added: 'Keir Starmer and Labour have stated they are going for economic growth. Tory MP Greg Smith said: 'Now they are in government, Labour is discovering you can't change the world just by scrapping things' 'But by scrapping the Rwanda policy and leaving the UK with no deterrent to illegal migration, the only growth Labour are likely to oversee this summer is to the inhumane people smugglers' profits and the costs to hardworking UK taxpayers. 'Countries across Europe are now looking at schemes similar to Rwanda to act as a deterrent. Labour have instead put a welcome sign on the cliffs of Dover.' Tory MP Greg Smith added: 'Labour has consistently criticised every action Conservatives took to combat illegal migration without a plan of their own. 'Now they are in government, they are discovering you can't change the world just by scrapping things.' In the run-up to the election, migrants in Calais told how they were waiting for a Labour government before crossing. The new PM has also previously said he hopes to negotiate an EU-wide returns agreement to try to make Britain a less attractive destination for migrants. A group of migrants are brought to Dover by Border Force rangers seen on Monday The provisional number of crossings for 2024 so far is 14,759, some 12 per cent higher than the volume recorded this time last year. Pictured: Migrants arrive into Dover on Saturday The idea sparked accusations Labour will oversee an extra 100,000 arrivals a year as the EU may demand that Britain takes a share of all arrivals into the bloc as part of any deal. The provisional number of crossings for 2024 so far is 14,759, some 12 per cent higher than the volume recorded this time last year. It is also up one per cent on the same period in 2022. Four migrants died in the Channel on Friday after their boat capsized off the northern French coast near Boulogne-sur-Mer. Sir Keir warned last week crossings 'can't be changed overnight' and conceded the situation may get worse before it gets better. The Home Office said: 'Everyone wants to see an end to the dangerous small-boat crossings. 'They are undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. We are taking action to smash the people smuggling gangs responsible for this trade. A teenager who was reported to counter-terror police after drawing a picture of Auschwitz on a mock GCSE paper has been spared jail. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, filled notebooks with racist thoughts, had online chats with white supremacist groups and filmed himself throwing a petrol bomb, a court heard. Teachers at the boy's school became so concerned over slogans and pictures he scrawled on a mock GCSE paper - including a picture of Auschwitz with word 'lies' - that they eventually called counter-terror police. When officers arrived at his home in Stockton-on-Tees in December 2023 they discovered a 'shocking catalogue of extreme right wing material'. The teen was today spared jail and instead received a three-year youth rehabilitation order despite the judge telling him he 'thoroughly deserved to go to custody'. A teenager who was reported to counter-terror police after drawing a picture of Auschwitz on a mock GCSE paper has been spared jail (Stock image) Leeds Crown Court heard how when officers arrived to the boy's house, his mother asked counter-terror officers: 'It's about my son, isn't it?' and already had a range of items ready for them to inspect on the dining table. The judge said officers discovered a drawing of a gas mask, accompanied by '6MWE' - a reference to the holocaust meaning 'six million was not enough'. There were also references to the proscribed organisation, the Atomwaffen Division and a Star of David surrounded by the words 'lies'. The court heard one red notebook was full of material that showed an 'extreme far-right-wing ideology'. Police also discovered 78 chats the boy had engaged with on the Telegram platform, which included the sharing of videos of well-known terror atrocities. In one, the defendant had added a soundtrack to a live stream video of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand. The court heard how the police found a video of the teenager wearing a skull mask and throwing a petrol bomb to the floor. A judge was told this showed the boy's offending 'goes beyond that of being a keyboard warrior'. Leeds Crown Court (pictured) heard the 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, filled notebooks with racist thoughts, had online chats with white supremacist groups and filmed himself throwing a petrol bomb In mitigation, the court heard he was 'very vulnerable' and had been groomed after speaking to other people while playing roleplaying games online. The boy admitted five counts of collecting information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, three counts of disseminating terrorist publications, one offence of criminal damage and one of racially aggravated criminal damage. The judge, Tom Bayliss KC, said the boy was 'highly radicalised' and 'must have sought out' material such as footage of the Christchurch mosque attacks. He told the defendant: 'You thoroughly deserve to go to custody, but I'm not going to send you to custody.' As well as the youth rehabilitation order, the boy was made subject to a criminal behaviour order for three years. Women-only jobs cannot be open to men who self-identify as the opposite sex, Britain's equalities watchdog has warned bosses. New guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) tells employers they can specify that applicants have to be female if there is a 'legitimate aim'. A recruitment ad for an attendant in a female changing room could be restricted to women, for instance, as a proportionate and justifiable way of 'protecting the privacy and dignity' of those undressing there. The rules made clear that under the Equality Act, 'occupational requirements' for some roles can 'exclude transgender persons' if it is 'objectively justified'. And it said that job ads for female candidates 'cannot include transgender women who have not obtained' a Gender Recognition Certificate - changing their legal sex from male to female - as they 'do not have legal status as women under the Equality Act 2010'. Chairman of the ECHR, Baroness Falkner recognised the need for clarity regarding the lawful use of the occupational requirement exemptions in the Equality Act Sir Keir Starmer eventually agreed that transgender women do not have the right to access female-only spaces The EHRC said it was publishing the guidelines on Tuesday because it had seen evidence that 'some employers have incorrectly applied occupational requirement exceptions' - and warned it could take action against job ads that break the Equality Act. Its chairman Baroness Falkner said: 'We recognise the need for clarity regarding the lawful use of the occupational requirement exemptions set out in Schedule 9 of the Equality Act. So we have taken action to provide it. 'Those publishing job adverts must be familiar with their obligations under equality law. They can feel confident that our updated guidance will help them to comply with the law. 'Employers should also be aware that the EHRC will take action to uphold the Equality Act. 'Where we are made aware of potential misapplication of Schedule 9 provisions, we will continue to assess and take action to resolve these on a case-by-case basis.' The new guidance was welcomed by women's rights groups. But they also want the government to go further and amend the Equality Act so that it defines sex as biological sex, which would exclude transgender women with GRCs from women-only spaces. Such a move was recommended by the EHRC last year and the Conservatives vowed to introduce it if they won the election. Maya Forstater of charity Sex Matters said: 'We welcome this long overdue guidance from the EHRC.' Sir Keir Starmer said during the campaign that Labour wants to make it easier for transgender people to obtain GRCs. But Sir Keir Starmer said during the campaign that it was not necessary - even though he eventually agreed that transgender women do not have the right to access female-only spaces - and Labour wants to make it easier for transgender people to obtain GRCs. Maya Forstater of charity Sex Matters said: 'We welcome this long overdue guidance from the EHRC which sets out that self-ID is not the law. 'Women's rights campaigners have been complaining to the EHRC for years about ads for female-only jobs and services that say they will accept men who identify as women.' She added: 'The EHRC could be even clearer with its guidance. 'Adverts' include signs and symbols in everyday language. 'Employers can only restrict a service or a job to women with good reason, and it is never appropriate for men to try to access these services, regardless of how they dress, or whether they have a piece of paper claiming they're women.' Nicola Williams of Fair Play for Women said: 'We welcome this new guidance that makes clear men who self-identity as women are not female and should not be recruited as such. 'We have been reporting rogue employers who misuse the law by advertising for 'self-identifying women' to fill women-only roles. That means males doing jobs reserved for females. 'That is unfair on the women who apply and the people who rely on a woman being in that role for reasons of privacy, dignity and safety.' Foreign prisoners who make up just 12 per cent of the UK's prison population could be deported in a bid to solve the overcrowding crisis, the King's Speech will pledge. The plan to fast-track removals of foreign criminals to free up around 5,000 places is expected to be outlined in the speech tomorrow. Other measures could include early removals of criminals before they fully serve their sentences. Foreign prisoners could be exported to their home countries through transfer deals, and lower level offenders could be expelled from Britain, according to The Telegraph. Last week The Prison Governors' Association, which represents 95 per cent of prison governors in England and Wales, warned that jails were due to run out of space within days. At the end of March this year there were 10,422 foreign nationals in British jails, up from 10,148 the year before. This is about 12 per cent of all prisoners - each costing the taxpayer 47,000. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, with Governor Sarah Bott, during a visit to HMP Bedford in Harpur, Bedfordshire, ahead of announcing plans to address prison overcrowding Some facilities have been stretched beyond their limits for over a decade, including scandal-hit HMP Wandsworth (pictured), the scene of an escape by terror suspect Daniel Khalife last year, as well as a prison guard being caught on video having sex with an inmate last month. There is increasing scrutiny on the Labour government and how they will deal with the overcrowding crisis after Sir Keir Starmer announced he was 'shocked' Your browser does not support iframes. There is increasing scrutiny on the Labour government and how they will deal with the overcrowding crisis after Sir Keir Starmer announced he was 'shocked' at the problem, saying it is 'beyond what I imagined'. The government has spoken of several possible unsavoury options to tackle the situation, including promising to send fewer people to prison. Labour was forced to take immediate steps after inheriting the issue from the Conservative government, which blamed overcrowding on the Covid pandemic and delayed court cases. At the moment, prisoners are automatically released after serving half of their sentence in about 90 per cent of cases. But Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the main measure to tackle the current crisis will reduce this, meaning prisoners will be released after serving 40 per cent of their sentence. In a speech at Five Wells prison in Wellingborough, she said inaction will lead to a 'total breakdown of civil law and order'. Those being released will include violent offenders serving sentences under four years for crimes such as assault, robbery and thieving. However she clarified there will be exemptions for sexual and serious violent offenders - including terrorists and domestic abusers. The early release scheme, expected to begin in September, could reduce the prison population by 5,000, which is half the number of foreign criminals. Seventy-three of the 119 occupied prisons (61 per cent) in England and Wales are operating at overcrowded levels, according to MailOnline's analysis of Ministry of Justice data for June. The Conservatives accused Keir Starmer's Government of deploying scare tactics Your browser does not support iframes. Another 23 operate above 95 per cent, including three Category As HMP Wakefield (99 per cent), HMP Whitemoor (98 per cent) and HMP Manchester (96 per cent). Some facilities have been stretched beyond their limits for over a decade, including scandal-hit HMP Wandsworth, the scene of an escape by terror suspect Daniel Khalife last year, as well as a prison guard being caught on video having sex with an inmate last month. It is believed that the Ministry of Justice are reviewing measures from Alex Chalk, who was the Justice Secretary before Rishi Sunak called the general election and lost to Labour. In March, the Tory government announced plans to release prisoners two months early in an attempt to ease the problem. Labour has not yet said what it will do in the longer term, but Sir Keir's appointment of James Timpson as prisons minister suggests a fresh approach, as he is the boss of the shoe repair chain which has made a point of employing ex-offenders. This suggests the new government will focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. Further backing up this point is Sir Keir saying too many people find themselves back in jail quickly after being released. The former lawyer added in a Downing Street conference: 'I've sat in the back of I don't know how many criminal courts and watched people processed through the system on an escalator to go into prison. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the main measure to tackle the current crisis will mean prisoners will be released after serving 40 per cent of their sentence Shabana Mahmood, with Governor Sarah Bott, during a visit to HMP Bedford 'I've often reflected that many of them could have been taken out of that system earlier if they'd had support'. Mr Chalk previously introduced an emergency measure where foreign prisoners serve shorter sentences than Brits to try and tackle the problem. Non-British criminals were freed from UK jails and deported up to 18 months earlier than a British prisoner would be if serving the same sentence. But the measure has been repeatedly expanded over the last six months. It was increased to up to 60 days in March and further extended to up to 70 days from May 23. Over the course of the scheme, over 10,000 offenders were released. Speaking on Labour's efforts to stem the overcrowding issue, Shabana Mahmood said: 'There is now only one way to avert disaster. I do not choose to do this because I want to. but we are taking every protection that is available to us let me be clear, this is an emergency measure. 'This is not a permanent change. I am unapologetic in my belief that criminals must be punished. Non-British criminals were freed from UK jails and deported up to 18 months earlier than a British prisoner would be if serving the same sentence. (Stock image) Labour has not yet said what it will do in the longer term, but Sir Keir's appointment of James Timpson (pictured) as prisons minister suggests a fresh approach, as he is the boss of the shoe repair chain which has made a point of employing ex-offenders 'The measures I have set out are not a silver bullet but they will give us the time we need to address the prisons crisis, not just today but for years to come. 'That means continuing the prison building programme. And only by driving down reoffending will we ever find a sustainable solution to the prisons crisis.' Anyone released will be strictly monitored on licence by the Probation Service through measures which can include electronic tagging and curfews. They face being recalled to prison if they breach their licence conditions. The new rules will also not apply to most serious offenders, who already either spend two-thirds of their sentence behind bars or have their release determined by the Parole Board. Labour also says it wants to create 20,000 prison places by enabling ministers to override local councils on planning decisions. Sir Keir hit out at his predecessor's government, saying Conservative ministers had created a 'mess' by failing to build enough prisons and mismanaging the prisons budget. It is believed that the Ministry of Justice are reviewing measures from Alex Chalk (pictured), who was the Justice Secretary before Rishi Sunak called the general election Defending his decision to keep the early-release scheme in place, he said: 'We don't have the prisons we need, and I can't build a prison within 24 hours.' The latest figures put England and Wales' prison population at 87,453 out of a 'useable operational capacity' of 88,864. But the Conservatives accused the Government of deploying scare tactics. A senior Tory source said previously: 'This is shameless scaremongering from the Labour Party that risks causing mass panic. 'Labour have come into government with hundreds of prison places available but they've lost their nerve, and are now stoking public panic for political gain.' Mr Chalk said Labour's plan 'will buy you 18 months, but it won't buy you any more'. Asked if former PM Rishi Sunak had blocked similar measures, Mr Chalk refused to disclose private discussions but added: 'It is reasonable to say there were a variety of views about what could be got through Parliament.' Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: 'The idea that we would be safer if lots of criminals are let out of jail is absolute nonsense. 'We already know the new prisons minister James Timpson thinks that only one third of prisoners should even be there. 'Both he and the Prime Minister are fundamentally anti-prison.' It is understood that senior figures in the criminal justice system fear it could trigger looting, opportunistic crimes and brazen breaches of bail conditions by offenders living in the community. Victorians face the prospect of paying reparations and having land handed over to Aboriginal groups as the state moves a step closer to signing a treaty with indigenous Australians. The official notification of formal talks between the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and the state government has been declared and entered into the Treaty Authority's Negotiation Database. A copy of the declaration will presented to the authority at a ceremony on Wednesday. Assembly Co-chair Ngarra Murray said they would gather feedback from Aboriginal communities across Victoria about what should be included in the treaty talks. 'We are a diverse mob here in Victoria made up of many nations and clans and we want to make sure everyone is heard,' Ms Murray said. Victoria is a step closer to becoming the first state to sign a treaty with Indigenous Australians (pictured, a protestor holds the Aboriginal flag at an Invasion Day rally in Sydney) The Treaty Negotiation Framework allows traditional owners to form delegations to negotiate treaties that reflect priorities and aspirations specific to a specific area, while the assembly will negotiate a statewide treaty for structural reforms 'It's an exciting time for First Peoples in Victoria, we'll be sitting down to negotiate the first treaty in Australia.' Aunty Jill Gallagher, who is not directly involved in the negotiations, revealed in May what kinds of compensation she wanted First Nations people to receive. 'Reparations should be on the table,' she told 3AW. 'It might not be in the way of money form, it might be in the way of empowerment, it might be in the way of land, but definitely not private land. 'No one is going to lose their private land through this Treaty process.' Despite that assurance, the Allan government in Victoria has refused to rule out compulsorily acquiring private property to be handed over as part of the treaty. Treaty and First Peoples Minister Natalie Hutchins was pressed on the reparations matter as she fronted the Public Accounts and Estimate Committee hearing in May. 'After 200 years of colonisation, where this state took away lands in the settlement, murdered people and took away culture and language we are not going to be ruling anything in or out as we go to the negotiation table in regards to treaty,' Ms Hutchins said. Ms Gallagher said land 'must' be part of the reparations with the government to potentially acquire land, if not through compulsory acquisition then by purchasing it. 'It would be amazing if our elected body, the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, that if land came on the market we'd have the opportunity to buy it,' she said. The First Nations Assembly said the treaty should also see Aboriginal groups take control of policies relating to indigenous matters. 'Well be looking to agree on a process and timetable for transferring decision-making powers about Aboriginal matters from the government to the assembly,' the Assembly's website states. Victoria and all Australian states rejected such a transfer of power to unelected Aboriginal groups at the Voice referendum last year, yet it could now be imposed regardless of that popular vote. The Foreign Office says it is supporting the families of two British men reported missing in Sweden after two people were found shot dead in a burned out car - with police probing links between the shooting and gang violence in the country. The driver and passenger, who are believed to be British citizens, were found in the gutted remains of a Toyota RAV4 that had been rented in Denmark and driven across the border to Sweden. Their bodies were recovered after firefighters were called to the scene of a blaze on a dirt road in the Fosie industrial estate in the coastal city of Malmo on Sunday. The pair are understood to have been shot before the car was set alight, local media reports. Police are treating the incident as a double murder - and are probing potential links with gang violence. It is believed that the victims rented a car at Copenhagen Kastrup airport before they were found in the nearby Swedish city across the border. Two Brits have been shot dead in a rented car and set on fire in Sweden after hiring the vehicle in Denmark. Images show forensics officers investigating the scene A lorry is seen carrying the burnt out car, wrapped in a plastic sheet, away from the scene Police officers in Malmo cordon off the scene at the Fosie industrial estate, where the car was discovered with two bodies inside Officers can be seen moving plastic bags from inside the car at the scene Authorities are reportedly working with Interpol on their probe into the horror A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it is supporting the families of two British men reported missing in Sweden. The identities of the deceased have not yet been shared, but police officials say they 'have an idea of who they are'. As they begin their manhunt, pulling in several people for questioning, authorities now fear that more violence could follow, according to local media. The bodies will be examined forensically this week as police look to confirm the identities and notify the next of kin. Rickard Lundqvist, press spokesperson for police region South, confirmed the probe on Sunday - but said there was no suspect at present. Police only identified that the victims were not Danish 'since it was a Danish-registered car'. Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet reported that the victims were British. Police confirmed they are now working with foreign police on the case, and have appealed for information on the burned out car as they piece together the sequence of events that led to the grim discovery. 'We are interested in talking to people who have seen the car... a black Danish-registered Toyota of model RAV4,' said Kerstin Gosse, spokesperson for the Swedish Police Authority. They are now asking anybody who saw the car between 11.30am and 2pm on Sunday, July 14 to get in touch. 'We are working hard with various measures in this investigation to bring clarity to this,' she added. The car has already been impounded and several people will soon be questioned, they confirmed. 'We cannot go into any details at all about the people in question or the circumstances in general,' Mr Lundqvist said. The scene is still cordoned off and a crime scene investigation is underway, according to local media. The victims were last seen travelling past the Oresund Bridge toll station on Sunday afternoon. Forensic teams are working to confirm the identities of the Brits found in Sweden Police cannot yet confirm whether the horror attack was part of gangland violence Authorities will work together to determine the identities of the victims this week The car has already been impounded and police plan to question several people Firefighters arrived at the scene of the inferno in Malmo to find bodies already shot Police reportedly now fear that there could be more acts of violence to come, according to Aftonbladet. But Gosse said that there was nothing she had heard internally to that effect. Police declined to say whether the apparent attack was connected to gang violence. 'We have to keep everything open. It is nothing that I can speculate on this early in the investigation,' Gosse said. 'So far, we are keeping tight and restrained so that the preliminary investigation can have its way,' she added. A statement issued by the Swedish Police Authority, reported by Sky News, said: 'The two people who were found dead in a burnt-out car on Sunday afternoon have not yet been identified. 'The bodies are being examined by forensic medicine. The incident is currently being investigated as a murder. 'Several witnesses have been interviewed and the police are interested in further observations and tips.' The number of murders reported in Sweden increased 39 per cent between 2013 and 2021. Sixty people were shot in Sweden in 2022, after the pandemic, marking a tragic record in modern times, the government said late December. Malmo, the country's third largest city with a population of some 300,000, had the fourth highest count behind Stockholm, Gothenburg and Vasteras The UK government continues to issue foreign travel advice about travelling to Sweden. 'Violent crime does occur. Gang-related crime, including knife crime, shootings and explosions, has been reported in Malmo, Stockholm and Gothenburg,' it reads. With rescue dogs Beth and Bluebell firmly in her affections, Queen Camilla has long been known as an animal lover. That fact was evidenced again earlier this year when she pledged that she would not buy any more fur products. So if family members have been unsure what to get the Queen for her 77th birthday tomorrow - they need look no further than animal-themed jewellery. For her recent outing at Wimbledon, the Queen chose a dog brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels. It is one of six brooches that Camilla - who included the names of her rescue dogs on her Coronation gown - is believed to own from the French jeweller's 'Lucky Animals' collection. The original designs - of a cat, a dog, an owl, a lion and a hedgehog - were launched in 2017 and now the collection comprises 50 different animals and birds. For her outing at Wimbledon this year, the Queen was seen wearing one of her Van Cleef & Arpels animal brooches, a dog no less. Camilla Queen Consort collects the French jewellery maison's 'Lucky Animals' brooches; it is thought she has six Van Cleef & Arpels' Lucky Animals dog clip costs 6,550 and is made from mother-of-earl, yellow gold and onyx The adorable animal designs are set in gold, with various coloured hardstones such as mother-of-pearl, malachite and onyx within a gold beaded border, called millegrain. The technique was perfected by the brand over a century ago. The 2017 brooches were inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels' 'La Boutique' collection from 1954. The pieces were based on early cartoon characters. Princess Grace of Monaco had the gold Duck Clip - set with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds - amongst her menagerie of animal brooches. Camilla was first spotted before the coronavirus pandemic wearing her hummingbird brooch. The then Duchess of Cornwall visited the Royal Marsden's Maggie's Centre in February 2020, with the bird brooch, which boasted a body of green malachite, blue lapis lazuli wings and onyx eyes. Weeks later, days before the first lockdown, Camilla wore her very child-friendly rabbit and hedgehog pins for a visit to a primary school on World Book Day. The rabbit is made with mahogany obsidian, with a little mother-of-pearl scut (tail). His eye is onyx while his ears are rose gold, like the millegrain border. The hedgehog, pinned below the rabbit, had a tiger eye as his head, an onyx eye and grey mother-of-pearl as his body. Camilla owns at least six brooches from Van Cleef & Arpels' Lucky Animals collection. Above: The Queen wearing their hummingbird brooch while visiting the Royal Marsden's Maggie's Centre in Sutton in February 2020. The bird brooch has a body of green malachite, blue lapis lazuli wings and onyx eyes For World Book Day in 2020, Camilla wore Van Cleef & Arpels' rabbit and hedgehog clips together. The rabbit is made with mahogany obsidian, rose gold and mother-of-pearl. The hedgehog is made from onyx, tiger eye, mother-of-pearl and rose gold The rabbit and hedgehog clips from Van Cleef & Arpels. They cost 5,950 each Van Cleef & Arpels' owl brooch was worn by Camilla when decorating the Clarence House Christmas tree in 2021. It is created with two types of mother-of-pearl, onyx for the eyes and a yellow gold border The Lucky Animals owl clip is made from yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and onyx. It costs 6,550 Above the body's perlee border are little gold balls for spikes! The owl brooch was seen later that year on a video to celebrate Volunteers' Week, and again in December 2021 when Camilla decorated the Clarence House Christmas tree with children from Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children Charity helping. The owl was created with two types of mother-of-pearl: grey and white - again with onyx for the eyes and a yellow gold border. The year before, Camilla wore her dog brooch when she took her Battersea Dogs Home rescue Jack Russell Beth along with her for a return visit to the centre in December 2020. The Lucky Animals dog brooch could almost have been modelled on Beth, with its black and white body made from mother-of-pearls and onyx. Its ears were yellow gold, while the eyes and nose are made from onyx. This is the same brooch that Camilla wore at Wimbledon last week! Last September, Queen Camilla wore an apt white mother-of-pearl dove brooch when she visited a family centre for people who have suffered domestic violence. The dove has long been a symbol of peace and the centre in Battersea strives to provide peace for its guests. At the Cheltenham Festival last year, Camilla wore a sparkly brooch depicting a horse and jockey The racing horse is pave-set with diamonds, and a gold saddle and possibly enamel for the jockey's silks In 2020, Camilla visited Battersea Dogs Home with her rescue dog Beth. She and wore the dog brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels' Lucky Animals collection. It boasts a black and white body made from mother-of-pearls and onyx, while its ears are yellow gold and its eyes and nose are made from onyx When Queen Camilla visited the S.T.O.R.M Family Centre in London in February last year, she wore a white mother-of-pearl Dove In May 2020, Camilla wore her red squirrel brooch - another from the Lucky Animals collection - when she read from Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach for an initiative to support charities impacted by the pandemic Van Cleef & Arpels's squirrel clip costs 6,550. It is made from rose gold, carnelian, onyx and tiger eye The final one from the collection that Camilla has been seen wearing is the red squirrel brooch. It is fitting because the King is a patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and, according to Prince William, is 'obsessed' with the animals. Camilla wore the brooch in May 2020 when she read from Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach for an initiative to support charities impacted by the pandemic. The sweet little squirrel body fur is created with carnelian, it has an onyx eye and a lustrous looking tiger-eye tail. The Queen's soft spot for animal-themed brooches does not stop at Van Cleef & Arpels. At the Cheltenham Festival in March last year, she chose a diamond and enamel piece depicting a horse and jockey. The racing horse was pave-set with diamonds, and a gold saddle, and the jockey was wearing the royal scarlet and purple silks. She also wore this brooch at Ascot last October. It is similar to a brooch belonging to the late Queen - but both the horses' strides and the jockeys' positions are different. Spade-toothed whales are the world's rarest, with no live sightings ever recorded. In fact, no one knows how many there are, what they eat, or even where they live in the vast expanse of the southern Pacific Ocean. However, scientists in New Zealand may have finally caught a break. The country's conservation agency said a creature that washed up on a South Island beach this month is believed to be a spade-toothed whale. The five-metre-long creature, a type of beaked whale, was identified after it washed ashore on an Otago beach from its color patterns and the shape of its skull, beak and teeth. A creature that washed up on a South Island beach this month is believed to be a spade-toothed whale The whale was found at the mouth of the Taiari river, in Otago province on New Zealand's South Island The world's rarest whale: Only six other spade-toothed whales have ever been pinpointed The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealand's Pitt Island. Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chile's Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986. DNA sequencing in 2002 proved that all three specimens were of the same species - and that it was one distinct from other beaked whales. Researchers studying the mammal couldn't confirm if the species went extinct. Then in 2010, two whole spade-toothed whales, both dead, washed up on a New Zealand beach. Firstly mistaken for one of New Zealand's 13 other more common types of beaked whale, tissue samples - taken before they were buried - later revealed them as the enigmatic species. Advertisement 'We know very little, practically nothing' about the creatures, Hannah Hendriks, marine technical adviser for the Department of Conservation, said. 'This is going to lead to some amazing science and world-first information.' If the cetacean is confirmed to be the elusive spade-toothed whale, it would be the first specimen found in a state that would permit scientists to dissect it, allowing them to map the relationship of the whale to the few others of the species found, learn what it eats and perhaps lead to clues about where they live. Only six other spade-toothed whales have ever been pinpointed, and those found intact on New Zealand's North Island beaches were buried before DNA testing could verify their identification, Hendriks said, thwarting any chance to study them. This time, the beached whale was quickly transported to cold storage and researchers will work with local Maori iwi (tribes) to plan how it will be examined, the conservation agency said. New Zealand's Indigenous people consider whales a taonga - a sacred treasure - of cultural significance. In April, Pacific Indigenous leaders signed a treaty recognizing whales as 'legal persons,' although such a declaration is not reflected in the laws of participating nations. Nothing is currently known about the whales' habitat. The creatures deep-dive for food and likely surface so rarely that it has been impossible to narrow their location further than the southern Pacific Ocean, home to some of the worlds deepest ocean trenches, Hendriks said. The beached whale was quickly transported to cold storage and researchers will work with local Maori iwi (tribes) to plan how it will be examined, the conservation agency said 'It's very hard to do research on marine mammals if you don't see them at sea,' she said. 'It's a bit of a needle in a haystack. You don't know where to look.' The conservation agency said the genetic testing to confirm the whale's identification could take months. It took 'many years and a mammoth amount of effort by researchers and local people' to identify the 'incredibly cryptic' mammals, Kirsten Young, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter who has studied spade-toothed whales, said in emailed remarks. The fresh discovery 'makes me wonder - how many are out in the deep ocean and how do they live?' Young said. The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealand's Pitt Island. In 2010, two whole spade-toothed whales, both dead, washed up on a New Zealand beach Firstly mistaken for one of New Zealand's 13 other more common types of beaked whale, tissue samples - taken before they were buried - later revealed them as the enigmatic species Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chile's Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986. DNA sequencing in 2002 proved that all three specimens were of the same species - and that it was one distinct from other beaked whales. Researchers studying the mammal couldn't confirm if the species went extinct. Then in 2010, two whole spade-toothed whales, both dead, washed up on a New Zealand beach. Firstly mistaken for one of New Zealand's 13 other more common types of beaked whale, tissue samples - taken before they were buried - later revealed them as the enigmatic species. New Zealand is a whale-stranding hotspot, with more than 5,000 episodes recorded since 1840, according to the Department of Conservation. Archaeologists have uncovered the first physical evidence of a 'long-lost' Christian community in the Middle East. They have discovered what they believe was a palace belonging to the Bishop dating back to the mid-8th century that was adorned with crosses and Christian symbols. The team recovered glassware used to drink wine - a practice that ended after the adoption of Islam - and textiles that might have been used during religious rituals. The Church of the East, also called the Nestorian Church, thrived in the area until the Islam religion became widespread in the early 7th century, prompting locals to abandon the area. These findings are significant because it marks the first time archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Christian communities in Bahrain. A building that could have been the palace of the Bishop of the diocese dating back to the mid-8th century was discovered under a cemetery, representing one of the earliest Christian buildings in the Gulf region. The Bishop's palace had eight rooms intact including a kitchen with several fireplaces, a dining room, a possible work room and three living rooms Researchers uncovered three plaster crosses (one pictured) that were hung in the building The building was discovered under a cemetery in Samahij, Bahrain, an island country that sits off the coast of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Radiocarbon dating revealed that people had occupied the structure 2,000 years ago, representing one of the earliest Christian buildings in the Arabian Gulf region. The Bishop's palace had eight rooms intact including a kitchen with several fireplaces, a dining room, a possible work room and three living rooms. 'The implications [of the discovery] are significant as we have documentary evidence referring to the Christian community in Bahrain but lacked any material proof for it until this building was excavated,' Tim Insoll, the lead researcher and professor at the University of Exeter told DailyMail.com. The inhabitant's Christian identity was confirmed by three plaster crosses found within the structure - two were used to decorate the building and one was carried or kept as a personal memento. There was also graffiti scratched into the plaster of a Chi-Rho which was the first two letters of the Greek Khristos Christ and a fish, both of which were early Christian symbols. 'We were amused to find someone had also drawn part of a face on a pearl shell in bitumen, perhaps for a child who lived in the building,' Insoll said in a press release. Based on the artifacts found at the site, the archaeologists reported that those living in the Christian community had 'a good standard of living,' and the discoveries of carnelian semiprecious stone beads and pottery shards that originated in India suggested the two countries traded with each other. British and Bahrainian researchers excavated a mound at the village cemetery from 2019 to 2023 and reported that the rooms survived because a mosque was later built on top of it, preserving the structure for the last 2,000 years There was graffiti scratched into the plaster of a Chi-Rho which was the first two letters of the Greek Khristos Christ and a fish, both of which were early Christian symbols The building in Samahij 'is the first physical evidence found of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain and gives a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshiped,' Insoll said. He said the discovery 'fills in a gap in our understanding of wider Christianity in the Persian Gulf as it was always very surprising that Bahrain, considering its historical importance in late antiquity and the early Islamic period, never had any archaeological indications of this, in contrast to finds in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, for example, which historically, were not so important.' The Arabian Gulf region is largely Islamic today, but before the 'large-scale conversion to Islam began' in 610 BC, the Church of the East thrived. British and Bahraini researchers excavated a mound at the village cemetery from 2019 to 2023 and reported that the rooms survived because a mosque was later built on top of it, preserving the structure for the last 2,000 years. The local Muslim community in Samahij had previously said 'they had a mound under a ruined mosque/shrine in their cemetery, which they said contained something important,' Insoll said. 'No one listened, but eventually, when it was taken seriously, they were right, and the building was found.' Nearly 70 Colorado-based poultry workers have symptoms of the avian bird flu, marking the largest outbreak to date, the CDC revealed today. There were three cases confirmed to have H5N1, also known as avian influenza, on Friday and 16 other symptomatic workers were tested on Monday, but the results are still pending. It brings the total number of human cases to nine and experts fear virus could mutate to become more dangerous if it continues to jump between species. They're so concerned about an outbreak that the federal government has paid Moderna - of covid vaccine fame - $176 million to create H5N1 vaccine for humans in case it becomes a national pandemic. The CDC reported that four poultry workers have contracted the avian bird flu while working at a commercial egg layer operation in Colorado. There were three cases confirmed on Friday and one person is believed to have H5N1, also known as avian influenza, but the results are still pending The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is studying the cluster of cases in Colorado to determine if they should update the risks to human health. Colorado health officials reported that antiviral medication was given to 150 workers to treat the H5N1 bird flu and have confirmed that a total of 69 workers have shown symptoms. An initial analysis hasn't shown any worrisome signs that the virus is mutating, making it easier to spread among people and the CDC is not currently recommending that livestock workers need to be vaccinated against the disease, Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the CDC told US News. Federal officials said the workers had been culling poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado when they started experiencing mild symptoms including conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, and respiratory infections. None of the Colorado workers were hospitalized after contracting the virus but are being monitored for ongoing symptoms. The CDC told DailyMail.com that is has deployed a team of nine people including epidemiologists, veterinarians, clinicians and an industrial hygienist to Colorado' to determine whether they should update the public health response to the outbreak. 'There is ongoing monitoring of workers as part of this assessment and additional specimens are being tested,' the spokesperson said. All of the infected workers contracted the virus after they came into direct contact with poultry and Shah said they weren't wearing protective gear while they killed the chickens. 'PPE use was not optimal, particularly the masks and eye protection,' Shah told US News, referring to personal protective equipment. She claimed the hot temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit and the strong industrial fans made it difficult for the workers to keep the protective gear on their faces. The CDC fears that H5N1, also known as the bird flu, has the potential to cause severe disease and if it spreads easily from person to person, it could 'trigger a pandemic.' Roughly 50 percent of all people who are diagnosed with the disease die from it, according to Cleveland Clinic, because the H5N1 strain can cause massive inflammation in the respiratory system. The bird flu began causing panic in 2022 after it spread from dairy cows to a human in Colorado, but it is now responsible for the largest outbreak among birds, wiping out more than 100 million around the world. The outbreaks among humans started amping up in farmworkers in March and since then, there have been nine reported cases of the disease in the US, including the four Colorado workers. Two farmworkers were diagnosed with the disease in Michigan, one in Texas and an additional person in northern Colorado who suffered from pink eye after he came in contact with infected cattle. All symptoms from infection are mild and there are currently no signs that the avian bird flu can pass from human to human. Federal health officials reported that the newest cases were contracted 'at a poultry facility experiencing an outbreak of the H5N1 virus that is circulating in wild birds and has been causing multistate outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry.' The US Department of Agriculture reported that there have been 152 confirmed bird flu outbreaks in cattle herds so far this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that they are concerned about this novel influenza virus because it has the potential to cause severe disease and if it spreads easily from person to person, saying it could 'trigger a pandemic The CDC is still investigating the outbreak and has warned the public that 'if these viruses were to change to spread easily from person to person, it could trigger a pandemic, though, to date, we have not seen genetic changes in the virus that would make it more likely to transmit between humans.' Health officials worry that influenza A viruses that infect birds and cattle can mutate to spread from one person to another more often, and because the human immune system wouldn't be used to it, a new strain could spread quickly around the world. They are now considering if and when they should deploy 4.8 million doses of a bird flu vaccine developed by vaccine maker CSL Seqirus. The supply would be pulled from a cache of pre-pandemic vaccines funded by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. It utilizes a highly scalable method of production and is currently positioned to deliver up to 150 million influenza vaccine doses to support an influenza pandemic response within six months of a pandemic declaration,' CSL Seqirus said in a May news release. However, while the vaccines are expected to be completed later this summer, they may not immediately be authorized for use and it is still unclear how quickly the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could approve the shots for the public. 'While CDC's current risk assessment to the general public is low, if it is determined that the U.S. population needs to be vaccinated to prevent H5N1 influenza, then the FDA will use its regulatory pathways to take the appropriate steps to ensure vaccines are available in the timeliest manner possible,' an FDA spokesperson told CBS News in May. In the meantime, the CDC has warned that people who are exposed to infected birds or animals, either through jobs or other recreational activities, are at a greater risk of contracting bird flu. The report comes only a week after the agency confirmed a Colorado resident contracted the bubonic plague - a potentially life-threatening disease passed to humans through an infected rodent flea or by handling an infected animal. The plague killed millions of people in Europe in the 14th century but it is considered a rare illness in rural areas in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Roughly seven people contract the plague in the US each year. Claustrophobic? You may want to look away now. A traveller has filmed a spellbinding journey into the heart of an Egyptian pyramid and it involves spaces so tight even Lara Croft would surely feel a bit edgy. In a video posted to TikTok, Sam Mayfair revealed the inside of the Bent Pyramid, located in the royal necropolis of Dahshur, south of Cairo, to his 730,000 followers. The 40-year-old Egyptology enthusiast, who has explored 'almost all the accessible pyramids', described the Bent pyramid as 'one of his favourites', saying it's worth the visit. But he explains that some people are too scared even to attempt it, telling MailOnline Travel that some visitors 'outright refused to enter once they saw the first shaft down'. In a video posted to TikTok, Sam Mayfair revealed the inside of the Bent Pyramid (above), located in the royal necropolis of Dahshur, south of Cairo, to his 730,000 followers Sam (pictured) described the Bent Pyramid as 'one of his favourites', saying it's worth the visit. He said some people are too scared to attempt it, telling MailOnline Travel that some visitors 'outright refused to enter once they saw the first shaft down' In the video, titled 'Everything you need to know about going inside a pyramid', Sam films himself climbing up a wooden staircase to a small shaft leading into the pyramid. This, he says, is 'where the adventure begins'. Sam reveals a 'steep' staircase which, he said, extends 85 metres (278 feet) into the ground. The traveller, who's 6ft 2in, says the shaft is just 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) high and 'is so small that you need to crawl through it'. Sam says: 'I spent so long going down this tunnel that I thought I'd never get out.' He eventually reached the bottom - 'only to be met with more stairs'. After a 10-metre climb, Sam discovers the first chamber of the pyramid, which he describes as 'awesome'. He then climbs some more stairs to find a small tunnel, which he crawls through on all fours. In the video, Sam reveals a 'steep' staircase which, he said, extends 85 metres (278 feet) into the ground (pictured) Sam, who's 6ft 2in, says the shaft is just 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) high and 'is so small that you need to crawl through it'. He adds: 'I spent so long going down this tunnel that I thought I'd never get out' In the video, Sam discovers the first chamber of the pyramid (pictured left), which he describes as 'awesome'. He describes the second chamber (pictured right) as 'very impressive' He says: 'At this point, I guarantee you, you're going to be extremely sweaty and tired and you can hardly breathe.' After manoeuvring through a series of tunnels, Sam discovers the pyramid's second chamber. He says: 'Although the chamber is very impressive, you'll be overwhelmed with the smell of ammonia.' He attributes this smell of urine to animals that have lived in the pyramid in the past. Sam takes the same route back and says he has to 'slide on his backside' to get out. On the way, he discovers a 'ginormous' stone propped up by a plank of wood, which he notes is the 'only thing from stopping it from falling over, trapping you inside the pyramid'. Sam told MailOnline Travel: 'The Bent Pyramid is probably one of the hardest ones and most claustrophobic. It is very physically demanding to reach the inside.' He added that the tight spaces are 'difficult' to navigate. He said: 'If someone comes the other way, you just have to squeeze past each other. One of you stops and the other keeps going.' In his video, Sam says: 'Eventually, you do make it out, and you feel a great sense of achievement.' Sam reveals there are no emergency exits and says it's 'probably not' okay for claustrophobic people to enter Sam takes the same route back and says he has to 'slide on his backside' to get out. He discovers a 'ginormous' stone propped up by a plank of wood (pictured right) After completing the pyramid, Sam says: 'You feel a great sense of achievement' He reveals there are no emergency exits and says it's 'probably not' okay for claustrophobic people to enter. The inside is also dimly lit. And what happens if there's a power cut? Sam tells his followers: 'You're in the dark.' Are there any dangers in exploring the pyramids? Sam said: 'There is always danger in exploring any ancient structure, especially one as old as a pyramid, but for me, that's all part of the journey into the unknown.' For those apprehensive about venturing inside the pyramids, Sam said a 'good starter pyramid that's very easy to explore' is the Stepped Pyramid of Djoser inside the Saqqara necropolis, southwest of Cairo. Meanwhile, he said the Pyramid of Teti, also part of the Saqqara necropolis, is ideal for those who want to 'challenge' themselves. Asked if he would recommend exploring the pyramids to others, Sam said: 'It's not for everyone, but what an experience it is when you do!' To see more from Sam, follow him on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@sam.mayfair, or follow his Instagram account at www.instagram.com/sam.mayfair/?hl=en-gb. An American couple who spent eight months exploring the UK have revealed their top 10 favourite places to visit throughout England. London isn't on the list (as they've assumed visitors will go there as a matter of course) but spots with hidden bars, breathtaking sea arches and some of the best fish and chips in the land are. Along with a city 'you would not expect to see on a travel list'. The pair, Cara Atwell and Jeremy Davis - currently in Portland, Oregon revealed their ranking in a video on their 'Magic Geekdom' YouTube channel. So far, it has garnered 83,000 views. Read on for the full ranking, listed in reverse order. And vote for YOUR favourite place in our poll. 10. Lincoln Cara Atwell and Jeremy Davis spent eight months exploring the UK and have revealed their top 10 favourite places to visit throughout England. Lincoln 'won us over', says Cara, 'with its incredible cathedral [above]' and a 'postcard perfect' street Your browser does not support iframes. Lincoln 'completely won us over', says Cara, 'with its incredible cathedral, fascinating history and delightful charm'. Fancy visiting? Be prepared for some calf-burning inclines. Cara adds: 'It's a very steep city in fact, the main thoroughfare is called Steep Hill.' It's worth tackling, though, with Cara declaring it 'postcard-perfect'. 9. Newcastle upon Tyne 'We seem to chat with strangers the most whenever we are in Newcastle,' said Cara Cara told MailOnline that Newcastle upon Tyne exceeded her expectations. She said: 'It is probably not a place you would expect to see on a travel list. We have friends that live there and didn't know much about it before visiting, but it's a great city. 'We were pleasantly surprised by the amazing assortment of food, the fantastic views along the quayside, and how friendly everyone there seems to be. 'We seem to chat with strangers the most whenever we are in Newcastle.' 8. Bath Bath is one of England's 'most memorable cities', said Cara Bath, says Cara, is 'undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in England'. She adds: 'It really captivated us. Throughout all of our travels, it's still one of the most memorable cities.' The Roman Baths in Bath are an attraction you must visit, says Cara, adding that the museum there contains 'so much wonderful information'. Other top sights the couple enjoyed were Bath Abbey 'an architectural marvel' and Pulteney Bridge, which is 'adorned with quaint shops and restaurants'. 7. Manchester Jeremy describes Manchester as a 'cool and creative' city In Manchester, the couple visited a hidden bar called The Washhouse, which you enter through a fake laundromat. Jeremy says that the bar encapsulates what's so enticing about Manchester it's 'cool and creative'. He also recommends visiting Manchester's 'breathtaking' cathedral and the marketplace-style Afflecks shopping centre. Jeremy adds: 'It's an eclectic city with a mix of industrial grit and modern trendiness.' 6. Jurassic Coast The couple said they 'loved every single minute' of their time spent on the Jurassic Coast Cara describes the Jurassic Coast as a 'must-visit Unesco heritage site'. She adds: 'We spent several days exploring the incredible region and loved every single minute.' Highlights for the pair included Old Harrys Rocks, dinosaur footprints at Keates Quarry and the limestone Durdle Door sea arch. 5. Cornwall Cornwall is home to 'some of England's most dramatic coastlines', say the couple. Above - St Michael's Mount, near Penzance Jeremy describes Cornwall as a 'classic destination with a distinct culture and cuisine'. It has 'some of England's most dramatic coastlines and picture-perfect fishing villages', he adds. 4. The Cotswolds The Cotswolds, say the couple, is full of 'the loveliest villages'. Above is Painswick, one of the highlights of their visit to the area Cara says the Cotswolds will 'make you feel like you're living in an English fairytale'. It's a place, she says, that's full of 'the loveliest villages' and 'rolling hills'. One highlight for the pair was visiting the village of Painswick. There they wandered through the churchyard, an experience Cara likens to 'stepping into a story-book scene'. 3. Whitby 'We were most surprised by Whitby because it was so different from any place we'd ever been,' Cara told MailOnline The couple were 'blown away' by Whitby's architecture, and waxed lyrical about the number of places there 'with stunning views'. They also highlight the dramatic abbey - 'one of the best sites in town' and the fish and chips. 'Getting fish and chips from one of the famous chippies in Whitby you can't go wrong,' says Cara on the video. She told MailOnline that it was the place that surprised them the most. The vlogger explained: 'We were most surprised by Whitby because it was so different from any place we'd ever been. It was one of the first coastal towns in England we ever visited and from the moment we arrived, the scenery blew us away. The layers of red roofs with the Abbey ruins hovering above on the cliffs is so stunning.' 2. The Lake District The 'breathtaking scenery' of the Lake District helped the area claim second place in the ranking The Lake District, states Cara, is home to some of the country's 'most breathtaking scenery'. The pair were bewitched by lake Buttermere, charmed by 'charming' Keswick and admired Ambleside, home to the fairytale Bridge House, a curious building that stands over a river. Another highlight was the Bassenthwaite Lake Station, which serves afternoon tea in a restored railway station, with some tables positioned in a replica Orient Express carriage. 'A special experience,' says Cara. 1. York York is the couple's top must-see place in England. Above is medieval street the Shambles. 'Like nothing we've ever seen,' said Jeremy Cara Atwell and Jeremy Davis spent eight months exploring the UK 'There's no place quite like York,' says Jeremy. 'It's a city that has a perfect blend of history and charm and feels so quintessentially English.' The pair visited York Minster 'one of the world's most stunning Gothic cathedrals' and wandered through the Shambles, which they note is often called Europe's best-preserved medieval street. 'It's like nothing we've ever seen,' says Jeremy. 'And we loved browsing the quirky independent shops.' He concludes: 'York is the kind of city I just want to wander and get lost in.' Cara and Jeremy post on social media as The Magic Geekdom. They can be found at www.instagram.com/themagicgeekdom; twitter.com/magicgeekdom; www.tiktok.com/@themagicgeekdom; www.youtube.com/@TheMagicGeekdom and www.facebook.com/themagicgeekdom. Diamonds are forever in the German town of Nordlingen - because embedded in the walls of nearly all of its buildings are around 72,000 tonnes of diamonds. The jewels were created by an asteroid that smashed into the earth 15million years ago and can be seen with the naked eye. However, the locals werent aware of the dazzling phenomenon until the 1960s when two US geologists, Eugene Shoemaker and Edward Chao, arrived in the town. Although the near-perfectly circular town (so fairytale-like it featured in the 1971 version of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory) looks like it fills a complete crater, Nordlingen actually sits within the 26km- (16-mile) wide Nordlinger Ries crater - the towns circular shape is pure coincidence. Nordlingens residents had assumed the Nordlinger Ries crater was the result of a volcanic eruption. But Shoemaker and Chao suspected the crater had been caused by an asteroid colliding with Earth. Nordlingen sits within the 26km- (16-mile) wide Nordlinger Ries asteroid crater. Embedded in the walls of nearly all of its buildings are around 72,000 tonnes of diamonds Nordlingen's jewels were created by an asteroid that smashed into the earth 15million years ago and can be seen with the naked eye As soon as they visited and saw the churchs walls were peppered with clusters of tiny diamonds, they knew their theory was correct. Thought to be travelling at 25km (15 miles) per second around 15million years ago, the 1km- (0.62-mile) wide asteroid hit the Earth with such force that it created the Nordlinger Ries crater. And bubbles of carbon within the rock transformed into tiny diamonds under the pressure and heat of the explosion. Nordlingens residents arent going to be rich. While the diamonds help to keep this town shimmering, they dont have any economic value Dr Stefan Holzl, geologist and director of Nordlingen RiesKrater Museum, told the BBC: You have some places in the world where this sort of asteroid impact material has been used for buildings, but nowhere near this amount. Here it was used to build the whole town. Nordlingens St George's Church alone is thought to contain 5,000 carats worth of the gems in total. Holzl said that Nasa astronauts from the Apollo 14 and Apollo 16 space missions even visited Nordlingen before their moon expeditions to learn about the kind of rocks they might find in space. Nordlingens residents arent going to be rich, however. While the diamonds help to keep this town shimmering, they dont have any economic value. A female solo traveller has revealed her top tips for travelling alone, which include booking certain hotel floors and being rude, as well as some of her scariest experiences. Sierra Belle, a creative account director from North Carolina, US, has journeyed all over the globe, from Croatia to Montenegro and the Dominican Republic, and says that confidence is one of the keys to reducing your chances of being a target. It's OK to be rude The 26-year-old, who imparts her wisdom to 22,300 followers on Instagram under the username @belletropics, told Luxury Travel Daily: 'The more confident you appear when exploring a new place, the less of a target you'll be. 'Before you can gauge someone's intentions, it's important to avoid revealing any information that could make you more vulnerable. Sierra Belle has journeyed all over the globe from Croatia to Montenegro and the Dominican Republic. The 26-year-old imparts her wisdom to others on Instagram under the name @belletropics. She's pictured left in the Dominican Republic Sierra advises women that they can be 'rude'. She said: 'You don't owe anyone anything and you can't afford to ignore your boundaries for the sake of being pleasant.' She's pictured above in Lanzarote 'How much you share about yourself depends entirely on how comfortable you are in the situation and your gut feeling will be a huge help here. 'Especially as a woman, it's so easy to feel the pressure to be polite and give people the benefit of the doubt. 'Sometimes you can feel like you're caught in this dance of "don't be rude but don't give people (especially men) the wrong idea". 'You don't owe anyone anything and you can't afford to ignore your boundaries for the sake of being pleasant. 'If you let that feeling of obligation take over your actual instincts, you can end up in sticky situations. 'You'll have to get used to feeling confident completely ignoring or shutting down people that make you uncomfortable.' Book your hotel room with care Belle said: 'I believe that one of the best times to consider travelling alone is when you're in the midst of some of those intimidating or de-stabilising turning points in life.' She's pictured above in Montenegro Sierra said: 'Solo travelling comes with an incredible amount of independence. It's an amazing feeling that cultivates so much confidence.' She's pictured above in the Dominican Republic The traveller advised that you should never stay on the ground floor of your hotel if it's facing the street. She commented: 'If you ever feel uncomfortable, remember that you can always find a new place to stay' Sierra often gets comments from others about how her travel rules are excessive - but she refuses to cater to other people's opinions. She's pictured above in the Dominican Republic Her next tip for staying safe is something people often don't factor in when booking accommodation. Megan says you should never book a room on the first floor [the ground floor to Britons], or where your door is directly on the street. Megan said: 'I learned this lesson the hard way in Mexico when I booked a cute Airbnb with a frosted glass door that opened up to a relatively quiet street. 'An hour after I arrived, I was unpacking when a man stopped at my door and repeatedly tried to force the door open in broad daylight. 'It was especially terrifying because, although the door had iron bars, I could literally see his silhouette through the frosted glass door the entire time. 'Two days later, a man was aggressively harassing me on the street during the day. He attempted to follow me and was taking photos/videos of me from a distance. 'Both of these experiences made me realise that I never want to stay directly on the street again. 'These are two of the scariest experiences I've had solo travelling and it was just bad luck that they happened back-to-back. 'If you ever feel uncomfortable, remember that you can always find a new place to stay. It may feel like an overreaction in the moment but I've done this twice and have no regrets.' Don't be afraid to ask for help 'You just realistically can't figure out everything by yourself,' says the solo holidaymaker, who noted that it's OK to ask for help when travelling. She's pictured above in Portugal Sierra said: 'Solo travelling comes with an incredible amount of independence. It's an amazing feeling that cultivates so much confidence. 'I've avoided asking for help at times - either because it somehow feels embarrassing or because I was hesitant to trust strangers. 'You just realistically can't figure out everything by yourself, though! 'This was a big moment where I learned that I can't figure everything out on my own and that I don't always need to.' Ignore other people's opinions Sierra often gets comments from others about how her travel rules are excessive - but she refuses to cater to other people's opinions. She said: 'Most of the reaction online has been very validating but slightly frustrating at the same time. Overall, I feel very supported in the community I've created online. 'The fact that so many women relate is a frustrating and sad reminder that we have to go to great lengths to safely have the same experiences that men can more easily pursue. 'Finding the courage to solo travel is mostly an inside job but having a community of women on your side can really make a huge difference.' The best time to go She said: 'I believe that one of the best times to consider travelling alone is when you're in the midst of some of those intimidating or de-stabilising turning points in life. 'I honestly had never even thought about solo travel as a concept, let alone as a possibility for me. 'Many travellers that you see online seem like fearless adventurers. 'Before I started, I was looking for sources that resonated with me so that I felt confident enough to try it. 'It's hard to explain how life-changing solo travel can be but there is truly nothing else like it.' Salt-N-Pepa member Sandra 'Pepa' Denton documented an incident in which she was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight heading from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. The 59-year-old rapper shared a video to Instagram apparently showing the aftermath of the confrontation, after she had already left the jet. In the video, which featured her speaking to employees, she claimed that the issue began after one of the featured employees questioned her about having two seats. Denton also claimed that another man asked for her seat and he was apparently given it after she was escorted off the jet. In a statement to DailyMail.com, Southwest said: 'Our Flight Crews are responsible for the Safety and Comfort of all Passengers in the cabin. With that in mind, they denied boarding to the Customer and her ticket was refunded.' Salt-N-Pepa member Sandra 'Pepa' Denton documented an incident in which she was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight heading from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday Instagram video showed a confrontation after the fact with Southwest employees. She claims she was accosted for having a second seat, despite having purchased it An attorney for Denton declined to comment. The musician was taking the flight to a meeting in Nashville, and she often chooses the same flight, as she said it is the only direct flight to the music-focused city from Vegas, according to TMZ. She said she opted to purchase two seats due to a leg injury related to a 2018 car crash, and she also had a greeter take her in a wheelchair up to the plane door. Southwest famously allows passengers to choose their own seats once they get on the plane, rather than forcing customers to choose seats beforehand and charging extra for less uncomfortable seats, as most other airlines do. Denton claims that she was approached by a man, who was seen speaking to her in her video, about why she had two seats. He claimed in the video that he asked her because he didn't see a cast or brace, though she had a brace with her and allegedly put it on after the conversation. It's unclear if it was made known to the employee that Denton had purchased tickets for two seats, or if he may have been under the impression that she was using a second seat without having paid for it due to an alleged medical condition. However, he notes in the video that Southwest has a policy allowing large customers to get a second seat in some instances, though he told Denton that she wasn't 'encroaching' on the seat next to her, so he assumed that was not the reason that she had a seat. The video doesn't clarify why exactly Pepa was kicked off the flight after that first encounter. She says in the clip that a man asked for her seat, and then the employee who first questioned her indicates that she was removed for filming on the flight. She told TMZ she bought a second seat due to a leg injury from a car crash years earlier. But Denton said employees quizzed her on having a second seat. She claimed a male passenger asked for her seat because he was going to a 'funeral,' but he refused to prove it to her. An employee (pictured) claimed to Denton that she was removed for filming the crew Southwest did not answer a question about its policy on passengers filming their interactions with flight crews. Denton shot back that she had never filmed while on the plane, and she claimed she was merely on a call to her assistant, and it wasn't until she was out of the jet that she began filming. It didn't appear that the employees were going to be reversing the decision, though, and he and another woman that Denton said was involved in the kerfuffle tried to get her to leave the walkway to the jet, as it was about to leave and the walkway would be moving. Toward the end of the clip, she forcefully shouts at the employee after turning her camera toward the exit, though it's unclear if he touched her as she began slowly walking away. During the altercation, Denton had her two tickets held out in front of the camera to prove she had paid for both seats, though Southwest has now refunded them. The airline did not respond to questions about whether it had contacted Denton in response to the incident, but she indicated to TMZ that she is considering possible legal actions against the airline. In her video, she mentioned a male passenger who asked her to give up her second seat. While speaking to TMZ, Denton claimed that the man told her he needed the second seat because he was heading to a funeral. It's unclear if no other seats were open on the flight at the time that he asked her. The rapper said she tried explaining to the man that she had the seat due to an injury, and she said other passengers began arguing about whether or not she should have to give up the seat after she paid extra for it. She appeared to think the man's story was suspicious, and Pepa said she asked hi to swear that he was taking the flight to a funeral, though she claims that he then refused to do so, and apparently didn't provide any proof to her that he was going to a funeral. She notes that her assistant urged her to record the entire ordeal, though she claims she did not do so. But after that, she was told she had to leave the flight by staff, though she claims no reason was given for the ejection. Denton claims that after the man asked for her seat, the crew tried to move her to an exit row, but since she was injured and disabled she wouldn't have been able to assist in the event of an emergency The rapper said she was refunded her $2500 for tickets but lost out on what she paid to get taken in a wheelchair to the plane and what she paid for a car service in Nashville. She said she's exploring legal options; pictured in 2021 in NYC According to Denton, that man who claimed he needed her second paid-for seat ended up getting it after she was kicked off the flight. It's unclear what role the man played in her ejection, but the Salt-N-Pepa member also alleged that flight attendants tried to move her into an exit row, which she would not have been able to sit in, as her injury would have prevented her from assisting with evacuation if there was an emergency. She clarified that she was able to reschedule the meeting she was traveling to in Nashville, but she paid for the greeter to ferry her to the plane, and she also lost the $500 she paid for car service at her destination. However, Denton said Southwest refunded the $2500 she paid for her tickets. Shannen Doherty will be honored with a special memorial at a Beverly Hills, 90210 reunion she was scheduled to attend later this year. The actress, who played Brenda Walsh in the hit drama, died on Saturday, aged 53, after years of living with breast cancer. Now, a source close to Shannen has told DailyMail.com that her former costars are currently finalizing plans for a tribute at the upcoming 90s Con Florida on September 13. Gabrielle Carteris, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering and Brian Austin Green will come together to share their memories while also honoring the late Luke Perry, who played Shannen's love interest on the beloved show. 'The 90210 cast is going to be reuniting at the 90s con, which Shannen was so excited to attend,' an insider told DailyMail.com. 'She loved being with the gang. They have been her other family for her entire life and her TV family forever. Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh in the hit drama, died on Saturday, aged 53 after years of living with breast cancer Beverly Hills, 90210 stars Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green and Gabrielle Carteris, pictured with Shannen in 2019, will reunite to pay tribute in September The cast will share their memories of Shannen at 90s Con in Florida with a montage dedicated to Shannen and the late Luke Perry, who played her love interest, insiders tell DailyMail.com 'There were some moments at the end of her time on the show but this was all buried a long, long time ago. Shannen loved them and they loved her. 'The cast will be sharing words about her and will put together a montage of Shannen and Luke Perry's iconic scenes. His death really had an impact on Shannen and this seems like a fitting tribute. 'Without Shannen, 90210 would have never achieved the level of success it did. She was a pivotal part of their rise to fame and they all know this. They will honor her with a memorial in Florida and are all looking forward to it.' Gabrielle, who played Andrea Zuckerman, posted about the upcoming event just hours before Shannen died. Alongside a promotional poster featuring the cast, she wrote: '64 days until we are in Florida at #90sConFL. Come hang out with us. Let me know what your favorite episodes were. Who was your crush? Thank you #thats4ent for putting this together. #90210.' Hours later she posted a tribute to Shannen and Luke, who died, aged 52, in 2019 following a stroke. 'So young - so sad,' she posted alongside a picture of the sky. 'May you RIP Shannen. I know Luke is there with open arms to love you.' Social media was awash with tributes to Shannen over the weekend as the world mourned her passing. Shannenwas scheduled to reunite with her former costars for the event on September 13 (pictured with the cast in 1991) Shannen died five years after Luke. The pair played love interests Brenda Walsh and Dylan McKay for the four seasons they shared together on the hit show Jennie - who played Kelly Taylor - said that she was 'still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend.' She wrote: 'I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie.' Brian wrote: 'Shan. My sister You loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. I'll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you.' Tori, 51, posted a photo of herself and Shannen on Instagram Stories and wrote: 'I don't have outward words yet. 'But WE knew and that's what matters.' The post included rows of red broken heart emojis and a burst of gold sparkles on the top line. Beverly Hills, 90210 was created by Darren Star, 62, and produced by Tori's late father Aaron Spelling, who died in 2006 at age 83. Tori played Donna Martin, who grew up in Beverly Hills as the daughter of a successful physician and a socialite. Tori Spelling, 51, shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram as she joined the masses in remembering Shannen Gabrielle, 63, who played brainy Andrea Zuckerman on 90210, also paid tribute to Shannen and their former costar Luke Perry, who died in 2019 A separate source shut down any talk of a reboot in the wake of Shannen's death claiming it 'wouldn't feel right.' 'With the passing of Shannen, the remaining cast of 90210 would not like to return to do anything in the 90210 world,' they said. 'They have done it, they have tried and without Shannen and Luke for that matter, it just wouldn't feel right. 'If they reboot the franchise in any way again, it will be very difficult for the show to get back Ian, Brian and the rest of the gang. They want to remember it for what it was and honor that rather than dip their toes back in and try to catch lightning again.' Shannen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Just two years later, she revealed that it had returned after going into remission. At the time, she told Good Morning America: 'It's going to come out in a matter of days or a week that I'm stage 4. So my cancer came back, and that's why I'm here. 'I don't think I've processed it. It's a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways.' Last year she announced that her cancer had spread to her brain in an Instagram post that showed her undergoing radiation therapy. Shannen's publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed the actress' death on Sunday. 'It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty,' she said. 'On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. 'The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.' Bondi Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey has announced her engagement to her partner Jordan Sukkar. The socialite and fitness instructor took to Instagram on Monday to confirm that her businessman partner Jordan had popped the question. Jordan, who owns construction company Buildcorp, got down on one knee during their romantic getaway in Tinos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Bernadette confirmed their engagement by sharing a photograph of herself flashing her diamond ring as she cuddled up to Jordan. She looked stunning in a white cut-out gown as she held up her lavish gold ring for the camera, which had a large sparkling diamond encrusted in the centre. Bernadette, who owns popular Bondi Pilates studio Body By Berner, looked happier than ever as she beamed for the camera. Jordan cut a smart figure in a pale blue polo shirt and flashed a huge smile as he wrapped his arms around Bernadette after asking the all-important question. The loved-up couple posed in front of a stunning seaside landscape while the sun set in the background as it proved to be the picture-perfect proposal location. Bondi Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey has announced her engagement to her partner Jordan Sukkar after he popped the question during their trip to Tinos, Greece Bernadette confirmed their engagement by sharing a photograph of herself flashing her gorgeous diamond ring The Sydney socialite gushed in a caption: 'My forever travel buddy the kindest eyes, the biggest heart and best smile I have ever seen, I cant wait to be your wife.' Taking to the comments section, their famous friends were quick to send congratulatory messages to the happy couple. Jade Yarbrough wrote: 'YESSS MY FAVS, love you guys, congratulations xxx' While Dina Broadhurst said: 'OMG best news ever, so so excited for you both.' Karl Stefanovic commented: 'Congrats you two. Thats great news.' Pip Edwards penned: 'Congratulations you two,' and Kate Waterhouse added: 'Congratulations!!!' While it is not known exactly how long the couple have been together, Bernadette went Instagram official with Jordan in May of this year. Jordan, meanwhile, shared his first post with Bernadette a few months earlier in March 2024 as they attended a friend's fancy dress birthday party together. While it is not known exactly how long the couple have been together, Bernadette went Instagram official with Jordan in May of this year (pictured) In his debut on her grid, Bernadette shared two cosy pictures of them cuddling up to one another at the 2024 Gold Dinner as she confirmed their romance publicly. She simply captioned the post: 'Prom pic debut.' Jordan has since featured in a whole string of loved-up posts on Bernadette's Instagram page as they have been going from strength-to-strength. Bernadette is known for being the fitness instructor to some of Sydney's most high-powered socialites and famous faces. She trains some of Sydney's hottest Eastern Suburbs stars including 'nude' artist Dina Broadhurst, stylist Jade Yarbrough and model Madeleine Holtznagel. Kyle Sandilands has banned Jack Black's comedy band Tenacious D from his radio show for life after one of the bandmates made a divisive joke about the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Just hours after the former president was nearly shot dead in Pennsylvania, Kyle Gass joked about the incident during their show in Sydney, Australia on Sunday. Black brought out a birthday cake for bandmate Gass and asked him to make a wish. Gass, 64, replied: 'Dont miss Trump next time.' Speaking on Tuesday morning's Kyle & Jackie O show, Australian radio host Sandilands lashed out over the comment and vowed to ban the duo from appearing on his radio show. 'So, that guy wishes death on Trump,' he said, adding that the comment was 'surprising'. 'A note to our talent bookers, I will not be participating in any future Tenacious D interviews.' Sandilands, 53, added: 'Someone wishing someone dead that nearly got assassinated, all jokes aside, it's too much for me. 'Anyone who wishes someone else dead, legit is just a piece of s**t.' Kyle Sandilands has banned Jack Black 's comedy band Tenacious D from his radio show for life after one of the bandmates made a divisive joke about the assassination attempt against Donald Trump Just hours after the former president was nearly shot dead in Pennsylvania, Kyle Gass joked about the incident during their show in Sydney, Australia on Sunday The crowd at the Tenacious D show mostly responded to Gass's comment with cheering and laughing, with just a few disappointed reactions. Last month, Black, 54, delivered a speech at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for president Joe Biden, where he said 'democracy was at stake' in November. The event, which raised more than $30million, was also attended by former president Barack Obama, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand. Black has joked in the past that Trump, like his band, believes they are 'the greatest' in the world, as reported by Yahoo! News. He told Conan OBrien in 2017: 'Now, when we go out and perform Tenacious D, I always have like, a little twinge of guilt, because its like this evil f***ing warlock stole our magic, but just took out all the irony. And it worked and now hes destroying the universe.' Meanwhile, many on social media took issue with Gass' comments over the weekend, arguing it was too soon to joke about the attempted assassination of Trump. Last month, Black, 54, delivered a speech at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for president Joe Biden , where he said 'democracy was at stake' in November Black and his band are currently on Spicy Meatball Tour. (L-R) Kyle Gass, Jack Black and bassist John Spike X user Collin Rugg said: 'Maybe, just maybe, these people are actually the evil ones.' Conservative editor Brandon Morse wrote: 'And with that, any love I had for Jack Black and Tenacious D is gone.' Thomas Matthew Crooks Ring-wing commentator Charlie Kirk added: 'These people are more twisted and vile than we realized. And shame on all of the people in the crowd who thought this "joke" was funny.' Black and his band are currently on Spicy Meatball Tour, which kicked off in May and is set to wrap on July 26, 2024. In the wake of the shooting that killed one spectator on Saturday, investigators are hunting for any clues about what may have drove Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, to carry out the shocking attack. The FBI said they were investigating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism , but the absence of a clear ideological motive by the man shot dead by the Secret Service led conspiracy theories to flourish. The FBI said it believes Crooks, who had bomb-making materials in the car he drove to the rally, acted alone. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents as he is taken from the stage Investigators have found no threatening comments on social media accounts or ideological positions that could help explain what led him to target Trump . Trump said on social media the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. But advisers said he was 'great spirits' ahead of his arrival Sunday in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. Two spectators were critically injured, while a former fire chief from the area, Corey Comperatore was killed. Pennsylvanias governor said Comperatore, 50, died a hero by diving onto his family to protect them. Mel B looked sensational in a custom-made leopard print graduation gown on Monday as she picked up an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University. Scary Spice, 49, said being awarded an honorary doctorate is 'as massive an achievement as performing at Wembley Stadium with the Spice Girls'. During a ceremony at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, the hitmaker accepted the award recognising her campaigning efforts for domestic abuse victims. Mel looked incredible in a green dazzling dress at the event which she wore under a red, blue and yellow robe that she gave a nod to her signature look by adding a leopard print lining. She said: 'Being awarded this honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University has been life-changing. Mel B looked sensational in a custom-made leopard print graduation gown on Monday as she picked up an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University Scary Spice said being awarded an honorary doctorate is 'as massive an achievement as performing at Wembley Stadium with the Spice Girls' 'I didn't just want to accept an award. I wanted to be accepted as a student at Leeds Beckett. Not only have I been awarded this degree, but I was also accepted as a student on the Trauma Informed Care course which has been a huge step for me in so many ways. 'I am proud to feel part of this university in my home town, proud to have come here as Melanie Brown, proud to have worked alongside other students and received excellent guidance from the teaching staff.' Mel said that becoming a student was 'terrifying' but added that it had 'changed' her life. She explained: 'In my life I have been to many, many places and done many extraordinary things, but being here today as a graduate of Leeds Beckett University is honestly as massive an achievement as performing at Wembley Stadium with the Spice Girls. 'To understand yourself you have to understand the world around you. To understand what has happened to you, you need to understand the impact it has had. I wanted to understand. I wanted to learn. Leeds Beckett gave me that opportunity, that gift. 'Walking through those doors as a student was probably one of the most terrifying things I've ever done but it's changed my life. And, just so you know, I passed my exams. 'I want to thank everyone here. I stand in front of you as Melanie Brown, daughter of an immigrant, who has learned to value British education in exactly the same way as her father. My degree certificate is going straight in a frame on my wall alongside my student pass.' The university's vice chancellor, Peter Slee, said Mel was 'exactly the type of citizen we are here to champion'. During a ceremony at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, the hitmaker accepted the award recognising her campaigning efforts for domestic abuse victims Mel looked incredible at the event wearing a red, blue and yellow robe and gave a nod to her signature look by adding a leopard print lining Mel B pictured in her iconic Scary Spice leopard print outfit while performing in 1997 Mel said: 'Walking through those doors as a student was probably one of the most terrifying things I've ever done but it's changed my life' He said: 'On behalf of all our students, colleagues and governors here at Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate Melanie Brown MBE on this honorary degree. 'As a child of this city who reached the top of her industry and then used her platform to advocate for those who shared her hardships, Melanie is exactly the type of citizen we are here to champion. 'This year, she joins over 2,300 graduates from the School of Health, equipping a generation of professionals to meet the healthcare challenges of the nation both now and into the future.' The university later took to Instagram to share a gallery of pictures of Mel during the special day. They wrote: 'A moment for the gown. A huge congratulations to Spice Girl and anti-domestic abuse campaigner who was awarded an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University today. 'The award recognises her role as a campaigner and advocate for domestic abuse victims, as well as her reputation as a globally recognised music icon.' Mel was made a patron of Women's Aid in 2018 and has been invited to speak in Parliament about domestic abuse. In 2022 she was made an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to survivors and this year she added a further three chapters to her memoir, Brutally Honest, focusing on overcoming the trauma of abuse. The Spice Girl has opened up in recent years about the 'abuse' she suffered while married to her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte Mel revealed that five years after leaving Stephen, she still suffers from panic attacks and PTSD, and had previously tried to end her marriage six or seven times The Spice Girl made claims in her book that she had suffered abuse from her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte - allegations he has repeatedly denied. The Spice Girl has revealed that five years after leaving Stephen, she still suffers from panic attacks and PTSD, and had previously tried to end her marriage six or seven times. Speaking on Loose Women, Mel made an appearance on the show during their Facing It Together campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse. Mel B and American Stephen were married from 2007 to 2017 and share daughter Madison, 12, together. Over the years, Mel B has accused him of physical, emotional, and financial abuse, claims he denies. Mel told the panel that she was reluctant to leave Stephen as she had completely ostracised herself from her family. Robert Irwin has alarmed fans after sharing an innocent photo of himself swimming alongside a giant manta ray. In honour of World Shark and Ray Day, the wildlife warrior, 20, took to Instagram on Monday to post the underwater image. The photo showed Robert wearing a spring suit wetsuit and snorkel gear as he swam with his hand outreached alongside the giant sea creature. 'I've got a lot of love for elasmobranchs! This was quite an experience freediving with an incredibly friendly manta ray, just gorgeous. Our oceanic wildlife is in dire need of our appreciation and protection,' he captioned the post. But the image caused a stir online with many fans confusing the aquatic animal with a stingray, a fish that tragically killed his father Steve Irwin in 2006. 'I think the whole of Australia has PTSD looking at this pic,' one fan wrote. 'It will never not be too soon for this photo, Robert,' another commented. 'We weren't ready for this, sir. The world still hasn't forgiven the species as a whole,' a third said. In honour of World Shark and Ray Day, Robert Irwin, 20, shared an image of himself swimming alongside a giant manta ray Meanwhile, many fans were quick to correct the users that it is indeed a manta ray. 'People really need to start educating themselves before actually commenting whatever comes to their mind. Google the difference between a manta ray and a sting ray and leave the man alone,' one fan declared. Manta rays have a wide wingspan and can grow anywhere up to 23 feet long, while stingrays can grow to around six feet in length. Unlike stingrays, the tail on a manta ray does not contain a barb, which therefore makes them harmless to humans. The image caused a stir online with many fans confusing the aquatic animal with a stingray, a fish which tragically killed his father in 2006 Steve was killed when he was barbed by a stingray on September 4, 2006, at Batt Reef near Port Douglas in far north Queensland aged 44. The tragic news sent shockwaves across Australia and around the world as his fans grieved the tragic loss. Robert along with his mother Terri, 59, and sister Bindi, 25, have dedicated themselves to raising awareness for conservation and continuing Steve's legacy. Meanwhile, many fans were quick to correct the users that it is indeed a manta ray Probe can span as long as three months until an official ruling is issued Richard Simmons' death at 76 on Saturday is currently being probed by authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department. Police officials confirmed to People Monday that the fitness expert's death at his home in Los Angeles was under further examination. The case was deferred by the Medical Examiner's Office, which calls for a further probe and tests to be conducted, according to the outlet. The examination can span as long as three months until an official ruling is issued, the outlet reported. According to TMZ, police and fire officials were dispatched to Simmons' Los Angeles home after receiving a call from his housekeeper around 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Richard Simmons' death at 76 on Saturday is currently being probed by authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department. The late fitness impresario pictured in LA in June of 2013 Authorities were seen at Simmons' home investigating his passing on Saturday Authorities pronounced Simmons dead at the scene, according to the outlet, and foul play was not suspected in connection with the death, which was going to be probed as under natural causes. Members of the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division also responded to the call due to the high-profile person who had died, the outlet reported. Police subsequently told the outlet that Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on Friday - which marked his 76th birthday - and that his housekeeper had attempted to persuade him to seek immediate medical help. Simmons declined because it was his birthday and he didn't want to go anywhere, informing her that he might go on Saturday. The housekeeper helped him safely get back to his bedroom, where she found him the following morning on the floor at around 10 a.m., according to the outlet. One source told the outlet that Simmons had said he felt 'dizzy' prior to falling down, while a separate insider said Simmons 'showed no obvious or external signs of injury' after he fell down. It was not immediately clear if the fall and feelings of dizziness were connected to his death. Simmons acknowledged his legion of adoring fans in a moving interview he gave People Thursday, just two days before he died. At the conclusion of the interview, the fitness impresario was told by the outlet that he had been 'missed' after keeping a low profile over the past decade, and asked if he understood the fondness fans had for him. Authorities were seen at Simmons' residence Saturday morning following his death Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene and foul play was not suspected in connection with the death, which was going to be probed as under natural causes. Pictured in LA in 2013 Simmons acknowledged his legion of adoring fans in a moving interview he gave just two days before his death at 76 on Saturday. Pictured in August of 2013 in LA The fitness impresario was pictured at a March 1999 event at the University of Nebraska 'I know people miss me,' Simmons told the outlet. 'And you know what? I miss them, too. But I'm able to reach them through phone calls and through emails.' Simmons also revealed in his final interview that he had emerged into the public while concealing his appearance. 'I do leave the house sometimes,' Simmons said. 'But I'm in disguise.' The outlet reported that the interview with Simmons just prior to his passing was his first since 2014, the year he stopped making public appearances. The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade after he ceased making public appearances, spurring speculation about his safety and well-being. Sources close to the late celebrity told the outlet that the reason he bowed out of the public eye was a knee surgery he had undergone, and a second surgery on the knee that he had refused to undergo. Simmons told People on Thursday that he'd also had a skin cancer scare after undergoing a procedure to have it extracted earlier this year. 'Basal cell carcinoma, it was scary,' Simmons said of the ailment. 'But it never came back.' Sources close to the late celebrity told the outlet that the reason he bowed out of the public eye was a knee surgery he had undergone, and a second surgery on the knee that he had refused to undergo. Pictured in NYC in 2006 Simmons told the outlet he had been collaborating on a musical with composer Patrick Leonard in recent months. Pictured in October 2013 Simmons told the outlet that he strived to spread optimism and positivity to those dealing with similar health battles. 'So many people have cancer,' Simmons said. 'I call them, I sing to them: "You're gonna get through this. You just have to believe that."' Simmons told the outlet he had been collaborating on a musical with composer Patrick Leonard in recent months. 'I've written 14 songs for a Broadway show,' he said. 'And I'm working with an amazing man - Patrick Leonard. I don't know if you know his name, but he wrote music for Madonna, Elton John. He's like one of the biggest. 'And we talk a couple of times a week. I write the lyrics, and he writes the music. The whole show is about my life - from selling pralines in New Orleans at a candy store when I was a kid, to when I decided to retire.' Simmons had been gradually reemerging into his public persona, communicating on X/Twitter, Facebook and YouTube earlier this year, and via email with his fans. He told People Thursday, 'Today is a beautiful day. But nothing's really different. I got up this morning. I said my prayers, I counted my blessings, and then I went to work. 'You know? And writing messages, answering emails - and when the email is real extreme, I ask for their numbers, and I call them. I'm feeling great, cause I'm helping people.' Simmons had been gradually reemerging into his public persona, communicating on X/Twitter, Facebook and YouTube earlier this year, and via email with his fans. Pictured in August 2013 His final social media post came on Saturday, quoting a line from the 1968 musical comedy Funny Girl. Simmons was asked about his low-profile interactions with his fans, telling the outlet that his measure of success was the number of people he had provided assistance and inspiration to. 'Well, when I decided to retire, it was because my body told me I needed to retire,' Simmons said. 'I have spent time just reflecting on my life. All of the books I wrote, the videos. 'I never was like, "Oh look what I've done." My thing was, "Oh, look how many people I helped."' Jenn Tran was stunned while watching the men fight to win her attention in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday's episode of The Bachelorette on ABC. Devin Strader kept pulling Jenn aside, angering the rest of the men. 'If we are on a group date we should be doing stuff as a group,' said Aaron Erb, 29, an aerospace engineer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. 'I feel Devin is stepping on my toes but he has no problem making an a** of himself.' When the show opened the 18-remaining contestants had landed in Melbourne, Australia. The first date card arrived and it was for a group date of seven guys with Aaron, Sam Nejad, 25, an entrepreneur from Carlsbad, California; Marvin Goodly, 28, a luxury event planner from Santa Monica, California; Brian Autz, 33, an aesthetics consultant from Boynton Beach, Florida; Jonathon Johnson, 27, a creative director from Los Angeles; Grant Ellis, 30, a day trader from Houston ; Jeremy Simon, 29, a real estate investor from New York ; and Devin, 28, a freight company owner from Houston. The date card read- 'Let's find love in Melbourne.' Jenn Tran was stunned while watching the men fight to win her attention in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday's episode of The Bachelorette on ABC Jenn, 26, a physician assistant from Hillsdale, New Jersey and the franchise's first Asian American lead, was excited to go on her first date as the Bachelorette. The group went to a Queen Victoria market and tried Vegemite and shots with kangaroo testicles in them. Devin pulled Jenn aside to try ice cream and some of the other guys were mad that he pulled her away from the group date. The group entered a comedy festival and were told they had to write jokes and perform them on stage. Several of the men used the stage to roast Devin. 'You look like the budget Pete Davidson,' Aaron said. 'Which means you look like him without the f***ing sense of humor.' Aaron later talked to Devin about how he pulled Jenn aside. 'I feel like I'm understanding more about Jenn and she doesn't want to be with a boy,' Aaron said. 'I don't think I'm a boy,' Devin said. Devin told him to not focus on what other people were doing. Later, when Aaron was talking to Jenn, Devin interrupted them with a room service cart and with ice cream. Devin said he only brought ice cream for two and asked Aaron if he would mind leaving. The 26-year-old physician assistant from Hillsdale, New Jersey and the franchise's first Asian American lead was upset that guys were getting into arguments in front of her Devin pulled Jenn aside to try ice cream and some of the other guys were mad that he pulled her away from the group date The guys were told about the comedy festival by comedian Bec Charlwood 'You look like the budget Pete Davidson ,' Aaron said. 'Which means you look like him without the f***ing sense of humor' 'I feel he is disrespecting me and taking away from my time with Jenn,' Aaron said. 'Don't poke the bear because I'm going to completely lose it.' Jenn told Devin that she thought he was fun. Aaron then walked back in and interrupted them. 'I was telling not asking,' Aaron said. 'I'm going to let you have it,' Devin said. Devin gave Aaron a moment and then walked back in. 'I'm not loving Aaron and Devin are battling it out right now. It's not really up my alley. I think you can do that not in front of my face,' Jenn said to the camera. ater, when Aaron was talking to Jenn, Devin interrupted them with a room service cart and with ice cream Aaron then walked back in and interrupted them 'I'm not loving Aaron and Devin are battling it out right now. It's not really up my alley. I think you can do that not in front of my face,' Jenn said to the camera Devin told her that he liked her and wanted to give her a kiss. 'Well, I think that you should,' Jenn said. Aaron told the other guys that he was angry. 'Getting interrupted once, I was upset about it,' Aaron said. ' Getting interrupted twice, a little pissed about it.' Jenn walked in and gave the group date rose to Grant. 'I feel disappointed I didn't get the group date rose,' Aaron said in a confessional. 'Devin was making it the Devin show and I just don't really tolerate that. Devin is going to be met with some pretty serious resistance because I've taken enough and I've reached my breaking point.' Back at the hotel, a one-on-one date card arrived for Marcus Edward, 31, an Army Ranger veteran from Raleigh, North Carolina, and it read 'Let's fall in love.' 'I feel pretty damn lucky right now,' Marcus said to the camera. 'I feel disappointed I didn't get the group date rose,' Aaron said in a confessional. 'Devin was making it the Devin show and I just don't really tolerate that. Devin is going to be met with some pretty serious resistance because I've taken enough and I've reached my breaking point' 'I feel pretty damn lucky right now,' Marcus said to the camera The next day, Marcus and Jenn went on a skydiving date. Jenn was scared of heights and nervous, but Marcus hoped he could have a calming presence. Marcus told her she would never forget their first date. 'I am terrified,' Jenn said. Jenn and Marcus did the jump. Marcus hugged Jenn when he landed and they kissed. 'Kissing Marcus feels nice,' Jenn said. 'He comforted me. He was there for me.' Jenn and Marcus went out for dinner afterward. Marcus told he wasn't always the strong confident person that he was today. Marcus told her on his last deployment in Afghanistan that he got seriously injured when a grenade was tossed in the room and that it changed his life. He said he spent a couple of months as an inpatient at hospital and months to learn to walk again. 'Walking away from that experience I want to live a life that was worth saving,' Marcus said, breaking down crying. Jenn said she was grateful that he would share that with her. 'You are incredible and I want you to know that,' Jenn said. The next day, Marcus and Jenn went on a skydiving date Marcus told her on his last deployment in Afghanistan that he got seriously injured when a grenade was tossed in the room and that it changed his life Jenn gave him the date rose. The next day, Jenn took the remaining nine guys on a wildlife photo shoot. The men changed into Australia inspired outfits and were each given an animal to pose with. Hakeem Moulton, 29, a medical device salesman from Schaumberg, Illinois said in a confessional that he was not looking forward to posing with Australian wildlife, specifically spiders. Hakeem's caption read 'shouldn't have mentioned he's scared of spiders.' When Hakeem went up, production gave him a golden spider. The spider crawled up his arm towards his neck.Hakeem mildly panicked. Dylan stepped up and posed with a giant snake and Jenn later asked him to continue the night with him. The other men went back to the hotel. Dylan and Jenn went back to dinner. Jenn thanked him for being there for her. Jenn picked up the date rose and told Dylan that she really appreciated how he showed up for her and gave him the rose. 'It was truly a beautiful experience and I can't wait to kiss Jenn again,' Dylan said. The men returned from the outback and asked the other men to give them more time with Jenn. Devin apologized to Aaron for his actions earlier. Jenn picked up the date rose and told Dylan that she really appreciated how he showed up for her and gave him the rose 'I see you as a bully,' Aaron said. 'I pulled her aside for ice cream for like 25 seconds,' Devin said. Aaron then gave him a book titled the Principles for Self Growth that he said he had read several times. 'Be careful how you handle yourself,' Aaron said. Devin said he thought that Aaron was being passive aggressive. At the cocktail party, Jenn told them she was so excited for what would come. Devin immediately pulled Jenn away and said that he wanted to talk to her before the chaos started. The other men were mad that Devin was taking the extra time. Thomas Nguyen, 31, a retirement advisor from Tucker, Georgia, walked in and pulled Devin aside. 'You told us I would respect your time,' Thomas said Jenn listened to the men arguing. Devin told Thomas that he embarrassed himself. Jenn asked Thomas why he thought it was necessary to walk in on her with Devin. 'You guys are making decisions for me,' Jenn said. 'I think if anybody wanted to pull me first they could have had that opportunity too. We all just need to be respectful of each other.' Sam McKinney, 27, a contractor from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, end up kissing Jenn and so did Jonathon Johnson, 27, a creative director from Los Angeles, and Spencer Conley, 30, a pet portrait entrepreneur from Dallas. Thomas went outside and Devin told him that he embarrassed himself. Thomas Nguyen went outside and Devin told him that he embarrassed himself Jenn handed out roses during the rose ceremony 'Yeah because you would get your f****ing a** beaten,' Thomas said. 'You told eight men you would be respectful.' At the final cocktail party, Jenn gave out roses to Austin, Hakeem, Spencer, Jeremy, Jonathan, John, Tomas, Sam M., Devin, Sam N., Aaron, and gave the last rose to Thomas Nguyen. 'I feel relieved,' Thomas said. 'She gave me a rose, but Devin got one, too. He is a circus and clown, so it's just a matter of time before he gets sent home.' The Bachelorette will return next Monday on ABC. Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg play two vastly different cousins who embark on a strange journey in the trailer for A Real Pain. The film also marks Eisenberg's second feature writing and directing effort, following his debut with 2022's When You Finish Saving The World. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January - where Culkin admitted that Eisenberg was 'shaking' on the red carpet. The film was picked up by Searchlight Pictures for a whopping $10 million price tag after an all-night auction shortly after the premiere. Now the film is set for a theatrical release on October 18, going up against the Paramount horror sequel Smile 2 and the Lionsgate thriller Flight Risk. Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg play two vastly different cousins who embark on a strange journey in the trailer for A Real Pain The film also marks Eisenberg's second feature writing and directing effort, following his debut with 2022's When You Finish Saving The World. Now the film is set for a theatrical release on October 18, going up against the Paramount horror sequel Smile 2 and the Lionsgate thriller Flight Risk The trailer begins with Benji (Culkin) instructing his cousin David (Eisenberg) how to act on the train... since they didn't purchase tickets. 'We stay moving, we stay light, we stay agile. The conductor's gonna come through, taking tickets, we tell them we're going to the bathroom,' Benji begins. 'He gets to the back of the train, he's gonna start heading to the front looking for stragglers,' Benji adds, as David asks, 'Sorry, we're the stragglers?' Benji continues, 'Yeah. By the time he gets to the front, the train's gonna be in the station and we're home free.' Benji walks by the snack car and grabs something while walking by as David protests, 'This is so f***ing stupid. Tickets are probably like 12 bucks.' Benji explains, 'It's the principle of the thing. We shouldn't have to pay for train tickets in Poland. This is our country.' David adds, 'No it's not. It was our country. They kicked us out 'cause they thought we were cheap.' The trailer continues with random shots around Poland, including David taking a photo for some people in front of a statue, the cousins smoking on a rooftop and Benji burping in front of a dinner party. The trailer begins with Benji (Culkin) instructing his cousin David (Eisenberg) how to act on the train... since they didn't purchase tickets. 'We stay moving, we stay light, we stay agile. The conductor's gonna come through, taking tickets, we tell them we're going to the bathroom,' Benji begins The trailer continues with random shots around Poland, including David taking a photo for some people in front of a statue, the cousins smoking on a rooftop and Benji burping in front of a dinner party. Benji explains, 'It's the principle of the thing. We shouldn't have to pay for train tickets in Poland. This is our country.' 'What the flying f**k, man? Why would you do that?' a shocked Benji asks, as David immediately apologizes and says, 'I'm so sorry. F**k, you're like red.' They show a number of quotes from critics praising both Culkin and Eisenberg culminating in a shot of David slapping Benji in a train station. 'What the flying f**k, man? Why would you do that?' a shocked Benji asks, as David immediately apologizes and says, 'I'm so sorry. F**k, you're like red.' 'Yeah, because you f***ing slapped m in the face,' Benji says as the trailer comes to an end. A Real Pain also stars Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey and Kurt Egyiawan, with Eisenberg writing, directing and producing alongside Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCarry. Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly considering hiring chaperones for stars following pro dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice both being accused of misconduct. Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series. Meanwhile Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners. The BBC are said to be 'toughening up' their duty of care with executive Sam Bickley in charge of ensuring the welfare of participants. A source to The Times: '[Sam] will be discussing the protocols and where they need to be tightened up'. Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly considering hiring chaperones for stars following pro dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice both being accused of misconduct (Graziano and Zara McDermott pictured) Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott , 27, during last year's series 'It's 90 per cent a happy ship but the push to win and compete might have meant some overstepping of the mark. Going on to say: 'We have acted swiftly and decisively to nip that in the bud and it doesn't take away from almost everyone else having a really lovely, enriching experience from being part of the show.' MailOnline have contacted BBC for comment. It comes following MailOnline exclusive reports that the BBC has vowed to fight back after it was revealed that Graziano is taking legal action against the broadcaster. Di Prima believes he should have been supported and helped with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island Zara. But a BBC insider told the Mail: Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner? Di Prima, who allegedly kicked and hit Ms McDermott, argues that he was not given any advice on how to deal with the pressure of competing in the show. A friend of the professional dancer said yesterday: There are questions over their [the BBCs] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes. He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience. The BBC are said to be 'toughening up' their duty of care with executive Sam Bickley in charge of ensuring the welfare of participants It comes following MailOnline exclusive reports that the BBC has vowed to fight back after it was revealed that Graziano is taking legal action against the broadcaster Strictly production staff raised concerns about Di Primas conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him This paper revealed today that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Di Primas conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him. The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Ms McDermott was allowed to continue. Di Prima was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly. A source from the show said: There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful. It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Di Prima repeatedly hitting Ms McDermott nine months after their initial complaint that he was fired. They presented it to BBC HR executives investigating dancer Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda, that he bullied her in training. Pernice denies the claims and quit the show last month. Addressing his exit from the show, a devastated Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Yesterday the Mail revealed he has hired a lawyer and publicist in a bid to come out of the scandal as unscathed as possible. Ms McDermott, who now presents documentaries for the BBC, is said to have been too frightened to put a complaint in at the time, but is co-operating with investigators at present. Zara 'passed out' during Strictly rehearsals with her partner Graziano Di Prima and was left sleeping on the floor from tiredness. In a resurfaced video posted on the professional dancer's Instagram Story, Zara can be seen napping on the floor of the dance studio as she attempted to get some rest after an exhausting training session. Zara, who now presents documentaries for the BBC, is said to have been too frightened to put a complaint in at the time, but is co-operating with investigators at present Addressing his exit from the show, a devastated Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime Graziano shared a statement reading: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime' Zara 'passed out' during rehearsal with Strictly partner Graziano in a 'resurfaced' video from last October after he was accused of 'hitting and kicking her' in rehearsals After Graziano shared the video of her napping Zara was quick to hit back by claiming she had done 'double the workload' of her professional partner Since allegations emerged that Graziano 'kicked and hit' Zara during rehearsals, their humorous 'bickering' videos have been viewed in a different light Taken on October 25 just days before the pair were eliminated from the show in week six, Graziano waited for her to wake up as he captioned the snap: 'She asked me 5 minutes break'. Later reposting the clip, after her slumber, she seemed to joke: 'I think I've clocked about 50k steps already today with this routine. Give me a break pls' alongside a laughing emoji. After Graziano shared the video of her napping Zara was quick to hit back by claiming she had done 'double the workload' of her professional partner. Sharing a selfie of herself heading to rehearsals that she captioned: 'Graz just had the audacity to call me and tell me his legs hurt after rehearsals yesterday when he spent 50% of the day sitting down and analysing me doing the routine on my own. 'HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL MATE @grazianodiprima.' However, the 'passing out' post isn't the first hint of tension in the rehearsal room, as the pair also hinted at many squabbles and disagreements through a series of humorous TikTok videos. Since allegations emerged that Graziano 'kicked and hit' Zara during rehearsals, these videos have been viewed in a different light. On September 19, Zara shared a humorous video in which she claimed the professional had compared her to a 'camel'. Sharing a video of the pair at lunch, she added audio from an episode of The Kardashians, in which Kourtney and Khloe were rowing. Graziano was seen as Kourtney Kardashian was heard saying: 'I think you take things really sensitively and that's fine, I just need to not make those jokes with you.' It then cut to Zara as Khloe Kardashian replied: 'No, I think they're just rude.' As the camera panned back to Graziano, Kourtney said: 'Well to me it's a joke but to you it's rude so I wont make them.' Zara captioned the video: 'When I get upset after he told me I dance like a camel.' Three days later, Zara poked fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated and declared: 'We haven't got time!' The following month, Zara joked that the pair had been rowing about food as she shared a clip of herself hiding from Graziano behind a curtain alongside audio footage Three days later, Zara poked fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated The pair's Strictly journey came to an end on Halloween week, with the duo being eliminated after losing the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk Graziano later shared a gushing post about his relationship with Zara and she in turn posted about their 'unbreakable bond' in a post that she has since deleted The following month, Zara joked that the pair had been rowing about food. She shared a clip of herself hiding from Graziano behind a curtain alongside audio footage from an iconic scene on This Morning in 2010. In the audio, Holly Willoughby suggested that if Gino D'Acampo added ham to his pasta dish it would be like a carbonara, prompting him to respond: 'If my grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike.' Zara captioned the clip: 'POV you're talking to an Italian about pasta.' Graziano was quick to defend himself, posting a video as he explained: 'I just want to reply about Zara's story saying that I was seated. I am seated but I am still working correcting her.' Zara then chipped in: 'I did double the workload to you yesterday and you have the audacity to say your legs hurt!' As Graziano responded: 'who has been correcting you?' Zara hit back with 'who's been doing the work?' but conceded when Graziano added: 'who's making you perfect?' Ultimately, the pair's Strictly journey came to an end that week, with the duo being eliminated after losing the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk. Speaking about her experience, Zara said on the results show: 'I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously. 'My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can't believe it's over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.' Meanwhile, Graziana told his dance partner that he was 'so proud' of her and said she is what Strictly 'is all about'. He said: 'She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping, asking just for a half an hour break. Both Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini (Zara and Sam pictured) Fellow Italian Giada, who also danced as a professional on Strictly, has yet to speak out about her husband's untimely departure (pictured with Graziano) 'She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. 'You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. 'You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.' He later took to Instagram to share a snap of their Halloween Charleston, penning: 'THIS PICTURE SAYS IT ALL!! You are what Strictly is all about, with humbleness, zero ego, rehearsing 12 hours per day. You went trough pain, lots of .. AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!! Never complained, always pushing yourself to learn more! YOU DID IT! Six week in the competition for a person that has never danced before!! 'It's a massive achievement, you have grown so much, in confidence and also in dancing!! 'THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING ME ! I'm so proud of you!! So proud to call you my friend!! ' Zara also shared a gushing post about her time on the show and her partner. In the caption, she shared: 'From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. 'You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy. I never got bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has inspired me beyond words. 'You made me believe in myself in those moments that I absolutely didn't and the bond we have built is truly an unbreakable one.' Zara has since deleted the post. However, she still has pictures and videos with Graziano on her feed. According to The Sun, BBC bosses were presented with video of Graziano's actions on Thursday, before speaking to Zara ahead of the weekend and finally sacking the Italian on Monday. Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones , Susannah Constantine (pictured) and Catherine Tyldesley , who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments. Giovanni and Katya pictured together on the show A source told the publication: 'Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable. He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud? 'Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented. 'For the Beeb's part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking which it is claimed happened twice and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.' They added: 'Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him. 'This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.' While a BBC insider insisted: 'There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. 'It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.' Amanda, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni (pictured during rehersals) In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she 'cried every day' and felt 'uncomfortable' while training with him Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary As more shocking allegations have come to light over Graziano's sacking, there has been a marked difference in public support for him. Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure. However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments. The Corrie star originally wrote: 'What noooo' before adding: 'You are the kindest, incredibly talented, most gentle man... I'm so sorry. Sending you so much love x'. But now the second gushing comment has been deleted, with only the first remaining on Graziano's post. The message on Graziano's Instagram reads: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. 'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. 'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.' Meanwhile, both Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini. Fellow Italian Giada, who also danced as a professional on Strictly, has yet to speak out about her husband's untimely departure. It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show, which is still watched by more than ten million people, as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated. Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six. He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh. It has heaped further turmoil on Strictly, which is deemed to be the jewel in the Corporation's crown and is still watched by more than ten million people. Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary. It means that Pernice, who has already let his frustrations at the investigation be known, faces an even longer wait for an outcome after three former dance partners, including actress Abbington, instructed lawyers to make 'serious complaints' about his conduct. It also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC's biggest Saturday night success story since The Generation Game. A television source told the Mail: 'This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues. The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by. 'Amanda's complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven't been happy with. 'It is all a big headache for the BBC, it is about to celebrate a massive milestone with its 20th anniversary. 'Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.' Sources close to Pernice say that he fully expects to be exonerated. Kristin Davis looked beautiful in blue on Monday while filming 'And Just Like That...' in New York City. The 59-year-old actress wore a sleeveless blue dress with large lapels while filming for season three of the Max show in the Upper East Side. Kristin completed her costume with heels and accessorized with watch, earrings, ring and bracelet. She also carried a blue-and-white checkered purse and sported black sunglasses while filming. Kristin showed her acting range as she filmed animated scenes opposite Julie Halston, 69. Kristin Davis looked beautiful in blue on Monday while filming ' And Just Like That ...' in New York City The 59-year-old actress wore a sleeveless blue dress with large lapels while filming the Max show in the Upper East Side Julie wore a colorful top and white trousers and pointed a finger at Kristin while filming. Kristin portrays Charlotte York Goldenblatt in the Max revival series after originating the character in the HBO romantic comedy series 'Sex and the City'. Julie portrays socialite Bitsy von Muffling in the sequel series after originally playing her on Sex and the City. Kristin also was spotted recently filming with co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, 59, in New York City. Sarah portrays Carrie Bradshaw and the series also follows Miranda Hobbes, played by Cynthia Nixon, 58. Kristin has been displaying her natural beauty these days after revealing she has let all the fillers in her face dissolve after being trolled about her looks. 'It's hard to be confronted with your younger self at all times,' the Colorado-born beauty told she told the British publication The Telegraph in 2023. 'It's a challenge to remember that you don't have to look like that. The internet wants you to but they also don't want you to. They're very conflicted.' Kristin completed her costume with heels and accessorized with watch, earrings, ring and bracelet She also carried a blue-and-white checkered purse and sported black sunglasses while filming The actress portrays Charlotte York Goldenblatt in the Max revival series after originating the character in the HBO romantic comedy series 'Sex and the City' Kristin showed her acting range as she filmed animated scenes opposite Julie Halston, 69 The brunette beauty looked stylish while filming Kristin has been displaying her natural beauty these days after revealing she has let all the fillers in her face dissolve after being trolled about her looks Fans and trolls have often compared how she looks now compared to how she looked in her 30s when she starred in Sex and the City, and the criticism took a toll on her self-esteem. 'I have done fillers and it's been good, and I've done fillers and it's been bad,' she told the outlet. 'I've had to get them dissolved and I've been ridiculed relentlessly. And I have shed tears about it. It's very stressful.' Kristin has daughter Gemma Rose who she adopted in 2011 and son Wilson who she adopted in 2018. Joey King is reflecting on her perfect day. The 24-year-old posted a slew of shots from her recent beach outing alongside a longtime friend. Joey posed in a two-piece floral bikini, showing off her toned stomach as she stood in the ocean with her hands on her hips, eyes closed, and a smile on her face. Other pictures in the Instagram carousel included a selfie with her friend Ariana, the Kissing Booth alum diving into the water and a snap of their beach set-up. Rounding out the photographs is Joey - wearing a white T-shirt and denim shorts - hugging her bestie, who chose a white top and pink pants. Joey King showed off her toned stomach as she posed in the ocean with her hands on her hips Other pictures in the Instagram carousel included a selfie with her friend Ariana, the Kissing Booth alum diving into the water and a snap of their beach set-up The two donned huge smiles across their faces as they wrapped their arms around one another. 'Theres nothing quite like the bond of knowing someone practically your whole life. We laugh, we cry, we nap, we eat, we gossip, we hug, we share a brain sometimes, and we are always there, even when geographically, we are nowhere near each other,' Joey captioned her Sunday post. 'I love you I miss you already @ariana_guido This was the best day ever.' Joey's relaxed day is much deserved, as the Hollywood star is hot off not one but two number-one movies - A Family Affair and Despicable Me 4. Earlier this month, the White House Down actress stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to share some behind-the-scenes scoop from filming the streaming platform flick. Joey shared that her co-star Nicole Kidman showed her some hardcore fitness moves while on the set of the A Family Affair. 'She taught me the most epic, awful butt workout I've ever learned in my life,' the Bullet Train star said. 'It was so intense. I was like, "I'm a youngster. I can hang. I'm young, and I'm agile" - I thought I could hang, but I couldn't hang.' Joey detailed the workout, noting, 'All these donkey kicks and the rainbows and the fire hydrants. But you have to keep your leg in the air for, like, 12 years. It's so hard.' The Netflix lead still tries to put the moves into practice: 'I do it still I send [Nicole] photos when I do it Im like, "Call the ambulance, love you!" Rounding out the photographs is the White House Down actress - wearing a white T-shirt and denim shorts - hugging her bestie, who chose a white top and pink pants The 24-year-old captioned her Instagram post: 'Theres nothing quite like the bond of knowing someone practically your whole life. We laugh, we cry, we nap, we eat, we gossip, we hug, we share a brain sometimes, and we are always there, even when geographically, we are nowhere near each other' The Netflix lead concluded her social media post: 'I love you I miss you already @ariana_guido This was the best day ever' The rom-com follows Zara (Joey) as she navigates her mother (Nicole), falling for her famous actor boss (Zac Efron). Joey took a moment to gush over working with these Hollywood icons. 'So I mean, I obviously love them so much, but I had never met them before,' she revealed to Jimmy. 'They were the nicest people. And Nicole, especially, is such a sweet and silly, fun person. She's such a girls girl.' Joey quipped, 'Her and Zac too, they're both so hot. They're so hot. And they're like the fittest people I've ever met. I became a tubular gym rat on the set.' Along with her co-star's dashing looks, the Ramona and Beezus star lived out her childhood fantasy by working with the 17 Again actor. The Hollywood starlet's relaxed day is much deserved, as she is hot off not one but two number-one movies - A Family Affair and Despicable Me 4 'I love him,' Joey confessed. 'I grew up with his face on everything I owned.' 'Did you have a Zac Efron lunchbox or something?' Jimmy inquired. 'Among everything else!' replied the Despicable Me 4 actress. 'All the merch that I could get my hands on and I was one of those kids, I was like, "Mom, the movie is going to be on at 8/7 Central. I dont know what that means but I have to be home to watch." I had his face on everything and I was such a fan.' Joey added, 'He was so, so fantastic.' She even went as far as to talk about the High School musical days with Zac. The rom-com follows Zara (Joey) as she navigates her mother (Nicole), falling for her famous actor boss ( Zac Efron ) 'He was so gracious about it,' Joey recalled. 'I would sing on set and he would sing along with me. And he was also, again, so fit, and he helped teach me about my protein intake. He's very helpful with the wellness tips. He's like, "What's your plasma like?"' Meanwhile, when it comes to her other hit movie, working on the family-friendly comedy was a full circle moment for Joey. Jimmy dug up an old photo of the Los Angeles native smiling next to a minion at the original film's premiere in 2010, to which Joey chimed in, 'I went to the premiere as a fan.' 'The very first Despicable Me as a fan,' she reflected. 'And here I am now.' Jimmy Fallon dug up an old photo of the Los Angeles native smiling next to a minion at the original film's premiere in 2010, to which she chimed in, 'I went to the premiere as a fan' In the movie, Joey plays Poppy Prescott, an aspiring supervillain and the new neighbor to Gru. 'I came in with three different voices prepared, but the lisp was my favorite,' she admitted. 'I am so glad they were on board because it's like this little girl saying all this villainess stuff with like a lisp. Poppy Prescott. Villainess!' As for how the We Were the Lucky Ones alum feels about the chart-topping run? 'Right now, it's currently the number-one movie in the country. Number one again. Two number one movies,' Jimmy exclaimed. 'Do you freak out?' 'I am so excited,' Joey said. 'I love Despicable Me.' A trio of ABC journalists have captured the awkward moment they attempted a viral TikTok fashion trend that's sweeping social media. Reporter Amal Wehbe appeared on a panel alongside fellow news reporters Dan Bourchier and Johanna Nicholson where she taught them how to do the 'boots and a slick back bun' trend. The wholesome craze involves a group chanting two statement items of clothing they're wearing with a dance. In the ABC studio, Johanna pointed out her 'earrings and a burgundy top' combo, while Dan changed his last minute. 'I did tell you a different one before. I'm gonna go: Koala pin and a dark blue suit,' he said. Meanwhile, Amal chanted: 'Pink shirt and-a-red nails.' The group of presenters then attempted the catchy tune, but appeared slightly off-beat with the original viral clip. 'We've got to practice. But that's the general gist of it,' Johanna said. A trio of ABC journalists have captured the moment they attempted a viral TikTok fashion trend that's sweeping social media 'I think we were great! I think we should all start our TikTok careers right now,' Amal joked. Fans didn't mind the blunder and pointed out the wholesome nature of the video. 'Absolutely nailed it,' one user wrote. 'I didn't know how it'd go and I reckon they killed it !!!' Amal later added in the comments. The lighthearted video comes months after the ABC pulled down a TikTok story that portrayed consumer boycotts against Israel in a flattering light. The social media story filed by Amal on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) protest movement that targets goods and products seen as favouring Israel was suddenly taken off the ABC TikTok account in December. The story has a restaurant owner suggesting the only way to hurt Israel is to 'fight money with money'. Amal, who previously identified herself as Palestinian on her TikTok page and has previously worked for ABC children's current affairs show Behind the News, promised her viewers to answer the question why people were boycotting Coca-Cola. Reporter Amal Wehbe appeared on a panel alongside fellow news reporters Dan Bourchier (left) and Johanna Nicholson (right) where she taught them how to do the 'boots and a slick back bun' trend She interviewed the owner of Cedar Wrap, a Lebanese restaurant in Bankstown, western Sydney, who was identified only as 'Oz' and waved a microphone with a large ABC logo on it throughout his appearances. Oz said he had been boycotting Israeli and US products for two months with the most notable example being Coca-Cola and other soft drinks from the giant US beverage maker. Amal explained 'the BDS site says Coca-Cola operates a factory in Adera, considered illegal under international law'. The report, which ran just over a minute, contained no criticism of the BDS movement but instead focused on whether it was successful in punishing companies and changing their stance towards Israel. 'Since October 7 there has been a lot more talk around BDS and organisers say it makes a difference,' Amal said. The report then cuts back to Oz. 'A lot of people say boycotting doesn't work. Boycotting is actually extremely important,' he said. 'The only way to fight money is with money.' It comes months after a story featuring Amal on the consumer boycott movement targeting Israel was removed from the ABC's TikTok page Amal the provides her sign-off summation. 'So, it's hard to tell how much financial impact this movement has on a brand but organisers say the change of sentiment among customers is powerful in itself,' she said. Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said the report was 'beyond belief'. 'While I welcome the removal of the video, I call on the board and management to investigate this alarming matter,' he said. 'This report crossed so many red lines that I stopped counting.' He claimed the TikTok was especially inflammatory 'at a time of skyrocketing antisemitism'. 'When Jewish students at school and universities are being attacked for who they are and for supporting Israel, this story will only fan the flames of hostility,' Dr Abramovich said. Cedar Wrap was contacted but declined to comment further. The ABC had been sought for comment at the time of initial publication. Shannen Doherty's friend has slammed the actress' ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, for his lack of 'humanity.' Tara Furiani, a business consultant, shared a post via LinkedIn on Sunday, criticizing the photographer, after it was revealed that Doherty agreed to finalize her divorce from him just one day before her tragic passing at age 53. 'I'm really sad and upset about my friend Shannen's death Because of the divorce she was going through at the time,' Tara wrote. 'She had stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to numerous parts of her body, death was inevitable and she knew that made peace with that,' she went on. 'But, her pain and suffering in the months preceding it didnt have to be so profound if her husband was just a decent human being. Could have just displayed a little humanity to his dying wife.' Shannen Doherty's friend has slammed the actress' ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, for his lack of 'humanity'; The former pair seen in 2016 Tara Furiani (pictured) shared a post via LinkedIn on Sunday, criticizing the photographer, after it was revealed that Doherty agreed to finalize her divorce from him just one day before her tragic passing at age 53 'Life is so hard life is extra hard with cancer and without the support you thought you'd have.' 'If you have the opportunity to be a decent person, take it. You have no idea what people are dealing with and going through' She added, 'Oh, and ladies please get screened. We shouldnt be losing people anymore to this. Early detection is critical.' According to multiple reports, the Charmed star signed a filing to waive spousal support on July 12. Doherty died the following day after a battle with breast cancer. In addition, Doherty agreed to a 'default or uncontested dissolution' of the marriage. The move indicates Doherty and her ex finalized their divorce without the involvement of the court. 'The parties have entered into a written agreement regarding their property and their marriage or domestic partnership rights, including support, the original of which is being or has been submitted to the court,' the paperwork reads, obtained by People. The documents were subsequently signed by Iswarienko on July 13. 'Her pain and suffering in the months preceding it didn't have to be so profound if her husband was just a decent human being. Could have just displayed a little humanity to his dying wife,' she wrote According to multiple reports, the Charmed star signed a filing to waive spousal support on July 12. Doherty died the following day after a battle with breast cancer; Seen in 2010 In June, Shannen accused Iswarienko of intentionally delaying the legal process to avoid paying her; The two seen in 2012 Doherty and Iswarienko wed in 2011 but the actress filed for divorce in April of 2023; Pictured 2012 The star has been married three times; in addition to ex-husband Kurt, she previously tied the knot with Ashley Hamilton and Rick Salomon; Seen in 2019 The Sun also reported Doherty relinquished her right to spousal support. 'I knowingly give up forever any right to receive spousal or partner support,' she wrote in court documents obtained by the outlet. Both Doherty and Iswarienko had requested that the court terminate support for both parties, according to The Sun. 'I ask the court to terminate forever spousal or partner support for Petitioner and Respondent,' reads the document signed by the actress. Doherty and Iswarienko wed in 2011 but the actress filed for divorce in April of 2023. It was Doherty's third marriage - she previously tied the knot with Ashley Hamilton and Rick Salomon. In June she accused Iswarienko of intentionally delaying the legal process to avoid paying her. Doherty was attempting to secure much needed spousal support from Iswarienko as her monthly residual income decreased. People reported the actress had not received requested financial information regarding the photographer's archival work. The beloved star's death was announced on Sunday. It came just about a month after she confessed the past year was 'really hard' for her. Pictured earlier this year in Orlando, Florida Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Just two years later, the star revealed that the cancer had returned (Pictured: Doherty in March undergoing radiation therapy) 'It is simply not right that Kurt be permitted to prolong our divorce in hopes that I die before he is required to pay me while he continues to live his life and shirk his responsibilities to his dying wife of more than 11 years,' she stated in filed paperwork. Iswarienko's attorney Katherine Heersema fired back, stating that Shannen was offered a settlement deal in October 2023 but denied it. 'Kurt is not "simply wait[ing] for Shannen to die." He wants the best for Shannen and he wants both of them to be able to put this case behind them and move forward,' she said. In response, Doherty said she denied the proposed settlements because they 'skirted around the issues of his original works created during marriage' and 'his earning capacity.' Doherty died at the age of 53 on July 13. On Sunday, her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the actor's death. 'It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,' Sloane told People. 'The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace,' Sloane added. Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh in the hit 1990s show, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Shannen shot to fame in the 1990s on the hit show Beverly Hills, 90210 alongside Ian Ziering, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Gabrielle Carteris and Luke Perry Just two years later, the Charmed star revealed that the cancer had returned after going into remission. At the time, she told Good Morning America: 'It's going to come out in a matter of days or a week that I'm stage 4. So my cancer came back, and that's why I'm here. 'I don't think I've processed it. It's a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways,' she said. Last year she announced that her cancer had spread to her brain in an Instagram post that showed her undergoing radiation therapy. She later revealed it had also spread to her bones. Australian fans of FLETCHER heave been left heartbroken after the US pop star was forced to cancel her upcoming Down Under tour at the last minute over the weekend. The Undrunk hitmaker, 30, whose real name is Cari Elise Fletcher, took to Twitter on Sunday to break the news on the eve of the tour's first show in Perth. 'Hi fam. It absolutely breaks my heart to write this,' she began the heartfelt post. 'I was supposed to be on a flight headed to Australia today and am no longer able to do that as I am dealing with a private family matter that needs my attention. 'I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart and devastated that this is the decision we had to make.' The post went on to assure fans the cancelled shows would be rescheduled. Fans were quick to send words of support to Cari, with one writing 'Sending so much love for you and your family.' Another said: 'I hope all is okay, sending well wishes. have been feeling so high about seeing you next week in melb, just want you safe and healthy though.' Australian fans of FLETCHER heave been left heartbroken after the US pop star was forced to cancel her upcoming Down Under tour at the last minute over the weekend This is the second time that the US X Factor contestant has had to cancel Australian tour plans. The Girl of My Dreams hitmaker was also forced to scuttle plans for a 2023 visit amid health concerns. Taking to Twitter at the time, she revealed that a recent Lyme Disease diagnosis was the reason for the postponement. 'I started to become increasingly ill over the last couple years and just kept pushing even though I knew there was something deeper going on,' she wrote at the time. The Undrunk hitmaker, 30, whose real name is Cari Elise Fletcher, took to Twitter on Sunday to break the news on the eve of the tour's first show in Perth This is the second time that the US X Factor contestant has had to cancel Australian tour plans. The Girl of My Dreams hitmaker was also forced to scuttle plans for a 2023 visit amid health concerns 'For the last few months, Ive been receiving treatments following doctors orders and doing my best to learn more about this invisible illness. Lyme has affected me in a variety of ways and while it has not only taken a tremendous toll on my physical body, it has also caused concern for my voice as well.' The second postponement announcement was also met with disappointment from Australian fans. 'Obviously, best wishes for your personal situation...but Australia? Two cancellations? I may not be available next time, so might require a refund - sorry,' one crestfallen fan said. Another chimed in with a similar yet supportive response. 'So heartbroken for our show to be rescheduled again, but family first always. Sending love and can't wait to see you in New Zealand soon,' they wrote. FLETCHER's July Australian tour, to support her sophomore 2024 album In Search Of The Antidote, was scheduled to kick of in Perth on Tuesday before moving onto Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The details behind Richard Simmons' passing are starting to come into focus with the announcement of a preliminary cause of death. On Monday, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced via a statement that Simmons had died of 'apparent natural causes.' 'On July 13, 2024, at 9:55 AM, the LAFD responded to a Suspected Death Incident at the 1300 block of N Belfast Drive,' LAFD Captain Erik Scott told ET. 'Upon arrival, one rescue ambulance discovered a 76-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on-scene by firefighter/paramedics due to apparent natural causes. As a result, no hospital transport was necessary,' he concluded. Police officers and firefighters were dispatched to Simmons' home in Los Angeles after receiving a call from his housekeeper. On Monday, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced via a statement that Simmons had died of 'apparent natural causes'; seen in 2013 in LA An LAFD official told ET that Simmons' body was not taken to a hospital due to his apparent natural death; police vehicles are sen outside of Simmons' home Simmons was found dead just one day after he celebrated his 76th birthday. Although a preliminary cause of death is now available, it's not the final word on how Simmons died, as the matter is currently being probed by the Los Angeles Police Department. Police officials confirmed to People on Monday that the fitness expert's death at his home in Los Angeles was under further examination, and that the case had been deferred by the Medical Examiner's Office, which calls for a further probe and tests to be conducted, according to the outlet. The examination can span as long as three months until an official ruling is issued, the outlet reported. Authorities pronounced Simmons dead at the scene, according to the outlet, and foul play was not suspected in connection with the death, which was going to be probed as under natural causes. Members of the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division also responded to the call due to the high-profile person who had died, the outlet reported. Police subsequently told the outlet that Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on Friday - which marked his 76th birthday - and that his housekeeper had attempted to persuade him to seek immediate medical help. Simmons declined because it was his birthday and he didn't want to go anywhere, informing her that he might go on Saturday. The housekeeper helped him safely get back to his bedroom, where she found him the following morning on the floor at around 10 a.m., according to the outlet. One source told the outlet that Simmons had said he felt 'dizzy' prior to falling down, while a separate insider said Simmons 'showed no obvious or external signs of injury' after he fell down. It was not immediately clear if the fall and feelings of dizziness were connected to his death. Simmons acknowledged his legion of adoring fans in a moving interview he gave People Thursday, just two days before he died. At the conclusion of the interview, the fitness impresario was told by the outlet that he had been 'missed' after keeping a low profile over the past decade, and asked if he understood the fondness fans had for him. Although a preliminary cause of death is now available, it's not the final word on how Simmons died, as the matter is currently being probed by the Los Angeles Police Department; Simmons is pictured in 2013 Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene and foul play was not suspected in connection with the death, which was going to be probed as under natural causes. Pictured in LA in 2013 Simmons acknowledged his legion of adoring fans in a moving interview he gave just two days before his death at 76 on Saturday. Pictured in August of 2013 in LA The fitness impresario was pictured at a March 1999 event at the University of Nebraska 'I know people miss me,' Simmons told the outlet. 'And you know what? I miss them, too. But I'm able to reach them through phone calls and through emails.' Simmons also revealed in his final interview that he had emerged into the public while concealing his appearance. 'I do leave the house sometimes,' Simmons said. 'But I'm in disguise.' The outlet reported that the interview with Simmons just prior to his passing was his first since 2014, the year he stopped making public appearances. The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade after he ceased making public appearances, spurring speculation about his safety and well-being. Sources close to the late celebrity told the outlet that the reason he bowed out of the public eye was a knee surgery he had undergone, and a second surgery on the knee that he had refused to undergo. Simmons told People on Thursday that he'd also had a skin cancer scare after undergoing a procedure to have it extracted earlier this year. 'Basal cell carcinoma, it was scary,' Simmons said of the ailment. 'But it never came back.' Sources close to the late celebrity told the outlet that the reason he bowed out of the public eye was a knee surgery he had undergone, and a second surgery on the knee that he had refused to undergo. Pictured in NYC in 2006 Simmons told the outlet he had been collaborating on a musical with composer Patrick Leonard in recent months. Pictured in October 2013 Simmons told the outlet that he strived to spread optimism and positivity to those dealing with similar health battles. 'So many people have cancer,' Simmons said. 'I call them, I sing to them: "You're gonna get through this. You just have to believe that."' Simmons told the outlet he had been collaborating on a musical with composer Patrick Leonard in recent months. 'I've written 14 songs for a Broadway show,' he said. 'And I'm working with an amazing man - Patrick Leonard. I don't know if you know his name, but he wrote music for Madonna, Elton John. He's like one of the biggest. 'And we talk a couple of times a week. I write the lyrics, and he writes the music. The whole show is about my life - from selling pralines in New Orleans at a candy store when I was a kid, to when I decided to retire.' Simmons had been gradually reemerging into his public persona, communicating on X/Twitter, Facebook and YouTube earlier this year, and via email with his fans. He told People Thursday, 'Today is a beautiful day. But nothing's really different. I got up this morning. I said my prayers, I counted my blessings, and then I went to work. 'You know? And writing messages, answering emails - and when the email is real extreme, I ask for their numbers, and I call them. I'm feeling great, cause I'm helping people.' Simmons had been gradually reemerging into his public persona, communicating on X/Twitter, Facebook and YouTube earlier this year, and via email with his fans. Pictured in August 2013 His final social media post came on Saturday, quoting a line from the 1968 musical comedy Funny Girl. Simmons was asked about his low-profile interactions with his fans, telling the outlet that his measure of success was the number of people he had provided assistance and inspiration to. 'Well, when I decided to retire, it was because my body told me I needed to retire,' Simmons said. 'I have spent time just reflecting on my life. All of the books I wrote, the videos. 'I never was like, "Oh look what I've done." My thing was, "Oh, look how many people I helped."' Ryan Reynolds paid tribute to the young TikTok star he visited in the hospital last year, who just passed away at 10 years of age. Bella Thomson - who was known as Bella Brave - passed away on Monday, her mother Kyla announced on Instagram. Reynolds - who recently joked about 'sexual tension' between him and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine - had visited Bella at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto back in December. The 47-year-old actor took to his Instagram story on Monday to share a sweet tribute to Bella in lieu of her passing. 'Bella was so funny and so charming. I loved meeting her and Im so deeply sad to hear this news,' Reynolds began. Ryan Reynolds paid tribute to the young TikTok star he visited in the hospital last year, who just passed away at 10 years of age Bella Thomson - who was known as Bella Brave - passed away on Monday, her mother Kyla announced on Instagram The 47-year-old actor took to his Instagram story on Monday to share a sweet tribute to Bella in lieu of her passing 'She had a razor sharp wit and took zero s**t from anyone. Particularly me,' he added in his tribute. He also offered his, 'deepest condolences to her family and the staff at (The Hospital for Sick Children) who cared for her in every way possible.' Bella's mother Kyla shared the news of her daughter's passing on Sunday, revealing she passed away that afternoon. 'Our brave girl left her legacy here on earth to dance on streets of gold July 14th 2024 at 4:19pm ET,' Kyla began. 'Bella passed peacefully in our arms. Please keep her name on your lips, her memories alive and her bravery in your hearts,' Kyla added. Please share with us every detail of how she touched your life or kept you brave. Bella would want you to remember; God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy,' Kyla concluded. Bella and Kyla quickly gained a following of over 7 million on TikTok and 337K on Instagram by sharing their journey through numerous medical issuees. Bella suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency and Hirschsprungs disease, and her bowel transplant surgery in late November 2023. 'She had a razor sharp wit and took zero s**t from anyone. Particularly me,' he added in his tribute He also offered his, 'deepest condolences to her family and the staff at (The Hospital for Sick Children) who cared for her in every way possible' The first video shows Reynolds explaining he does an 'ugly sweater campaign' for the SickKids organization every year Just two weeks after the surgery, Reynolds paid her a visit, which Kyla chronicled in a number of TikTok videos. The first video shows Reynolds explaining he does an 'ugly sweater campaign' for the SickKids organization every year. He shows her this year's ugly sweater - a festive green sweater - as Bella suggests, 'it would look better with glitter on it,' and Reynolds jokes, 'it would look better on fire.' He says he's going to leave the sweater with her because he knows she's, 'dying to wear an ugly sweater like this one,' and she plainly says, 'I'm not dying to wear it.' Reynolds also asked her how she felt going into a major surgery like that, and her response was, 'Meh.' Model and rapper Amber Rose set social media abuzz on Monday as she said in a speech at the Republican National Convention that former President Donald Trump is 'the best chance we have to give our babies a better life.' A number of social media users took to Twitter/X to share their opinions on the speech delivered by Rose, with strong opinions on both sides of the political spectrum. One user said: 'What a f***ing weird timeline were in: Amber f***ing Rose is speaking at the RNC.' The account Gunther Eagleman tweeted: Even Amber Rose knows. All the media does is lie about Donald Trump..!' An account under the handle @saras76 said: 'Amber Rose gave a classy and heartfelt speech - admitting she was lied to by the media, and saw the light after doing her own research.' Model and rapper Amber Rose set social media abuzz on Monday as she said in a speech at the Republican National Convention that former President Donald Trump is 'the best chance we have to give our babies a better life' 'I can't believe I'm saying this but Amber Rose is actually giving an amazing speech at the RNC right now,' user John Willow said. Some users were critical of Rose and her support for Trump. The user Omari Hardy said: 'Amber Rose deserves none of our attention. She never did.' Another user under the handle @flywithkamala: 'Amber Rose tap danced for MAGA just now at the RNC Convention. She completely played herself.' One user referenced Trump's remarks following the August 2017 demonstration in Charlottesville that led to deadly violence. The user, under the handle @TheAvgBlackMan, said: 'When Amber Rose did her research did she see the Neo Nazis in Charlottesville that Trump said were very fine people?' Multiple users referenced a dispute Rose had with reality star Joseline Hernandez last year. One user said, 'The time joseline hernandez clocked amber rose on this show, its all making sense now!' while another said, 'Joseline was right about Amber Rose.' Rose had social media abuzz amid her speech at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. A number of social media users took to Twitter /X to share their opinions on the speech delivered by Rose, with strong opinions on both sides of the political spectrum The account Gunther Eagleman tweeted: Even Amber Rose knows. All the media does is lie about Donald Trump..!' 'I can't believe I'm saying this but Amber Rose is actually giving an amazing speech at the RNC right now,' user John Willow said Others said they were surprised Rose was given the spot amid her racier business endeavors, including an OnlyFans account Some users questioned why the RNC gave Rose such a large platform to speak at their convention. 'Why is MAGA pretending like Amber Rose is some sort of mega celebrity at the Republican National Convention?' one user said. 'Her claim to fame is dating Kanye West. Nuff said.' Said another user: 'Wait wait wait, Amber Rose got a prime time slot at this disaster?!?!' Others said they were surprised Rose was given the spot amid her racier business endeavors, including an OnlyFans account. 'I don't have a problem with how Amber Rose makes her money, but I'm a little shocked that the supposed "Party of family values" has her speaking at the Republican National Convention,' said one user. One user marveled at the coverage Rose received in the wake of her speech. 'Theyre really on CNN acting like Amber Rose just delivered a MLK JR or Obama like' speech, the user said. 'Van Jones has the nerve to say she has a political future. They are so unserious.' A user said: 'Amber Rose gave a classy and heartfelt speech - admitting she was lied to by the media, and saw the light after doing her own research' Some users questioned why the RNC gave Rose such a large platform to speak at their convention One user referenced Trump's remarks following the August 2017 demonstration in Charlottesville that led to deadly violence Another user under the handle @flywithkamala: 'Amber Rose tap danced for MAGA just now at the RNC Convention. She completely played herself' Multiple users referenced a dispute Rose had with reality star Joseline Hernandez last year Rose, the ex-girlfriend of Kanye West and ex-wife of Wiz Khalifa, explained to the Milwaukee that she had a change of heart about Trump after doing some research and attending some rallies. She was one of the handful of speakers Trump captured in-person Monday night, as he sat in a box at the Fiserv Forum, with a bandaged ear, looking smitten. 'I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don't care if you're black, white, gay or straight, it's all love,' Rose said. 'And that's when it hit me, these are my people, this is where I belong.' Rose said the first Trump supporter in her racially diverse family was her father and she pushed back saying she believed the Republican was racist. He pushed back, she said, and told her Trump wasn't. 'And when he insisted, he said prove it. So to prove my father wrong I did my research and looked into all things Donald Trump,' she said. She said her experience with Trump's 'red-hat wearing supporters' made her change her tune. 'So I let go of my fear of judgment, of being misunderstood, of getting attacked by the left and I put the red hat on too,' she said to cheers and screams. 'I never felt more free and more love for my country than I do now.' One user marveled at the coverage Rose received in the wake of her speech Former President Donald Trump, who officially became the Republican nominee earlier Monday, made a brief appearance at the end of the RNC's first day and grinned while Amber Rose spoke Rose told the Republican National Convention Monday night that former President Donald Trump is 'the best chance we have to give our babies a better life' Amber Rose waves to the Republican National Convention crowd in Milwaukee Monday night after announcing her support for the candidacy of former President Donald Trump Rose's appearance stood out Monday as the other speakers consisted of politicians, average Americans and a top union boss. Republican conventions historically haven't had a lot of Hollywood types onstage compared to the Democratic counterparts. And even Trump's past as a reality TV star hasn't really helped. In the last decade and a half the most notable onstage celebrity appearance was likely when director and actor Clint Eastwood pretended that a chair was then President Barack Obama, making the case for GOP nominee Mitt Romney in 2012. Trump attracted a handful of D-listers to the 2016 convention in Cleveland, giving Antonio Sabato Jr. and Scott Baio speaking slots. In 2020, Trump's convention moved to Washington, D.C. amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with a slimmed down speakers' schedule. Beyond Rose, reality TV star Savannah Chrisley will speak onstage at the four-day affair. There were some rumblings that 50 Cent may also be on hand, with CNN reporting Monday that the rapper 'is in talk' with convention officials to perform. But a spokesperson told DailyMail.com that he currently has a scheduling conflict. 'He's slated to be somewhere else,' his publicist said. Graziano Di Prima is planning to move back home to Italy to rebuild his life, after he was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, 30, was axed from the BBC show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series. Insiders have now revealed that Graziano is already packing up his life in the UK and plans to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly. A source explained how the dancer, who is planning to sue the BBC following his sacking, has gone into hiding, claiming: 'Graziano is petrified and in a bad place'. Graziano Di Prima is planning to move back home to Italy with his wife Giada, as his career lies in tatters after he was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing The professional dancer, 30, was axed from the BBC show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott , 27, during last year's series 'He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy. This has killed his career dead and he knows it,' the insider told The Sun. 'Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.' Graziano married Giada in a lavish ceremony in Sicily in 2022, seven years after they got together. Just two weeks before he was sacked from Strictly, the couple admittef during a joint interview with OK! Magazine that they found being apart during their conflicting TV commitments difficult. 'Strictly changed my life,' Graziano explained. 'But at the same time, I am apart from my wife. Its one of the toughest times. Strictly takes every minute of your life. From the moment you start until December, you work and live for Strictly. Graziano, who was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, is taking legal action against the BBC, MailOnline revealed on Monday. The BBC has vowed to fight back after it was revealed that Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima is taking legal action against the broadcaster. The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara. Graziano, who was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, i s taking legal action against the BBC , MailOnline revealed on Monday Insiders have now revealed that Graziano is packing up his life and plans to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly But a BBC insider told the Mail that the broadcaster will fight back, explaining: 'Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?' Graziano, who allegedly 'kicked and hit' Zara, argues that he was not given any advice on how to deal with the pressure of competing in the show. A friend of the professional dancer said yesterday: 'There are questions over their [the BBC's] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes.' 'He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.' MailOnline revealed today that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him. The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue. Graziano was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly. The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara A source from the show said: 'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.' It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Zara nine months after their initial complaint that he was fired. They presented it to BBC HR executives investigating dancer Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda, that he bullied her in training. Pernice denies the claims and quit the show last month. Addressing his exit from the show, a 'devastated' Grazinao wrote on Instagram over the weekend: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.' 'My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.' Yesterday the Mail revealed he has hired a lawyer and publicist in a bid to come out of the scandal as unscathed as possible. Zara, who now presents documentaries for the BBC, is said to have been 'too frightened' to put a complaint in at the time, but is co-operating with investigators at present. Daisy Edgar-Jones continued her string of glamorous red carpet looks as she joined co-star Glen Powell for a special screening of their upcoming blockbuster Twisters in Oklahoma on Monday. The Normal People star, 26, showed off her incredible figure in a plunging silver mini dress as she joined the film's cast, including Anthony Ramos, at the event. Daisy cut a glamorous figure in the stunning silver mini dress with a tie-dye print as she and Glen arrived for the premiere together. The actress accessorised her look with silver pointed-toe heels, elongating her slender pins. Meanwhile, Glen, 35, put on a dapper display in a brown blazer and matching satin shirt, arriving with Daisy on his arm for the screening. Daisy Edgar-Jones, 26, continued her string of glamorous red carpet looks as she joined co-star Glen Powell for the Oklahoma premiere of their blockbuster Twisters on Monday The Normal People star showed off her incredible figure in a plunging silver mini dress as she joined the film's cast, including Anthony Ramos, at the screening Daisy posed up a storm as she joined co-stars Glen (second right), and Anthony Ramos (second left), alongside the film's director Lee Isaac Chung, and producer Ashley Jay Sandberg Much of Twisters takes place in Oklahoma, and a vast majority of production also took place in the US state. Twisters is a long-awaited follow-up to the 1996 film Twister, where Daisy stars as a Kate Cooper, a young woman traumatised by a tornado who is lured back when her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) shows her a new system to map the paths of storms. But the two clash with Tyler Owens (Powell) a flashy storm chaser who risks his life to get close to tornadoes for lucrative social media content. In May, a trailer for the flick was released which opens with an Oklahoma rodeo with a crowd watching a bull rider followed by a storm siren. The animals fled along with the crowd and a truck trying to drive away from the chaos was lifted up by the wind and tossed into an electric sign. 'A once in a generation tornado outbreak continues across Oklahoma,' a TV weatherman reported as Kate, was studying the storm from afar at a federal weather agency. A supervisor asked Kate for help with tornadoes after admitting that he'd never seen any like them before. 'No, I don't chase anymore,' Kate said. Daisy cut a glamorous figure in the stunning silver mini dress with a tie-dye print as she and Glen arrived for the premiere together Twisters is a long-awaited follow-up to the 1996 film Twister, and stars Daisy as a former storm chaser who is drawn back into the world The cast posed up a storm as they arrived for the screening, ahead of the film's US release on Friday, and UK release on Wednesday Daisy stars as a Kate Cooper, a young woman traumatised by a tornado who is lured back when her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) shows her a new system to map the paths of the deadly storms But the two clash with Tyler Owens (Powell) a flashy storm chaser who risks his life to get close to tornadoes for lucrative social media content The film directed by Lee Isaac Chung also features Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Kiernan Shipka and Paul Scheer After being told that her help could save lives, Kate reluctantly agreed to give him one week. Kate joined NASA and FEMA experts in Oklahoma and was surprised when self-described 'tornado wrangler' Tyler Owens, played by Glen, arrived. 'If you feel it,' Tyler said to his adoring fans. 'Chase it!,' they hollered back. A note at the end said that Universal Pictures is partnering with the American Red Cross to help people affected by disasters. The film directed by Lee Isaac Chung also features Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Kiernan Shipka and Paul Scheer. Twisters is a stand-alone sequel to the 1996 film Twister that starred Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Jami Gertz and Cary Elwes. The classic film sees two storm chasers on the brink of divorce be forced to work together to create an advanced weather alert system by putting themselves in the cross-hairs of extremely violent tornadoes. Since starring in the film, Glen said that he hopes Twisters could open the door for more movies catered to Middle America. 'Having grown up in and around Texas, Im aware there are vast parts of America that have been underserved in terms of movies that they want to see,' Glen shared in an interview with The Telegraph. 'You sort of have New York and Los Angeles making the decisions about what gets made, but theres a whole lot more audience out there you need to think about.' The Twisters star also noted that filming his 2023 romcom Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney helped him realize what was missing. 'One of the things that Ive realized recently is that when studios say a genre is dead, all it means is that theres a huge opportunity, because a market is not being served,' Glen continued. Twisters is a stand-alone sequel to the 1996 film Twister that starred Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Jami Gertz and Cary Elwes Greeted by plenty of fans, Glen eagerly posed for selfies with those in attendance Producer Ashley Jay showed off her chic sense of style in a cream shirt dress with black pinstripes 'The business stopped making romantic comedies, apparently, because romantic comedies werent making any money in theaters. But my belief is theres no problem facing Hollywood that cant be solved by a really good movie.' The Scream Queens alum is hopeful he can serve the areas - like the 'vast part' he is from - with more of the films they want. In fact, Glen has decided to move back to his home state of Texas to finish his college degree and be closer to his family. In May, he told The Hollywood Reporter that he is reaping the benefits of 'getting to this point in Hollywood is that I can now leave Hollywood. Its like Ive earned the ability to go back to my family.' Talking about Hollywood functions, Glen noted, 'I think you get enough of those that you just want to bring your family as close as possible - or run to them.' The Top Gun: Maverick actor continued: 'I think this is going to be good for my head, heart and soul.' Twisters hits UK cinemas on Wednesday, July 17, and US cinemas on Friday, July 19. Mark Humphries has spoken out after being slammed for his new comedy skit on Channel Seven News. The comedian appeared on 2DAY FM's Hughesy, Ed & Erin on Tuesday and admitted he was nervous going into the new territory. 'The reality was that up until that morning it had been a really slow news week and I was panicking' he said. 'As soon as they said "Ladies and Gentleman, the President of the United States" and I thought, oh this will be good! And so I knew I would be alright.' As for the backlash, Mark is trying to take it all in his stride. 'The worst thing that was said about me, that stays with me is, "I look like a Ken Doll gone wrong!"' he said with a laugh. It comes after Australians have threatened to boycott Channel Seven after the network debuted a new satirical segment hosted by Humphries. It will be a weekly segment after the news bulletin on Fridays and is just one of a series of changes being introduced to the channel. Mark Humphries (pictured) has spoken out after being slammed for his new comedy skit on Channel Seven News Humphries chose to crack several jokes about President Joe Biden after he suffered several gaffes during a high-pressure press conference. 'Today, people around the globe waited with bated breath to hear from Joe Biden, the leader of the Free, for now, World,' the comedian began. 'His press conference was delayed by over an hour, presumably because the President was running late or more likely, waddling late. 'And you know it was serious because of how it was being billed by the White House. A big boy press conference. And that's technically correct if you're using the Benjamin Button definition of 'boy'. 'Biden, who is 81 but doesn't look a day over 90, spoke smoothly on a variety of issues and allayed voters' fears about his age, is what I wish I could tell you.' The comedian appeared on 2DAY FM's Hughesy, Ed & Erin on Tuesday and admitted he was nervous going into the new territory. 'The reality was that up until that morning it had been a really slow news week and I was panicking,' he said Australians have threatened to boycott Channel Seven after the network debuted a new satirical segment hosted by Humphries debuted on Friday 'Well, he didn't miss,' Seven anchor Angela Cox said at the end of the segment. However, viewers were divided over the skit, with many sharing their thoughts on social media. 'You've sacked Sharyn Ghidella and now at the end of the news you have a very unfunny, stupid, moronic idiot on! 'I will never watch Seven News again' one woman wrote on X. 'Channel 7 news doing a terrible job of copying @cheapseatsau lol,' a third said. 'A fourth shared: 'Only one problem with the new 6.57pm news idea from @7NewsSydney. It's not funny.' However, others tuning in at home said they enjoyed the segment. 'A bloody triumph,' one man wrote on Instagram while a second wrote, 'Nailed it!' Humphries gained prominence as on the ABC's satirical show The Roast and also appeared on the network's 7.30 program and Insiders. The comedian hosted the Australian version of the BBC show Pointless, which was cancelled after four months in 2019. Humphries revealed later that the franchise didn't fly here because it 'lacked the comedic banter' of the UK version. Humphries has also previously appeared on SBS' The Feed and ABC's Insiders. Zara McDermott has broken her silence after Graziano di Prima was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing over reports he 'hit and kicked' her. The Love Island star, 27, wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano, 31, there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'. 'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,' Zara begain. 'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.' 'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it.' 'I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.' Zara McDermott has broken her silence after Graziano di Prima was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing over reports he verbally and physically abused her The star wrote on Instagram that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'distressing incidents' 'And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to worth with. 'However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredible distressing to watch. Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash. Instead it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into pro dancer Giovanni Pernice was taking place. 'I have wrested with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,' Zara wrote on Instagram. 'But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. 'The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up especially in a a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. Zara wrote that 'my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events' Graziano, who was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, is taking legal action against the BBC , MailOnline revealed on Monday 'I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as wel as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly meas a lot. Love, always. Zara.' Insiders have now revealed that Graziano is already packing up his life in the UK and plans to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly. A source explained how the dancer, who is planning to sue the BBC following his sacking, has gone into hiding, claiming: 'Graziano is petrified and in a bad place'. 'He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy. This has killed his career dead and he knows it,' the insider told The Sun. 'Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.' Graziano, who was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, is taking legal action against the BBC, MailOnline revealed on Monday. The BBC has vowed to fight back after it was revealed that Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima is taking legal action against the broadcaster. The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara. Insiders have now revealed that Graziano is packing up his life and plans to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly But a BBC insider told the Mail that the broadcaster will fight back, explaining: 'Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?' Graziano, who allegedly 'kicked and hit' Zara, argues that he was not given any advice on how to deal with the pressure of competing in the show. A friend of the professional dancer said yesterday: 'There are questions over their [the BBC's] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes.' 'He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.' MailOnline revealed that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him. The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue. Graziano was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly. A source from the show said: 'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.' MailOnline revealed that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Zara nine months after their initial complaint that he was fired. They presented it to BBC HR executives investigating dancer Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda, that he bullied her in training. Pernice denies the claims and quit the show last month. Addressing his exit from the show, a 'devastated' Grazinao wrote on Instagram over the weekend: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. 'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. 'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.' Yesterday the Mail revealed he has hired a lawyer and publicist in a bid to come out of the scandal as unscathed as possible. As more shocking allegations have come to light over Graziano's sacking, there has been a marked difference in public support for him. Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure. However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments. It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show, which is still watched by more than ten million people, as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated. Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six. He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh. Kate Garraway has waded into the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing drama, branding the alleged treatment of the show's stars as 'quite abusive'. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, who appeared on the BBC dance competition back in 2007, addressed the topic on Tuesday's show, giving her own opinion on the matter and debating whether 'it's time the series called it quits'. It comes after professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, was sacked from the BBC programme last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series. It's the latest blow suffered by the dancing competition, which is still watched by more than ten million people, as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated. During the GMB segment on Tuesday, Kate and co-presenter Richard Madeley, 68, heard opinions from ITV viewers, before weighing in with some of their own comments. Kate Garraway has waded into the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing drama, branding the alleged treatment of the show's stars as 'quite abusive' The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, who appeared on the BBC dance competition back in 2007, addressed the topic on Tuesday's show Graziano Di Prima, 30, was sacked from the BBC programme last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series Kate began by questioning: 'Generally with all these allegations going on and the departure of several dancers, has Strictly had its last dance? Is it a show in trouble?' One viewer suggested the celebrity stars need to understand that the programme involves intense training, which led Kate to shoot a fiery comment in response. Richard read out the viewer's comment: 'Look, professional dancers are used from childhood to this kind of hard, hard training. Do not enter something called Strictly if you can't take it.' To which Kate said: 'The difference is, with these allegations, it's quite abusive it's not just working physically hard. 'We don't know and some of the people accused have absolutely denied it. Maybe there's a line or maybe there isn't, depends on what you think, let us know!' Kate's comments come as Zara McDermott broke her silence about the situation on Tuesday morning, following reports that Graziano verbally and physically abused her. The Love Island star wrote on Instagram on that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'. 'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,' Zara began. 'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.' The presenter said: 'The difference is, with these allegations, it's quite abusive it's not just working hard' Kate's comment came as Zara McDermott broke her silence about the situation on Tuesday morning, following reports that Graziano verbally and physically abused her It's the latest blow suffered by the dancing competition, which is still watched by more than ten million people The Love Island star wrote that there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing' Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash 'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it.' 'I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.' 'And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to worth with. 'However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredible distressing to watch. Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash. Instead it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into pro dancer Giovanni Pernice was taking place. 'I have wrested with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,' Zara wrote on Instagram. 'But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners 'The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. 'I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.' Insiders have now revealed that Graziano is already packing up his life in the UK and plans to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly. A source explained how the dancer, who is planning to sue the BBC following his sacking, has gone into hiding, claiming: 'Graziano is petrified and in a bad place'. 'He is being supported by his wife Giada and they are planning to pack up and move back to Italy. This has killed his career dead and he knows it,' the insider told The Sun. 'Going back to Italy for a new beginning is what is best for him and Giada.' Graziano, who was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, is taking legal action against the BBC, MailOnline revealed on Monday - and the BBC has vowed to fight back. The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara. MailOnline revealed that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him Graziano, who allegedly 'kicked and hit' Zara, argues that he was not given any advice on how to deal with the pressure of competing in the show. A friend of the professional dancer said yesterday: 'There are questions over their [the BBC's] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes.' 'He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.' MailOnline revealed that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him. The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue. Graziano was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly. A source from the show said: 'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.' It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Zara nine months after their initial complaint that he was fired. They presented it to BBC HR executives investigating dancer Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda, that he bullied her in training. Pernice denies the claims and quit the show last month. Addressing his own exit from the show, a 'devastated' Graziano wrote on Instagram over the weekend: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Insiders have now revealed that Graziano is packing up his life and plans to start again in Italy alongside his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly 'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. 'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.' Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six. He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh. Liam Hemsworth is enjoying a luxurious European getaway with his girlfriend, Gabriella Brooks. And the Australian actor and his fellow Aussie model girlfriend hit the beach in Mykonos, Greece, on Sunday. The couple looked relaxed and happy as they splashed in the waves together and emerged refreshed after a dip. Gabriella, 28, showed off her famous figure in a skimpy yellow bikini as she waded into the waves. The beauty went makeup free for her beach day, but she kept on a dainty gold necklace even as she submerged in the waves. Liam, 34, kept things casual in a pair of black boardshorts and likewise spent time having a swim. The pair headed back to the shore where they towelled off, with Gabriella popping on a pair of designer sunglasses. Liam dressed in a grey tank top and put on a cap and a pair of sunglasses once he was dried off. Liam Hemsworth is enjoying a luxurious European getaway with his girlfriend, Gabriella Brooks. Both pictured The Australian actor and his fellow Aussie model girlfriend hit the beach in Mykonos, Greece on Sunday The couple looked relaxed and happy as they splashed in the waves together and emerged refreshed after a dip The private couple have been enjoying a European getaway together over the past week and having plenty of fun in the sun. The Hunger Games actor moved on with Gabriella following his divorce from American pop star Miley Cyrus. Gabriella and Liam are believed to have been together since December 2019. They were the subject of dating rumours on numerous occasions and made their first red carpet appearance together in November 2020. Gabriella, 28, showed off her famous figure in a skimpy yellow bikini Liam, 34, kept things casual in a pair of black boardshorts The beauty went makeup free for her beach day He likewise spent time having a swim before heading back in The stunner wore her locks down around her face Liam left on a stack of string bracelets Gabriella's model figure was on display as she strutted down the shore Her skimpy bikini bottoms flaunted her pert derriere The pair headed back to the shore where they towelled off The ultra-private couple rarely post about each other on social media, and have only appeared in a handful of photos together. Meanwhile, Miley got engaged to Liam in May 2012, but they split in September 2013, before reuniting in 2016. Last year, Gabby was by Liam's side to celebrate her beau's 33rd birthday. 'It's Liam day!' she wrote on Instagram at the time alongside a photo of Hemsworth taking a dip in the ocean. Gabriella popped on a pair of designer sunglasses Liam dressed in a grey tank top and put on a cap and a pair of sunglasses once he was dried off The beauty had on a dainty gold necklace for her swim The private couple have been enjoying a European getaway together over the past week The Hunger Games actor moved on with Gabriella following his divorce from American pop star Miley Cyrus Gabriella and Liam are believed to have been together since December 2019 They were the subject of dating rumours on numerous occasions The ultra-private couple rarely post about each other on social media Last year, Gabby was by Liam's side to celebrate her beau's 33rd birthday 'It's Liam day!' she wrote on Instagram at the time alongside a photo of Hemsworth taking a dip in the ocean Gabriella made her catwalk debut at the Cue show at Australia Fashion Week in 2023. Gabby's catwalk debut for Cue was a resound success - and brand director Kate Bielenberg believes she has a big future ahead. 'Gabby's amazing. She's such great girl and has such a great look,' she said in a statement, adding that she's the definition of 'cool girl vibes'. 'When she came in for castings, she was just so gorgeous and delighted everyone.' Liam meanwhile has continued to kick goals in his acting career, recently starring in the films Land of Bad and Poker Face. Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori could face jail time, a fine and mandatory registration as a sex offender for her latest X-rated stunt in Los Angeles on Monday. The Australian architect, 29, shocked onlookers as she fully exposed her breasts in a completely see-through netted top on her way to the Melrose Tanning Company salon. Bianca, who is known for her barely-there looks, opted not to wear a bra and only added a pair of tiny beige underwear, heels and a camouflage print hat. Despite repeatedly stepping out in racy ensembles, her latest look may have gone too far however, as it could potentially be considered indecent exposure under California law. California Penal Code Section 314(1) makes it a crime to intentionally expose your genitals or naked body in a public place, or anywhere else where someone could be offended or annoyed. Kanye West 's wife Bianca Censori could face jail time, a fine and mandatory registration as a sex offender for her latest X-rated stunt in Los Angeles on Monday (pictured) The Australian architect, 29, shocked onlookers as she fully exposed her breasts in a completely see-through netted top on her way to the Melrose Tanning Company salon Bianca, who is known for her barely-there looks , opted not to wear a bra and only added a pair of tiny beige underwear, heels and a camouflage print hat An indecent exposure charge usually results in a misdemeanor for a first-time offense. But if Bianca is handed the maximum penalty for her nearly-nude outfit, she could face six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and mandatory registration as a sex offender for at least ten years. And it's not just legal repercussions she could be facing, as restaurateurs have now vowed to ban both Bianca and Kanye, 47, from entering their eateries, after she stepped out in another revealing ensemble on Saturday. The controversial couple went out for dinner together at a local barbecue restaurant in LA, with Bianca once again leaving little to the imagination in a tiny silver bikini top that barely covered her ample assets. Restaurant owners were left aghast by the display and have declared they will ban the rapper and his wife from entering their businesses to protect their customers and children. They wrote: 'If I am the owner of any establishment that these two intend to enter, I will tell them due to respect for my customers, you are not allowed to enter.'# 'I wouldn't have them in my restaurant. Totally inappropriate and not a good role model for young children to see this out and about. What is wrong with them?' 'She looks absolutely ridiculous. How can any decent restaurant accept a customer wearing that? Even the main supermarkets have signs up in summer advising that tops must be worn for hygiene purposes when shopping as topless men were going in. This is so much worse.' Despite repeatedly stepping out in racy ensembles, her latest look may have gone too far however, as it could potentially be considered indecent exposure under California law And it's not just legal repercussions she could be facing, as restaurateurs have now vowed to ban both Bianca and Kanye, 47, from entering their eateries, after she stepped out in another revealing ensemble on Saturday (pictured last year) 'You used to get refused entry due to dress codes to a restaurant if you didn't wear a tie, How times have changed, now you can enter and dine almost naked.' 'No self respecting restaurant owner or manager should be letting them enter with her dressed like that UNLESS they, in advance, pay to book out the whole restaurant so it is their own private venue while they are there.' It's not the first time the couple have angered the public with their risque displays and there were previously calls for them to be arrested last year, while on holiday in Italy. Bianca's sheer outfits during the getaway, which left her breasts clearly visible, sparked fury from locals, while social media users labelled them as 'disrespectful' in a country known for its conservative Catholic heritage. While public outcry reached a fever pitch when the pair took their behaviour one step further, by engaging in an amorous moment on a boat in Venice, with Kanye exposing his bare buttocks in front of shocked tourists. Images of the couple showed the father-of-four with his pants pulled down to expose his bottom and seated at the back of the river taxi while Bianca kneeled between his legs and placed her head in his lap. Online critics argued that the flesh-baring display constituted 'public indecency', a charge which comes with a fine of up to 309 (AU$520), according to the Italian Constitutional Court. Kanye was famously previously married to Kim Kardashian, with Bianca being claimed to be an exact clone of the reality star. Concerned fans have questioned whether her bizarre outfits are proof that the Donda star is 'controlling' Bianca. It's not the first time the couple have angered the public with their risque displays and there were previously calls for them to be arrested last year, while on holiday in Italy (pictured last year) While public outcry reached a fever pitch when the pair took their behaviour one step further, by engaging in an amorous moment on a boat in Venice, with Kanye exposing his bare buttocks in front of shocked tourists (pictured in Italy last year) During their nearly seven-year marriage, Kanye heavily influenced Kim's fashion choices, but unlike with Bianca, the musician reportedly instead asked her to change her outfits if he felt she was showing too much skin. Kim, 43, said in a previous episode of the Kardashians: 'Kanye has always dressed me. In the early 2000s, he would literally just send me random emails with all these looks and what my style should be.' He once told her: 'You are my wife, and it affects me when your pictures are too sexy.' A source said: 'Kanye did the same thing he is doing with Bianca to Kim throughout their marriage. The difference is that when Kanye dressed Kim, he was respected as a person - as an artist. 'Unfortunately, Kim knows what Bianca is going through - but she feels Bianca should have known what she was getting into.' Kim filed for divorce in February 2021 just before what would have been the pair's seventh wedding anniversary, after welcoming children North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and five-year-old Psalm. The SKIMS star, who was represented by divorce attorney Laura Wasser, was declared legally single March 2022 while in the midst of a romance with now-ex boyfriend SNL alum Pete Davidson. Kanye was famously previously married to Kim Kardashian , with Bianca being claimed to be an exact clone of the reality star (Kanye and Bianca pictured in February) During their nearly seven-year marriage, Kanye heavily influenced Kim's fashion choices, but unlike with Bianca, the musician reportedly instead asked her to change her outfits if he felt she was showing too much skin (pictured together at the Met Gala in 2019) In November 2022, Kim and Kanye's divorce was finalized, with Kanye agreeing to pay $200,000 a month in child support and equal custody. Kanye married Yeezy architect Bianca in January 2023 in what was thought a non-legal wedding as it appeared they did not file for a marriage certificate. However in mid-October 2023, it was reported that they did in fact get legally married and that it took place the year before due to 'religious reasons,' per Us Weekly. Blog Archive: Oct 2024 (50) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Another Seven News veteran is departing the network amid a massive wave of staff changes and redundancies. After almost 18 years at the network, Adelaide reporter Andrea Nicolas will ditch television for politics in the coming weeks to take over as South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mulligan's senior media adviser. She will replace Jennifer Salter, who also previously worked as a television reporter. Ms Salter's husband, Chris Salter, was Ms Nicolas' old boss in Seven's Adelaide newsroom but has since relocated to Melbourne, where his wife will join him once Ms Nicolas steps into her job, the Adelaide Advertiser reported. 'Andrea departs with our full support and thanks for her extraordinary contribution to Seven News Adelaide over almost two decades,' Seven News Adelaide news director Mark Mooney said. 'This is a fantastic opportunity, and we wish her every success. We'll try not to give her too hard a time!' Ms Nicolas studied journalism at the University of South Australia before working as a freelance reporter for Seven in the UK. She also worked for the ABC and BBC before joining Seven's Adelaide news team in 2007. Channel Seven Adelaide reporter Andrea Nicolas (pictured) is leaving the network to take over as South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mulligan's senior media adviser Ms Nicolas said she is excited to be 'joining a talented team' in her new role. 'It's been an incredible 18 years on and off at Seven, working with some of the best in the business and having a range of great experiences, but I'm looking forward to a new challenge and the next chapter,' she said. The news comes just days after Queensland newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was axed. Ghidella, who had been the face of Seven News in the Sunshine State since 2007, confirmed the her sacking in a fiery Facebook post last Friday. She said her 'tap on the shoulder' finally came while she was at the salon, admitting it was a 'relief' of sorts after several anxious weeks of media job cuts. But she was determined not to go quietly as she took aim at the failing network for prioritising gimmicks like astrology readings over keeping veteran talent. 'When you work in TV for as long as I have, not a day goes by when you aren't expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder... After 38 years, my shoulder tap has finally come,' Ghidella began. 'It wasn't quite how I expected it to end at Channel Seven. 'I was actually sitting at the hairdressers for work, when I got the call informing me, that after 17 years with the network, my time was up.' Ghidella then said her recent time at the network had been 'miserable' and she was glad to be heading out the door. Seven veteran reporter Sharyn Ghidella (pictured) confirmed she was axed from the network on Friday New Director of News and Current Affairs Anthony De Ceglie (right) has made several staffing changes to the network 'While somewhat saddened by this decision, there is also some sense of relief. As has been widely reported, the past couple of weeks in TV has, sadly, been a miserable affair,' she wrote. 'A long list of talented, loyal and dedicated employees have been shown the door, in what seems to have been an interminable process of pulling the Band-Aid off slowly when it comes to removing what has been deemed excess stock. 'These people are some of the best content creators in the business. They are good people and it's been heartbreaking to watch.' Weatherman Paul Burt, who filed weather reports for both the Gold Coast and Brisbane news bulletins since 2013, was also shown the door. Meanwhile, high-profile international reporter Hugh Whitfeld is set to return to Australia as Seven streamlines its news operations to a national news desk. New Director of News and Current Affairs Anthony De Ceglie notified he'd appointed Whitfeld, 39, the director of the new desk in an internal memo last week. 'The Seven News National News Desk will be home to a centralised team of journalists whose responsibility as expert editors in their round will be to deliver exclusive content beyond anything seen on television,' the email, seen by the Daily Telegraph, read. 'The specialist rounds cover everything from Business and Aviation to Property and Asia.' Canberra and Foreign Bureaus will also answer to the new national desk. Whitfeld has spent the last decade working as a foreign correspondent throughout Europe where he's covered several massive stories, including the war in Ukraine and death of Queen Elizabeth II. European correspondent Hugh Whitfeld (pictured right with Dolly Parton) is set to return to Australia to oversee Seven's new National News Desk Ghidella (right) said her 'tap on the shoulder' finally came while she was at the salon, admitting it was a 'relief' of sorts after several anxious weeks of media job cuts His new role will see him based in Seven's Eveleigh headquarters, in Sydney's inner-south. Ashlee Mullany will be Seven's only Europe-based correspondent and will report to the National News Desk alongside US correspondents Tim Lester, David Woiwod and Mylee Hogan. De Ceglie has also promoted Sunrise executive producer Sean Power to Director of News in Sydney while. His old role will be filled by Jake Lyle. MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has shed light on the 'tough love' she doles out to contestants on the show. The celebrity chef, 50, appeared on The Project on Tuesday with fellow judge Andy Allen ahead of the grand finale. Panellist Kate Langbroek asked the judges what they get up to during the longer challenges. Poh said they are often checking in on contestants, which often looks like the judge's are 'antagonising them'. 'We're doing it to try and get them to realise they're doing something very wrong,' Poh claimed. 'The audience gets very protective [over the contestants] and don't realise that we have to work within parameters when we're trying to give them advice,' she added. It comes as the two grand finalists in 2024's MasterChef Australia were revealed on Monday. MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has shed light on the 'tough love' she doles out to contestants on the show. Pictured left-to-right: judges Andy Allen, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin The celebrity chef, 50, appeared on The Project on Tuesday with fellow judge Andy Allen ahead of the grand finale Panellist Kate Langbroek asked the judges what they get up to during the longer challenges. Poh said they are often checking in on contestants, which often looks like the judge's are 'antagonising them' In the nail-biting semi-final, contestants Savindri Perera, Josh Perry (aka Pezza), and Nat Thaipun were tasked with designing their own menu and making a three-course meal for 20 diners as well as the judges. The challenge was demanding for all three chefs, who were on their feet for a staggering five hours. In the challenge, Savindri took the opportunity to try to showcase all that Sri Lankan cooking could be, however, she was plagued by time management issues. In the end, Savindri failed to impress the judges as much as humble Tasmania butcher Pezza and risk-taking Nat, who triumphed as the two grand finalists. After the pair were triumphant, the results were shared on MasterChef Australia's Instagram page. The photo showed the moment Nat and Pezza had found out they had made it through to the grand final. In the end, Tasmania butcher Pezza and risk taking Nat triumphed as the two grand finalists 'Put your hands together for our MasterChef 2024 Grand Finalists!' the caption read. 'This is the cutest pic ever,' judge Poh Ling Yeow posted in the comments. Meanwhile, fans flooded the post with congratulations and well-wishes for the pair, with many of the show's viewers supporting both of them. 'Our 2 favourites in the Grand Final!!! Woohoo,' wrote one excited fan. 'Yay! Now it's tough! I love both of them equally,' wrote another. 'My two favourites. They are both winners,' someone else wrote. 'What a final two. Will be happy either way,' said one more. Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the BBC show over reports he verbally and physically abused his dance partner on the 2023 series - Zara McDermott. The allegations came to light after members of production presented video of training room incidents to BBC HR executives investigating Graziano's co-star Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda Abbington, that he bullied her in training. Executives at the BBC are said to be 'deeply worried' that the fans will stop watching as scandal continues to surround their their flagship show. 'The last nine months have been a disaster,' says a well-informed source. 'With no idea where it is going to end, the anxiety amongst the upper echelons of the BBC is through the roof.' Here, MailOnline breaks down a timeline of what happened, from the moment Graziano and Zara were paired together in September 2023, to the 'shocking' footage that led to his sacking... Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the BBC show over reports he verbally and physically abused his dance partner on the 2023 series - Zara McDermott September 2023 Graziano is paired with Love Island star Zara McDermott for the 2023 series of Strictly. Graziano joined Strictly in 2018. He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh. Bosses reportedly received two complaints surrounding Graziano's behaviour towards Zara during their training sessions, but only issue warnings as a result. 'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made,' a Strictly source claimed this week. 'It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.' They claim that a crisis meeting to address what was going on was cancelled at the last minute. The pair hint at many squabbles and disagreements in the rehearsal rooms, but these were turned into humorous TikTok videos September 22 Zara and Graziano hint at many squabbles and disagreements in the rehearsal rooms, but these were turned into humorous TikTok videos. Zara pokes fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated and declared: 'We haven't got time!' October 20 Days before the pair were eliminated from the show in week six, Zara playfully bickers with Graziano as she reveals the intense training schedule has taken its toll, leaving her suffering from extreme exhaustion and sleeping on the floor. After Graziano shares a video of Zara napping she was quick to hit back by claiming she had done 'double the workload' of her professional partner. As the Italian dancer reveals: 'She asked me 5 minutes break @zaramcdermott', Zara reposts the clip by adding: 'I think I've clocked about 50k steps already today with this routine. Give me a break pls?' Days before the pair were eliminated from the show in week six, Zara playfully bickered with Graziano as she revealed the intense training schedule had taken its toll October 23 Zara and Graziano are voted out of the competition after losing the Halloween dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk. Zara posts a gushing message on Instagram, thanking her 'amazing partner'. Alongside a montage of snaps together, she praises Graziano by writing: 'From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident. 'I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy.' 'I never got bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has inspired me beyond words. You made me believe in myself in those moments that I absolutely didn't and the bond we have built is truly an unbreakable one.' The pair's Strictly journey came to an end on Halloween week, with the duo being eliminated after losing the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk Elsewhere in the caption, Zara notes that she had been on a 'huge challenge, physically and mentally' and says it had been an 'honour and a privilege to be a part of something so iconic and magical.' Zara's post has since been deleted but it's not clear when she took it down. Meanwhile, Graziano tells his dance partner that he was 'so proud' of her and said she is what Strictly 'is all about'. He says: 'She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping, asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. 'You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks.' Graziano later shared a gushing post about his relationship with Zara and she in turn posted about their 'unbreakable bond' in a post that she has since deleted June 10 The Strictly professionals lineup for the 2024 series, which is also the 20th anniversary, is announced by the BBC. Graziano's name is included on the list. The Italian dancer later takes to Instagram to share his excitement at being on the show for his 7th season, telling fans: 'I'm so happy and grateful, I can't wait to share my journey with you all!!' July 8 Aljaz Skorjanec announces he has returned to the show two years after he quit in a surprise announcement by the BBC. Some within the BBC have questioned why the pro dancer was not unveiled alongside the other professionals a month earlier particularly because the Beeb left fans waiting for some weeks following Giovanni's departure before putting the final list out. One source says: 'Usually when something like this happens the BBC give the wider media a heads up but this time the first anyone knew of it was a chat with Aljaz on The One Show and then it was quietly put up on the BBC's press centre at 7.30pm the same day. 'It meant that the announcement was in keeping with the narrative the BBC wanted, no questions were asked as to why he was being unveiled now.' It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated amid his 'bullying' row with Amanda Abbington July 11 A junior member of Strictly's production team speaks up after witnessing Graziano physically attack Zara during training last year. They were too frightened to say anything at the time for fear they could be ousted from their job, so they kept quiet. It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Graziano repeatedly hitting Zara nine months after their initial complaint that they took action. They present the video it to BBC HR executives investigating Giovanni. BBC chiefs contact Zara's management and she is invited in to be interviewed about his behaviour. July 12 Before the weekend, Zara attends a meeting with the BBC's HR bosses and investigators which reportedly included two ex-Met police officers. A BBC insider insisted of the meeting: 'There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. 'It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.' BBC bosses sack Graziano. Graziano shared a statement reading: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime' July 13 A spokesman for Strictly confirms Graziano's departure in a statement which says 'We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.' Shortly beforehand, Graziano makes his own attempt at getting his side across with a post on Instagram where he admitted wrongdoing. In a post which was quickly deleted, he wrote: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.' He later posts a revised statement which adds: 'While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. A junior member of Strictly's production team spoke up after witnessing Graziano physically attack Zara during training last year July 14 The Mail On Sunday reveal Graziano was sacked after he kicked and hit Zara. A Strictly source said: 'Graziano's abuse was ongoing, he kicked and hit her. There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal but all of it was dreadful. 'There were occasions where he did some terrible things, it really was awful. What he did makes Giovanni look like a pussy cat.' As more shocking allegations have come to light over Graziano's sacking, there has been a marked difference in public support for him. Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure. However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments. Zara broke her silence with an Instagram statement shared on Tuesday July 16 July 15 MailOnline report that Graziano is taking legal action against the BBC,. The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara. But a BBC insider told the Mail that the broadcaster will fight back, explaining: 'Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?' July 16 Zara breaks her silence, posting on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'. She explains that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash. 'I have wrested with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,' Zara wrote on Instagram. 'But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. 'But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers on July 17 Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers. They revealed they would be introducing 'additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.' A statement from the corporation said: 'Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.' The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers. A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew. A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew July 17 It was unearthed that months after the show ended, Zara revealed she only has three toenails after losing them during the competition. While training for Strictly, Zara shared a photo of her nasty foot wounds including one on her big toe, she wrote: 'Half my toe has come off tbh.' During an interview last year, Zara revealed the reason behind her agonising injury, that left her feet 'bleeding' was her gruelling training sessions. She said at the time it was a tough ride during rehearsals when Graziano made her wear 'men's shoes' which left her feet sore and cut. Also on July 17, insider told The Mirror that: 'In hindsight, Zara was clearly too scared to speak up and it's heartbreaking that the full extent of what was happening wasn't apparent.' The source added: 'He used some choice language - he was tough in training and producers spoke to him about the way he was speaking to people. He understood he was being given a warning, and that his conduct had to change.' Zara also thanked fans for the recent 'love' and 'support' following the scandal and teased an upcoming documentary that will soon be released about 'an extremely sensitive subject'. She wrote that she would 'love to tell you more but it's about an extremely sensitive subject (perhaps my most sensitive yet) and it's impossible for me to talk about without my compromising the safety of our contributors.' Months after the show, the documentary maker revealed that she only has three toenails after losing them during the competition July 18 MailOnline revealed that Graziano is working on a remote vineyard in Sicily earning just 6-an-hour after being sacked from Strictly. After fleeing the UK to go back to his native home in Italy with his wife Giada, a fellow dancer who stars on the Italian version of Strictly, Graziano 'has taken a job on a farm, ploughing fields, living with cows and picking grapes'. The Italian pro is 'digging ditches and clearing wood' according to pals in a bid to ignore the 'noise' sparked by his shock departure from Strictly. He is only speaking to two people - his mother Giovanna and wife Giada - and is not looking at social media or the internet as he concentrates on 'getting his head straight' as his inner circle admit 'he's in a bad place'. A friend told MailOnline that Graziano appreciates his career in the UK is over following the scandal, but there is hope he can resurrect his profession within dance as 'that's what his body is built for'. July 20 Anton Du Beke has unfollowed Graziano Di Prima on social media but chooses to stand by Giovanni Pernice amid the misconduct scandal. It came just weeks after Giovanni was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners. In the wake of the drama it seem's Anton has unfollowed Graziano on Instagram, although he still follows the judge. Last month it was reported Anton 'is hugely standing by' Giovanni after he quit Strictly Come Dancing amid the BBC's 'serious misconduct' probe. Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke has unfollowed Graziano Di Prima on social media but chooses to stand by Giovanni Pernice amid the misconduct scandal (Anton pictured in April) The outlet reports that Christi admitted to having two glasses of wine Former Dance Moms star Christi Lukasiak has reportedly been arrested for a DUI after 'crashing her car into a tree' in Pennsylvania. Christi, 47, who appeared on four seasons of the hit Lifetime reality series alongside her daughter Chloe, 23, is understood to have been booked by cops on June 27 after getting into a wreck, which 'left a telephone pole hanging over her car', according to TMZ. The outlet, which obtained a copy of the Westmoreland County police report, said that cops noted Christi had 'bloodshot and glassy eyes, and slurred speech' and that one of the officers 'reported the smell of alcohol on her breath'. Mom-of-two Christi is said to have admitted to consuming two glasses of wine before getting into her car, according to the police report, and submitted to a preliminary breath test, which was positive. Officers also asked her to perform several field sobriety tests, which are said to have indicated that she was impaired and unable to safely operate her car. Former Dance Moms star Christi Lukasiak has reportedly been arrested for a DUI after 'crashing her car into a tree' in Pennsylvania. She's seen in the show Christi, 47, is understood to have been booked by cops on June 27 after getting into a wreck, which 'left a telephone pole hanging over her car.' She's seen with her family recently Mom-of-two Christi is said to have admitted to consuming two glasses of wine before getting into her car, according to the police report. She's seen in the show Christi is due to appear for a preliminary hearing on August 13, according to Us Weekly. During her time in the show, Christi was often seen enjoying a glass of wine with the other moms and would often make jokes about being drunk. On one occasion in season three, dance teacher Abby Lee Miller suspended Christi and her daughter Chloe from the team after the mother-of-two got into an altercation with another mom in the street in New Orleans while enjoying a day of drinking. While reflecting on her time in the reality series to Huffington Post in 2012, she slammed rumors that she was a 'huge drinker.' 'If there's one thing I would go back and change about last season it would have to be my jokes about drinking,' she wrote. It's just what I do, I'm very sarcastic. 'My joking, coupled with a few scenes of me and Kelly having a glass of wine, really created an uproar that I was a huge drinker. 'Not the case. I don't even have a bottle of wine in my home. 'But I do enjoy having a cocktail with friends, I'm a grown up. But I would definitely change that perception if I could.' During her time in the show, Christi was often seen enjoying a glass of wine with the other moms and would often make jokes about being drunk While reflecting on her time in the reality series to Huffington Post in 2012, she slammed rumors that she was a 'huge drinker.' She's seen in the show with daughter Chloe in 2011 Christi admitted to struggling with the immense spotlight the show put on her and her daughter. She claimed that she was 'criticized about everything' - 'from making the decision to do the show, to her parenting skills, to the kind of jelly she used on sandwiches.' 'At first, I read everything that was written and was really upset about what people were saying,' she continued. 'But I had to remind myself of who I really am and be comfortable in my own skin. I just stay away from the internet now.' Christi and Chloe left the show following season four after Christi got into a furious fight with Abby over claims the dance teacher was bullying her child. Christi erupted after Abby said her daughter had no 'technique' backstage at Nationals. 'That's on you. You're her technique teacher,' Christi screamed. 'Don't say awful things about my daughter. 'You were no one before these kids. Guess who made you a household name? Them. [My daughter] has more class in her little finger than you in that big body at 45.' Abby responded by telling her that Chloe was 'finished' and 'washed up,' which only infuriated Christ more. 'How dare you? You don't know anything about my kid,' she scathed as Abby walked away. 'How low of a human being can she be? She can't stand when my daughter does anything in spite of her.' Christi and Chloe made a brief reappearance in season seven - and more recently returned for Lifetime's Dance Moms: The Reunion, although Christi was not present for filming and only joined via FaceTime. Sarah Ferguson has cancelled her scheduled appearance in Perth out of respect for King Charles. The Duchess of York, 64, was set to travel to Western Australia in October to attend the Festival of Fiction, where she was to feature as a special guest. However, she has now postponed her visit in order not to 'distract or detract' from King Charles' October tour Down Under, reports Perth Now. The event was set to take place at Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, in Perth's north on October 19. 'With regret, Sarah, Duchess of York has decided to withdraw from the Festival of Fiction, so as not to distract or detract in any way from the tour of Australia by His Majesty the King, which has recently been announced,' a representative for the Duchess said in a statement. 'Due to exceptional demand, she will be returning to Perth on November 1 at 6.30pm for a special event at Joondalup Resort and apologises to anyone who is inconvenienced by the change of date.' The King will undertake his first foreign royal tour since being diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced. He will travel to Australia and Samoa in the autumn accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla. Sarah Ferguson (pictured) has cancelled her scheduled appearance in Perth out of respect for King Charles. The Duchess of York , 64, was set to travel to Western Australia in October to attend the Festival of Fiction, where she was to feature as a special guest Charles will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa and is also expected to visit Sydney and Canberra in October. Plans to extend the tour to New Zealand and Fiji have been scrapped amid the King's ongoing cancer treatment. It is not known whether he will still be undergoing treatment at the time of the overseas trip after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in January. He has continued to work throughout. Sarah has authored over 55 books, including children's books Ballerina Rosie and Tea for Ruby. The former wife of Prince Andrew has also penned the popular Little Red series and a candid memoir titled Finding Sarah. However, she has now postponed her visit in order not to 'distract or detract' from King Charles' October tour Down Under. King Charles is pictured The Festival of Fiction will feature some of Australia's most celebrated authors, and there will also be an opportunity for writers to pitch their manuscripts. The Duchess's last visit Down Under was in March when she travelled to Melbourne for the first international edition of the Global Citizen NOW action summit. It comes after Sarah revealed she is 'so proud' of 'brave' King Charles and the Princess of Wales for opening up about their cancer diagnosis. The Duchess also opened up about her own recent experience with cancer saying they 'all need to rally together', as she appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier this month. She said: 'I am so so proud of the King on becoming the royal patron of Cancer Research UK, getting out there and talking to all these people, he gives everyone that wonderful feeling that they are being listened to, I thought it was very brave of him to do that. 'The lovely Princess Catherine doing the video was so brave, family unity is an extraordinary thing and I am honestly so proud and I am sending them lots of love and lots of support, we all need to rally together.' 'With regret, Sarah, Duchess of York has decided to withdraw from the Festival of Fiction, so as not to distract or detract in any way from the tour of Australia by His Majesty the King, which has recently been announced,' a representative for the Duchess said in a statement Responding to questions about her own cancer diagnosis she said she has found her 'new normal'. She said: 'All these years I've been thinking, "Am I good enough? Am I this, am I that? Do I get my finances right? Do I do this?". And actually suddenly now with a mastectomy and then with malignant melanoma, every single day, it's not a wake up call, it's now a new normal. 'You can never say you're cancer free, but you can say that I'm doing well, Susanna, and I'm very lucky, but I really am determined. 'Honestly 1.2 mammograms are not being picked up. The people are not going for their mammograms, they're not being tested. They need to be tested, they can be tested and don't be frightened.' Her battle with cancer began last June, when she was diagnosed with the disease during a routine mammogram. Sarah underwent a single mastectomy, but six months later, the Duchess had a mole removed from her body which tests found to be a malignant melanoma. She currently has regular check-ups. Shannen Doherty was 'surrounded by some of her very close friends' in the 'last few hours' before her tragic passing at age 53 from breast cancer. The actress died on Saturday while with her loved ones, and was 'in a place where she was comfortable and sleeping and transitioning,' her friend, oncologist Dr. Lawrence D. Piro told People magazine. She was given 'a lot of care and support' while surrounded by her 'select group' of friends and family with her, as well as her beloved dog Bowie. 'It was somber and sad, but beautiful and loving. The hardest thing about this was that she wasn't ready to leave because she loved life,' Dr. Piro added. Shannen Doherty was 'surrounded by some of her very close friends' in the 'last few hours' before her tragic passing at age 53 from breast cancer; pictured May 25, 2010 The actress died on Saturday while with her loved ones, and was 'in a place where she was comfortable and sleeping and transitioning,' her friend Dr. Lawrence D. Piro told People magazine; seen September 9, 2016 The actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and went into remission in 2017. The cancer returned in 2019, and she announced it in 2020, revealing that she had stage 4 cancer and that it spread to her brain. Shannen's publicist Leslie Sloane announced her death on Sunday via a statement: 'On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. 'The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.' Gabrielle Carteris, who played Andrea in the iconic series, also remarked about Luke in her Shannen tribute. 'I know Luke is there with open arms to love you,' in her tribute, as reported by People. Just this past February, Doherty got emotional when she shared about the time she learned of Perry's death while attending a panel at MegaCon Orlando. Shannen's publicist Leslie Sloane announced her death on Sunday via a statement: 'On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease; seen in a promotional still from Charmed with co-stars Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano 'It was shocking,' Doherty said of the loss of her former co-star and friend. 'I have a very visceral reaction whenever someone brings up Luke because as someone with cancer and a really horrible cancer at stage 4 I thought I would be the first to go. So when it was Luke, it really just sent me for a tailspin.' Heartbroken over his loss, Doherty finally found the strength to share a tribute to Perry on social media the day after he died. 'Yesterday morning I got a phone call that devastated me,' she began in the caption with obvious emotion to her words. 'I'm struggling with this loss and am having a hard time with my thoughts. But, my heart goes out to his family and friends who were blessed by his light in their (and mine) lives. Processing this is impossible right now.' It turns out she and Perry wanted to create some new onscreen magic together, and were trying to find the right production to work on together. 'There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you are experiencing the journey we did on 90210 and of course life in general,' Doherty said, before revealing, 'Luke and I were working on show ideas for us. We wanted to work with each other again and create something special and meaningful for our fans at this stage in our lives.' The two actors remained close after playing love interests Brenda Walsh and Dylan McKay for the four seasons they shared together on Beverly Hills, 90210 Luke and Shannen starred on 90210 together - playing love interests Dylan and Brenda Her post comes just one day after Shannen's death at age 53 following a nine-year battle with breast cancer; Luke and Shannen pictured She added, 'I will miss him everyday. Every minute. Every second.' During that same interview with People in 2019, the Memphis, Tennessee native revealed that she last saw Luke Perry when 'they met up for lunch' only a few weeks before his death. 'I walked in and there he was, smiling, with his dog Penny and her bed under the booth, happy as can be,' she recalled. 'I will never forget and will miss Luke looking at me with that smile of his saying "Shan."' While attending a 90210 panel at RewindCon Chicago, weeks before his death in 2019, Perry heaped high praise on Doherty, telling the audience, 'None of us are up here today without Shannen.' He proceeded to share, 'The reality is that she was a very big part of the success of the program. She taught me a lot and I'm just really glad she was there for me as a scene partner.' They also connected after her cancer diagnosis and they 'picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained in tact.' She described him as a 'smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love.' Jennie Garth, Shannen's co-star on 90210, paid tribute to her on Sunday: 'I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known.' Adding: 'Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration,' she said. Fellow 90210 co-star Jason Priestley said: 'Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time.' Brian Austin Green, who also starred in 90210, said: 'Shan. My sister... You loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. I'll miss you more that I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you.' Jennie Garth, Shannen's co-star on 90210, paid tribute to her on Sunday: 'I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known;' seen together on 90210 Doherty and Perry starred together on Beverly Hills, 90210 for the first four seasons of the hit series from 1990-1994; Perry would stay for two more seasons and then leave, only to return for the finale 10th season; they starred with Ian Ziering, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, and Gabrielle Carteris 'There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you are experiencing the journey we did on 90210 and of course life in general,' Doherty told People during an interview in 2019, soon after sudden Perry's death Shannen pictured with her 90210 co-star Jason Priestley Shannen spent her final weeks enduring the 'hardest time' she had ever experienced with cancer. At the end of June, she told her friend Katherine Heigl, 45, she was going through hell with the disease. She told her fellow star on her 'Let's Be Clear' podcast: 'I got cancer in 2015, and it went to remission, I think, right at the end of 2017 or at the beginning of 2018, and then it came back in 2019 as stage 4 breast cancer, but then it spread to my bones. And from there, it spread to my brain.' 'There's so many protocols. Eventually it's stage 4 cancer eventually those protocols are gonna stop working. 'And you just hope that you are on one long enough for them to actually come up with another protocol and another protocol... so it's really hard. 'This is probably the hardest time for me that I've ever had with the cancer. I've always kinda felt very positive and, like, I can deal with it, and this is definitely like I'm overly emotional.' 'I wanna cry every single second at good or bad (things.)' Shannen also said living with cancer had altered how she thought about life, adding: 'What's really beautiful about it is, I think you become so incredibly sensitive that your eyes are, like, wide open to everything around you, to people, to how they react, to what you can possibly do that's better for the world, like, what your purpose here is' 'What's really beautiful about it is, I think you become so incredibly sensitive that your eyes are, like, wide open to everything around you, to people, to how they react, to what you can possibly do that's better for the world, like, what your purpose here is,' she said. 'Because I think I struggled with that kind of my entire life, being a child actor and then growing up acting, and I just never felt like I was accepted. 'I always, you know, looked at the 'Friends' crew and was like, 'Oh my god. I wanna hang out with Jen Aniston and Courteney Cox.' 'And, you know, 'Why doesn't anybody accept me, and why am I always called the bad girl?' 'For me, cancer was that moment where I was like, 'Oh, hell no.' 'I don't need to hang out with any of these people. I need to make sure I'm happy and living the best life that I can while I'm still alive.' Advertisement Matt Damon seemed more in love than ever with his wife of nearly 20 years Luciana on Monday while on vacation on the celebrity destination in Mykonos, Greece. The Bourne Identity actor put his arms around the 47-year-old former bartender as they took a dip in the ocean during a sunny afternoon. His spouse looked slender and toned in a black bikini as Matt slipped into men's swimming shorts while wearing a cap and sunglasses. The Air star, 53, and his wife hit the beautiful island every year with their children. The couple who recently made a red carpet appearance at the premiere of IF were also seen walking on the shore of the Aegean Sea. This comes after Matt and Luciana had to evacuate their hotel after a bomb threat that turned out to be fake over the weekend. The Mykonos Police Sub-Directorate took immediate action after receiving an anonymous email falsely claiming explosive devices had been placed in four beach bars across the Greek island. Matt Damon seemed more in love than ever with his wife of nearly 20 years Luciana on Monday while on vacation on the celebrity destination in Mykonos, Greece The Bourne Identity actor's former bartender wife wore a black bikini top and long lace skirt with skulls on it The couple vacationed with their four daughters, Alexia, 25, Isabella, 18, Gia, 15, and Stella, 13. Alexia was four when Matt met Luciana in a crowded nightclub in Miami, Florida in 2003 while he was in town shooting the movie Stuck On You. 'Matt's story is that he saw me across the room and there was a light on me. And I'm like: "Yeah it was a nightclub there were lights everywhere!" she said in a rare interview with Vogue Australia in 2018. She said that Matt started to get recognized and hid behind the bar to hang out. 'He says, "Oh I saw you and I really wanted to talk to you." Even though she felt a spark with the Hollywood hunk, she was reticent to act on it because she had a young daughter. 'But I was like: 'I can't, I have a four-year-old daughter, I'm not going anywhere' and that was one of the things he loved, that I had a daughter,' she explained. 'He said: "I love that you're a mum and that's your priority." Some guys might have been different, they might think it's complicated, but for him it wasn't.' Mrs Damon appears to be thinner than ever as she was seen walking out of the ocean Matt had on a black and beige shirt as he talked with friends while on the sandy beach with his wife The couple got engaged in September 2005 and wed nearly three months later in a private civil ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. When his first child, Isabella was born, he said it changed his life. 'I really used to have no life outside movies. I'd work all day, go to the gym and go to sleep,' he told UK's Sunday Express. 'Now I have a place to be so I come home after work.' Last month it was reported that Damon and Ben Affleck are to star in the thriller RIP. The pair have boarded the cast of the picture that is being written and directed by Joe Carnahan with Damon and Affleck's company Artists Equity producing. Plot details are yet to be revealed but the project is being described as a crime thriller and is expected to shoot later this year. RIP has come together rapidly in recent weeks as Matt and Ben were searching for a new film for Artists Equity after releasing the movie 'Air' in 2023. Carnahan has previous in the crime thriller genre with movies such as 'Narc' and 'Smokin' Aces' (which Affleck featured in). Matt and Ben have been close friends since childhood and founded Artists Equity in 2022 with a promise to focus on smaller dramas rather than the "assembly line process" of filmmaking that is used by corporations such as Netflix. Last month it was reported that Damon and Ben Affleck are to star in the thriller RIP. The pair have boarded the cast of the picture that is being written and directed by Joe Carnahan with Damon and Affleck's company Artists Equity producing. Seen in January Speaking at the New York Times' Dealbook Summit, Affleck said: 'If you ask (Netflix co-CEO and chairman) Reed Hastings... he'd say, "Hey, we went for quantity to establish a footprint." 'I'm sure there's wisdom in that and I'm sure they had a great strategy, but I would have said, "How are we going to make 50 great movies? How is that possible?" There's no committee big enough. There aren't enough you just can't do it.' The Deep Water star continued: 'It's a thing that requires attention and dedication and work and resists the assembly line process. '(Netflix's head of original films) Scott Stuber is a really talented, smart guy who I really like... but it's an impossible job.' One of the most recognisable 80s child stars has made her big screen comeback 40 years on from the release of the film which shot her into superstardom. Tami Stronach, 51, became a household name at age 11 when she portrayed The Childlike Empress in 1984 German fantasy film The NeverEnding Story. Now, the Iran-born actress is preparing for the release of her very first feature film since: Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps. Man And Witch, in the works since 2021, is a comic adventure which serves as a heartwarming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the 80s. The film follows a lonely goatherd, cursed at birth to never marry, who strikes a deal with a reclusive witch to reverse the spell. One of the most recognisable 80s child stars has made her big screen comeback 40 years on from the release of the film which shot her into superstardom Tami Stronach, 51, (right, in 2023) became a household name at age 11 when she portrayed the Childlike Empress (left) in 1984 German fantasy film The NeverEnding Story However, there is a twist: in order for the curse to be removed, the goatherd must complete three impossible tasks to find true love. Tami stars as the Witch, and she is joined by Jennifer Saunders as Goose, Eddie Izzard as Sheep, and Bill Bailey as Donkey. Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin voices Dog, Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd plays a kooky Alchemist, and Father Ted star Pauline McLynn plays the Mother. Also appearing will be ex-Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice, in his film debut, who will portray a dance master. The film was written by Tami's actor husband of 14 years Greg Steinbruner. Recalling the The NeverEnding Story period of her life, Tami told Metro.co.uk: 'It was my happy place. It was such a spectacle, I don't think at the time as a child I understood how lucky I was,' she said about the set of the beloved fantasy. Tami revealed her 'favourite part' of filming was working with acclaimed director Wolfgang Petersen, best known for his 2004 movie Troy, whom she says didn't treat her like a child, and was the perfect professional. The NeverEnding Story was filmed over three months in Bavaria, Germany, and Tami and her mother moved there temporarily. After the film became a cult classic, the Stronach family were hit with unwanted attention, including stalking incidents. Most disturbing of all, 11-year-old Tami would receive offers from Hollywood studios to play inappropriate roles, including some that allegedly required nudity. Tami explained: 'There are people that navigated it brilliantly, I look at Natalie Portman it can be done. But those are very smart women and kudos to them. It's definitely a lot to take on.' Now, the Iran-born actress is preparing for the release of her very first feature film since: Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps (pictured: Tami on Saturday) Tami at the Man And Witch world premiere in London in June with her actor husband of 14 years Greg Steinbruner, who wrote the film and their daughter Maya Man And Witch, in the works since 2021, is a comic adventure which serves as a heartwarming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the 80s The film follows a lonely goatherd, cursed at birth to never marry, who strikes a deal with a reclusive witch to reverse the spell Despite being offered 'three or four' acting roles straight off the bat, Tami declined them all and instead pursued theatre and dance work for the next few decades of her life, culminating in the creation of the Tami Stronach Dance company. In 2019, Netflix smash hit series Stranger Things used The NeverEnding Story theme song in their soundtrack, This was the gentle nudge Tami needed to head back into the limelight and Man And Witch was born not long afterwards. Now re-entering the industry as a fully-fledged adult with a 'seat at the table', Tami is insistent on making her 'own route'. And though she has been absent from the silver screen for four decades, for NeverEnding Story fans it is like she has never left. Tami is a regular face at Comic Cons worldwide, celebrating her character and connection with the longtime fans of the franchise. She still gets recognised everywhere she goes, even if people can't quite remember why she looks so familiar. Tami is the co-founder of creative studio Paper Canoe Company which seeks to 'create stories large and small for the whole family'. However, there is a twist: in order for the curse to be removed, the goatherd must complete three impossible tasks to find true love Tami stars as the Witch, and she is joined by Jennifer Saunders as Goose, Eddie Izzard as Sheep, and Bill Bailey as Donkey Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin voices Dog, Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd plays a kooky Alchemist, and Father Ted star Pauline McLynn plays the Mother And to top it all off, the playlist for the London premiere in June was brought together by none other than Hollywood legend himself Elijah Wood. And in many ways, Man and Witch is truly a full circle moment for Tami whose 10-year-old daughter, Maya, will also make her own film debut. And, if Tami has anything to say about it, she will star in many more films to come. Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps shows in select US cinemas on July 28 and July 30. Steven Spielberg's stepdaughter Jessica Capshaw revealed the 'deeply sad' miscarriage she suffered eight years ago during Sunday's episode of her iHeartRadio podcast, Call It What It Is. The 47-year-old actress was responding to a listener when she detailed what happened when she tried to have a fifth child after welcoming her son Luke, 16; daughter Eve, 13; daughter Poppy, 12; and daughter Josephine, 8. 'I got pregnant [at age 40] when Eve was 10 months old,' Jessica recalled. 'I got pregnant and I was so excited and I had never had any issues before getting pregnant. I was very lucky and I'm very grateful. And then all of a sudden, at my 10-week appointment, [I] went in for the ultrasound, was by myself, totally unsuspecting, and there was no heartbeat.' Capshaw called the loss 'the most shocking and deeply, deeply sad thing' considering she 'came from a big family.' Steven Spielberg's stepdaughter Jessica Capshaw revealed the 'deeply sad' miscarriage she suffered eight years ago during Sunday's episode of her iHeartRadio podcast, Call It What It Is The Missouri-born blonde went on to praise her husband of 20 years - The Honest Company co-founder Christopher Gavigan - for his support. 'And then you know, life carried on,' Jessica shrugged. 'And I had a chance to take care of myself and my body and my relationship and my other children, and it was really incredible.' Women are said to suffer miscarriages between 10 and 20 percent of the time, and 80 percent reportedly occur during the first trimester. Jessica is the only child of retired actress Kate Capshaw and marketing manager Robert Capshaw, who ended their four-year marriage in 1980. Capshaw was 15 years old when her 70-year-old mother wed three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg, who's the 'sweetest' grandfather. 'The kids talk about him all the time,' the Brown University grad gushed on Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa last Tuesday. 'They just think he's the sweetest and the cutest, and they just are so proud of it.' The 47-year-old actress was responding to a listener when she detailed what happened when she tried to have a fifth child after welcoming her son Luke, 16; daughter Eve, 13; daughter Poppy, 12; and daughter Josephine, 8 (pictured in 2020) Jessica recalled: 'I got pregnant [at age 40] when Eve was 10 months old. I got pregnant and I was so excited and I had never had any issues before getting pregnant. I was very lucky and I'm very grateful. And then all of a sudden, at my 10-week appointment, [I] went in for the ultrasound, was by myself, totally unsuspecting, and there was no heartbeat' Capshaw called the loss 'the most shocking and deeply, deeply sad thing' considering she 'came from a big family' The Missouri-born blonde went on to praise her husband of 20 years - The Honest Company co-founder Christopher Gavigan (L, pictured in 2022) - for his support Jessica shrugged: 'And then you know, life carried on. And I had a chance to take care of myself and my body and my relationship and my other children, and it was really incredible' Jessica was 15 years old when her mother Kate Capshaw (M, pictured in 2013) wed three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg (R), who's the 'sweetest' grandfather Capshaw gushed on Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa last Tuesday: 'The kids talk about him all the time. They just think he's the sweetest and the cutest, and they just are so proud of it' The Brown University grad reprised her role as pediatric surgeon Dr. Arizona Robbins in the April 4th episode of ABC's longest running medical drama Grey's Anatomy - titled 'Baby Can I Hold You' Last Wednesday, Jessica (pictured June 8) wrapped a mystery role in Rachel Israel's comedy Miracle on 74th Street alongside Jill Kargman, Justin Bartha, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, Drew Barrymore, and Gwyneth Paltrow Jessica noted that her children understand 'the bigness' of the 77-year-old filmmaker, 'but the value that he has to them as their grandfather clearly so far outweighs that, that it's not the thing that they talk about. They really talk about how he makes them feel, which is, you know, he's the best.' Capshaw reprised her role as pediatric surgeon Dr. Arizona Robbins in the April 4th episode of ABC's longest running medical drama Grey's Anatomy - titled 'Baby Can I Hold You.' Last Wednesday, Jessica wrapped a mystery role in Rachel Israel's comedy Miracle on 74th Street alongside Jill Kargman, Justin Bartha, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, Drew Barrymore, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Love Island bombshells Diamante Laiva and Lucy Graybill have spilled the secrets of the villa after being dumped from the ITV2 show. The two beauties left the current series last week after they weren't picked in the post-Casa Amor recoupling. Now, back home in the UK the girls have revealed the behind the scenes secrets of the show, including the one item that producers have banned. Speaking to New Magazine, Diamante and Lucy described their horror when Love Island bosses vetoed 90 per cent of their carefully chosen outfits. Diamante explained that she packed multiple mesh ensembles but these were immediately banned because the fabric causes a 'strobing' effect on camera - where the lighting constantly flickers due to the way it hits the material. Love Island bombshells Diamante Laiva and Lucy Graybill has spilled the secrets of the villa after being dumped from the ITV2 show The two beauties left the current series last week after they weren't picked in the post-Casa Amor recoupling 'There were times when literally all of us girls would have breakdowns in the dressing rooms because we couldn't wear what we planned. That's why you see a lot of dress sharing in the villa,' she revealed. The bombshells also spilled that producers control some of the most juicy conversations by banning the Islanders from talking about anything important during meal times. Cameras don't film during meal times so in order to make sure the best bits are caught on camera, the Islanders are separated into boys and girls groups to eat. 'Us girls would be speaking to the boys and then we'd be dying to tell each other what had just gone on and the producers would be like "right it's lunch time!".' 'We had to keep it on our heads for the next time we could speak. We were just bursting to tell each other,' Lucy explained. 'After lunch you get an hour to chill. But still separated,' Diamante added. 'The boys had their chill time in one area of the villa and the girls would have theirs in another.' 'Then there were members of the team who'd come and stay with the boys and girls to make sure that no conversations were being had. It was a lot!' Speaking to New Magazine, Diamante and Lucy described their horror when Love Island bosses vetoed 90 per cent of their carefully chosen outfits 'There were times when literally all of us girls would have breakdowns in the dressing rooms because we couldn't wear what we planned' Dimante dished Diamante explained that she packed multiple mesh ensembles but these were immediately banned because the fabric causes a 'strobing' effect on camera Love Island is entering its final weeks and in Tuesday night's episode Maya Jama will return to the villa and fill the Islanders with dread as she reveals which couples are vulnerable after Monday's public vote. In a spoiler for the forthcoming episode, the Islanders were in the middle of a private gig by pop star Jess Glynne, 34, when the show presenter, 29, suddenly appeared. Dressed in a plunging bikini top, Maya wasted no time in telling them: 'Islanders, sorry to interrupt your little shindig, the party is over can you please all line up in front of the pool.' At the end of Monday's episode, Love Island viewers were given just 15 minutes to vote for their favourite couples. The show's veteran narrator Iain Stirling warned that the couples with the least votes were at risk of being dumped from the Island. Jennifer Aydin has playfully revealed she is on weight loss medication Mounjaro as she shut down Ozempic speculation. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star, 47, nixed allegations she had slimmed down using Ozempic during Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live. 'You said before the show you wanted to make clear you're not on Ozempic,' host Andy Cohen said. 'Oh no, I am not on Ozempic,' Jennifer said. 'So everybody's who's yelling about me, saying that my head is too big for my body, it's just my hair, and that I gotta stop taking Ozempic because their family members can't get it. 'I am not on Ozempic. I'm on Mounjaro, okay!?' Jennifer fired back with a playful tone. 'It's 2.5... I'm sorry! I love being this weight! I love it! I have so much energy.' Jennifer Aydin has playfully revealed she is on weight loss injectable Mounjaro as she hit back at trolls who believe she had shed pounds using Ozempic Like the widely-known weight loss jab Ozempic, Mounjaro is a diabetes medication that has also been used to help people shed the pounds. Jennifer's confession comes after her slimmed down physique sparked Ozempic speculation amongst fans on Instagram. On a recent Instagram post in which she showed off her bikini body, fans suggested the reality star was taking the weight loss drug to ditch the pounds. 'Ozempic is not healthy. Your husband being a Dr should've told you that!' one person posted. 'Ozempic by any chance?' another asked. 'Leave the Ozempic for people who really need it,' one commented. In another post of her trying on an outfit from Walmart, fans also accused her of being on the medication. 'I love Jen, she is one of my faves, but too much ozempic already!' one wrote. 'Ozympic for sure,' another commented. Jennifer's interview comes several months after Melissa Gorga claimed all of her RHONJ co-stars used Ozempic for weight loss except for her. During an appearance on Sherri back in May, she said that she instead chooses to focus on her fitness regime to shed pounds. Aydin fired back at Ozempic claims during Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live Her slimmed down physique has sparked Ozempic speculation amongst fans In another post of her trying on an outfit from Walmart, fans also accused her of being on the medication 'I work out really, really hard,' she told talk show host Sherri Shepherd. 'To each their own for everything, but no, I don't take it.' However, the Bravo star said she wasn't judging her castmates for using Ozempic. She added that she is 'happy' her co-stars are taking the diabetes drug, popularly used among Hollywood elites for weight loss, to 'feel good' and 'look good.' Melissa made the remarks after Shepherd brought up how her co-stars Dolores Cantina and Margaret Josephs also appeared on her show - and claimed 'most of the cast' have used the diabetes drug. On the topic of how most people choose to keep their Ozempic usage a secret, Catania said: 'I don't know why, because there's no shame in it.' She previously revealed she lost 20 pounds using the Ozempic alternative, Mounjaro. The RHONJ star has been showcasing her slender figure on Instagram Aydin, pictured back in 2018, said she loved how she felt and looked during her WWHL appearance 'If a doctor gives it to you, if you're doing things right, you're becoming healthier by losing weight,' she shared. 'It's a bunch of great things that come along with this,' she said on the May 2 episode of Sherri. After admitting she uses Ozempic herself, she said she had finally reached her 'high school weight.' 'I'm gonna be honest because it's right,' she said after making her confession. Josephs also chimed in about using Ozempic herself and her positive experience with the medication. 'After menopause, it's so hard to lose weight,' she said. 'And then you're shamed for it if you're heavy.' She continued: 'It shuts off that food noise, my blood work is great.' In comparison, she said before she started taking the diabetes medication she 'couldn't do anything.' 'It doesn't matter if I was eating right, exercising, so I don't know why there's any shame in it if it's helpful to people.' Strictly Come Dancing bosses have announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano Di Prima's shock sacking from the show. Graziano, 30, was axed from the show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series. It came just weeks after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners. Now, bosses have announced that they would be introducing 'additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.' A statement from the corporation said: 'Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.' Strictly Come Dancing bosses have announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano Di Prima's shock sacking Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show last week over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott , 27, during last year's series The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers. A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew. Kate Phillips, BBC's Director of Unscripted, said: 'Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we're made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act. 'Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.' The announcement comes just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal. She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'. 'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,' Zara began. 'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.' 'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it.' 'I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.' Now, bosses have announced that they would be introducing 'additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing' The announcement comes just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing' 'And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to worth with. 'However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredible distressing to watch. Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash. Instead it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into pro dancer Giovanni was taking place. 'I have wrested with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,' Zara wrote on Instagram. 'But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show. 'The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up especially in a a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. 'I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.' Strictly production staff raised concerns about Di Prima's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him It came following MailOnline's exclusive reports that the BBC has vowed to fight back after it was revealed that Graziano is taking legal action against the broadcaster. Di Prima believes he should have been 'supported and helped' with his behaviour after bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island Zara. But a BBC insider told the Mail: 'Why would any workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent manner?' Di Prima, who allegedly 'kicked and hit' Ms McDermott, argues that he was not given any advice on how to deal with the pressure of competing in the show. A friend of the professional dancer said yesterday: 'There are questions over their [the BBC's] procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes. He [Di Prima] believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.' This paper revealed that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Di Prima's conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him. The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Ms McDermott was allowed to continue. Di Prima was even signed on for the upcoming 2024 series of Strictly. A source from the show said: 'There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.' It was not until staff got hold of a video allegedly showing Di Prima repeatedly hitting Ms McDermott nine months after their initial complaint that he was fired. They presented it to BBC HR executives investigating dancer Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda, that he bullied her in training. Pernice denies the claims and quit the show last month. Addressing his exit from the show, a 'devastated' Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.' Yesterday the Mail revealed he has hired a lawyer and publicist in a bid to come out of the scandal as unscathed as possible. Ms McDermott, who now presents documentaries for the BBC, is said to have been 'too frightened' to put a complaint in at the time, but is co-operating with investigators at present. Zara 'passed out' during Strictly rehearsals with her partner Graziano and was left sleeping on the floor from tiredness. In a resurfaced video posted on the professional dancer's Instagram Story, Zara can be seen napping on the floor of the dance studio as she attempted to get some rest after an exhausting training session. Zara, who now presents documentaries for the BBC, is said to have been 'too frightened' to put a complaint in at the time, but is co-operating with investigators at present Addressing his exit from the show, a 'devastated' Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime' Graziano shared a statement reading: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime' Zara 'passed out' during rehearsal with Strictly partner Graziano in a 'resurfaced' video from last October after he was accused of 'hitting and kicking her' in rehearsals After Graziano shared the video of her napping Zara was quick to hit back by claiming she had done 'double the workload' of her professional partner Since allegations emerged that Graziano 'kicked and hit' Zara during rehearsals, their humorous 'bickering' videos have been viewed in a different light Taken on October 25 just days before the pair were eliminated from the show in week six, Graziano waited for her to wake up as he captioned the snap: 'She asked me 5 minutes break'. Later reposting the clip, after her slumber, she seemed to joke: 'I think I've clocked about 50k steps already today with this routine. Give me a break pls' alongside a laughing emoji. After Graziano shared the video of her napping Zara was quick to hit back by claiming she had done 'double the workload' of her professional partner. Sharing a selfie of herself heading to rehearsals that she captioned: 'Graz just had the audacity to call me and tell me his legs hurt after rehearsals yesterday when he spent 50% of the day sitting down and analysing me doing the routine on my own. 'HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL MATE @grazianodiprima.' However, the 'passing out' post isn't the first hint of tension in the rehearsal room, as the pair also hinted at many squabbles and disagreements through a series of humorous TikTok videos. Since allegations emerged that Graziano 'kicked and hit' Zara during rehearsals, these videos have been viewed in a different light. On September 19, Zara shared a humorous video in which she claimed the professional had compared her to a 'camel'. Sharing a video of the pair at lunch, she added audio from an episode of The Kardashians, in which Kourtney and Khloe were rowing. Graziano was seen as Kourtney Kardashian was heard saying: 'I think you take things really sensitively and that's fine, I just need to not make those jokes with you.' It then cut to Zara as Khloe Kardashian replied: 'No, I think they're just rude.' As the camera panned back to Graziano, Kourtney said: 'Well to me it's a joke but to you it's rude so I wont make them.' Zara captioned the video: 'When I get upset after he told me I dance like a camel.' Three days later, Zara poked fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated and declared: 'We haven't got time!' The following month, Zara joked that the pair had been rowing about food as she shared a clip of herself hiding from Graziano behind a curtain alongside audio footage Three days later, Zara poked fun at Graziano not giving her time to take a break, sharing a video of herself eating a sandwich while the dancer looked exasperated The pair's Strictly journey came to an end on Halloween week, with the duo being eliminated after losing the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk Graziano later shared a gushing post about his relationship with Zara and she in turn posted about their 'unbreakable bond' in a post that she has since deleted The following month, Zara joked that the pair had been rowing about food. She shared a clip of herself hiding from Graziano behind a curtain alongside audio footage from an iconic scene on This Morning in 2010. In the audio, Holly Willoughby suggested that if Gino D'Acampo added ham to his pasta dish it would be like a carbonara, prompting him to respond: 'If my grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike.' Zara captioned the clip: 'POV you're talking to an Italian about pasta.' Graziano was quick to defend himself, posting a video as he explained: 'I just want to reply about Zara's story saying that I was seated. I am seated but I am still working correcting her.' Zara then chipped in: 'I did double the workload to you yesterday and you have the audacity to say your legs hurt!' As Graziano responded: 'who has been correcting you?' Zara hit back with 'who's been doing the work?' but conceded when Graziano added: 'who's making you perfect?' Ultimately, the pair's Strictly journey came to an end that week, with the duo being eliminated after losing the dance off to Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk. Speaking about her experience, Zara said on the results show: 'I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously. 'My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can't believe it's over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.' Meanwhile, Graziana told his dance partner that he was 'so proud' of her and said she is what Strictly 'is all about'. He said: 'She has been great for me 8am till 9pm. Never stopping, asking just for a half an hour break. Both Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini (Zara and Sam pictured) Fellow Italian Giada, who also danced as a professional on Strictly, has yet to speak out about her husband's untimely departure (pictured with Graziano) 'She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. 'You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. 'You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.' He later took to Instagram to share a snap of their Halloween Charleston, penning: 'THIS PICTURE SAYS IT ALL!! You are what Strictly is all about, with humbleness, zero ego, rehearsing 12 hours per day. You went trough pain, lots of .. AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!! Never complained, always pushing yourself to learn more! YOU DID IT! Six week in the competition for a person that has never danced before!! 'It's a massive achievement, you have grown so much, in confidence and also in dancing!! 'THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING ME ! I'm so proud of you!! So proud to call you my friend!! ' Zara also shared a gushing post about her time on the show and her partner. In the caption, she shared: 'From the day I met you Graz, you told me every day that I am strong, beautiful and confident. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that we were meant to be friends for life. 'You have taught me so much about myself and our laughter every single day has brought me so much joy. I never got bored of spending over 12 hours a day with you, and your work ethic has inspired me beyond words. 'You made me believe in myself in those moments that I absolutely didn't and the bond we have built is truly an unbreakable one.' Zara has since deleted the post. However, she still has pictures and videos with Graziano on her feed. According to The Sun, BBC bosses were presented with video of Graziano's actions on Thursday, before speaking to Zara ahead of the weekend and finally sacking the Italian on Monday. Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine (pictured) and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments Giovanni and Katya pictured together on the show A source told the publication: 'Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable. He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud? 'Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented. 'For the Beeb's part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking which it is claimed happened twice and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.' They added: 'Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him. 'This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.' While a BBC insider insisted: 'There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. 'It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.' Amanda, left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni (pictured during rehersals) In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she 'cried every day' and felt 'uncomfortable' while training with him As more shocking allegations have come to light over Graziano's sacking, there has been a marked difference in public support for him. Previously, his fans and famous friends had rallied behind him, including fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine and Catherine Tyldesley, who liked and commented on his Instagram post announcing his departure. However, Catherine - who was partnered with Johannes Radebe in the show in 2019 - has now removed one of her more supportive comments. The Corrie star originally wrote: 'What noooo' before adding: 'You are the kindest, incredibly talented, most gentle man... I'm so sorry. Sending you so much love x'. But now the second gushing comment has been deleted, with only the first remaining on Graziano's post. The message on Graziano's Instagram reads: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. 'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. 'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.' Meanwhile, both Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini. Fellow Italian Giada, who also danced as a professional on Strictly, has yet to speak out about her husband's untimely departure. It is the latest blow suffered by the BBC show, which is still watched by more than ten million people, as allegations against fellow Strictly star Giovanni Pernice are still being investigated. Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six. He was previously paired with presenter Vick Hope, Loose Women star Judi Love and in 2022 he reached the quarter-final with actor Kym Marsh. It has heaped further turmoil on Strictly, which is deemed to be the jewel in the Corporation's crown and is still watched by more than ten million people. Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary. It means that Pernice, who has already let his frustrations at the investigation be known, faces an even longer wait for an outcome after three former dance partners, including actress Abbington, instructed lawyers to make 'serious complaints' about his conduct. It also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC's biggest Saturday night success story since The Generation Game. Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary A television source told the Mail: 'This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues. The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by. 'Amanda's complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven't been happy with. 'It is all a big headache for the BBC, it is about to celebrate a massive milestone with its 20th anniversary. 'Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.' Sources close to Pernice say that he fully expects to be exonerated. Devon Windsor flaunted her incredible figure on Tuesday. The supermodel, 30 who last enjoyed a family vacation took to Instagram to show off her abs and slender legs while on a tropical getaway. She wore a skimpy white bikini that flashed her chest paired with a chic white waist chain that displayed her long torso. Her blonde locks were covered by a chic blue scarf that complemented her long crocheted patterned skirt. 'Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me,' she penned in the caption which is a lyric to the song for Disneyland's Pirates Of The Caribbean ride. Devon Windsor took to Instagram to show off her abs and slender legs while on a tropical getaway The Victoria's Secret vet enjoyed her day off as she posed up a storm on a yacht. She accessorized with trendy gold and silver bangle bracelets. Windsor showed off her natural beauty in the stunning snaps, going makeup free. The post was a hit with her 4.7million followers, as fans rushed to the comments to pen their support for the model. Her sister Alexandra chimed in writing, 'Wow.' One fan said, 'Good vibes.' The St. Louis, Missouri native began modeling at the age of 14 and has gone on to model for Chanel, Dior and Victoria's Secret. In 2019, she decided to bring her runway talents to the fashion industry and launched a swimwear line, Devon Windsor Swim. 'Being in the fashion industry, I was always interested in expanding my brand outside of just modeling,' she told V Magazine. She explained to the outlet: 'I loved the aspect of design and the creativity and freedom in being able to have your own line. Swimsuits have always been a passion of mine because I love the ocean it is where I feel most at home. 'Over the past couple of years, I have noticed a gap in the market for a swimsuit that is more than your average basic bikini, without breaking your bank,' she added She wore a skimpy white bikini that flashed her chest paired with a chic white waist chain that displayed her long torso Her blonde locks were covered by a chic blue scarf that complimented her long crocheted patterned skirt The Victoria's Secret vet enjoyed her day off as she posed up a storm on a yacht 'For me, swimwear is a strong form of self-expression and something that you should feel confident and powerful in. With this in mind, I decided to create an affordable line of statement swimsuits,' she said. The blonde beauty explained that she wanted her brand to stand out: 'I wanted this line to be a reflection of my personal style, while also being a collection and brand that everyone could find something they love. 'I also wanted the collection to be affordable, and something that carries a lot of design details. The range offers a large variety of versatile silhouettes, colors, patterns, textures and hardwareall with an immense amount of detail that went into selecting each,' she finished. Call The Midwife's Olly Rix has landed a huge new role on BBC's Casualty, after quitting the beloved show. The actor, who played Matthew Aylward in the series, landed a part on the medical drama amid reports he and onscreen wife Helen George 'drifted apart' after leaning on each other for support following their splits from their respective partners. According to The Sun, viewers will see Olly star as a hunky surgeon on Casualty sometime next year. A TV insider told the publication: 'He has already got viewers' hot under the collar on Call the Midwife, but their pulses will be truly racing when they see Olly embrace the steamy new role. 'Although filming on the new series has been going on for weeks now, fans of Olly will have to wait until next year before they get the chance to see him on Casualty.' Call The Midwife's Olly Rix has landed a huge new role on BBC 's Casualty, after quitting the beloved show The actor, who played Matthew Aylward in the series, landed a part on the medical drama amid reports he and onscreen wife Helen George (pictured) 'drifted apart' It was revealed that Helen, who plays Nurse Trixie Franklin, had split from her partner Jack Ashton in July 2023 after seven years together, whilst Olly separated from his girlfriend Natasha Fagri at a similar time. In October she was snapped leaving Olly's home which sparked rumours of a growing connection between the pair. Now it seems Olly has unfollowed Helen on Instagram, although she still follows him. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'They were there for each other in the wake of their splits. 'But it seems they are no longer close and have made this clear by removing each other on social media. 'Olly even went one step further and deleted a picture of him and Helen from Instagram.' MailOnline contacted representatives for both Helen George and Olly Rix for comment. Olly was seen reuniting with his ex Natasha at a Notting Hill cafe in November, four months after it was revealed they had split. Olly and Helen 'drifted apart' after leaning on each other for support following their splits from their respective partners (pictured together on Call The Midwife) It was revealed that Helen, who plays Nurse Trixie Franklin, had split from her partner Jack Ashton, who also stars in CTM) in July 2023 after seven years together Olly separated from his girlfriend Natasha Fagri at a similar time The actor was pictured with his ex-girlfriend at the west London spot, just days after his on-screen wife Helen was spotted leaving his house. The former couple, who split in July after seven years together, put on an amicable display as they greeted each other with a hug and chatted inside the cafe. Olly left their meeting alone, holding a takeaway coffee in his hand and listening to his Apple AirPods. It is unclear whether Olly and Natasha had arranged to meet or if they had bumped into each other by coincidence. It came after Helen was snapped leaving Olly's home in October, sparking rumours of a growing connection following their recent breakups. They were said to be supporting each other as they navigate through their heartbreak. Olly was spotted outside his home before returning with two coffees, with Helen emerging a few hours later. An onlooker told The Sun on Sunday how Olly 'looked relaxed' and when Helen left the premises, she looked a 'little dishevelled'. The sightings have fuelled speculation about a budding bond between the two co-stars who share a close connection, despite Olly's character reportedly being written out of the show. An insider said: 'It's been a tricky year for both Helen and Olly. They have been spending a lot of time together on set, walking their dogs together and chatting a lot. 'They both have respect for each other as actors and they are supportive of each other and dedicated to their roles on the drama. The changes in their relationships have caused a lot of upheaval.' A spokesperson for Helen said: 'Yes, she went to visit a friend for a cup of tea - like all friends do - and as we have always said, there is nothing more to this.' Christina Hall and her husband of three years, Joshua Hall, have reportedly both filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. TMZ claimed that the Christina In The Country TV stars submitted their paperwork in Orange County, California on Tuesday. The ex lovebirds stated July 8 was their first day of separation. Joshua is asking for alimony from Christina and does not want to have to give her any money, the site added. It was also claimed that Joshua has asked the court to 'divvy up what was theirs respectively before they got married.' The reality TV stars wed in October 2021 in Maui, Hawaii and have no children together. This will be a third divorce for Christina who was previously married to Tarek El Moussa (2009-2018) and Ant Anstead (2018-2021). This comes after Christina and Joshua signed on to star on the 2025 HGTV renovation show The Flip Off with her ex Tarek and his new wife Heather Rae El Moussa. Christina Hall and her husband of three years, Joshua Hall, have reportedly both filed for divorce. On Tuesday TMZ claimed that the Christina In The Country TV stars submitted their paperwork in Orange County, California on Tuesday. They stated July 8 was their first day of separation. Seen in July 2023 This comes after Christina and Joshua signed on to star on the 2025 HGTV renovation show The Flip Off with her ex Tarek El Moussa and his new wife Heather Rae El Moussa Christina and Tarek built a home-flipping empire during their show Flip Or Flop which lasted 10 seasons. But it ended after a very publicized divorce. This year they have been working together again on the new spinoff called The Flip Off with Tarek's wife Heather and Christina's now estranged spouse Joshua. The show is set to air on HGTV in early 2025 with a two-hour premiere. 'During the series, Tarek and Christina, along with Heather and Josh will compete to see who can find, buy, renovate and flip a house for the biggest financial gain (and a chance at major bragging rights),' HGTV said on its site. Christina and Joshua seemed to be doing well earlier this summer as they were seen with her children in Instagram posts. In March they were seen holding each other and kissing when on the beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They were also pictured kissing in the ocean. 'Weekend getaways to Cabo with you are my favorite. (love how it worked out & we traded couple pics on the beach with a professional photographer @allysimonsphoto),' she wrote in her caption as she pointed out she was staying at the Montage in Santa Maria Bay, Los Cabos San Lucas. Josh also posted: 'Still going strong03/202403/202303/202203/2021. Cred: @ruthfernandez5.' Christina then responded to his post: 'Stilllll love you & Cabo .' In March they were seen holding each other and kissing when on the beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico He shared, 'Still going strong03/202403/202303/202203/2021. Cred: @ruthfernandez5.' Christina then responded to his post: 'Stilllll love you & Cabo ' Here they were seen on vacation in 2022 Last year they were seen with all three of her kids. She has daughter Taylor, 12, and son Brayden, seven, with ex-husband Tarek El Moussa, who is now wed to Heather Rae El Moussa of Selling Sunset fame. And Christina also has son Hudson, three, with ex-husband Ant Anstead, who now romances Renee Zellweger. 'Family vacation last week. Not ready (but ready) for kids to go back to school,' she said in her caption. Last year he gushed over her on her birthday. 'Happy 40th Birthday to my absolute stunner of a wife!' shared the hunky TV star who appears with her on her shows. 'This woman has accomplished so much, inspired so many and continues to impress me daily. 'I cant say enough about what an absolute force she is and what she is capable of. 'Christina is about to make her 40s the best decade of her life and looking better than ever while doing it! 'Im a lucky man and thank my lucky stars that she chose me to take this ride with her that is now our life. Ride or die baby, love you more than anything . They were seen in a family photo last year with all three of her kids And she made a post too. 'Had the best 40th birthday celebration thanks to my husband and best friend,' Christina wrote on Instagram of her spouse. 'I walked into the most incredible party where they thought of everything and made all my champagne dreams come true. 'I feel very lucky to have such amazing people in my life. 'Going into this new decade my goal is to slow the f*** down,' she continued. 'Enjoy the small moments and not rush through life. Take it easier on myself and mostly have fun and enjoy the ride.' Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez seemingly spent their second wedding anniversary apart - amid rumors they are headed to divorce. The Gone Girl star, 51, was spotted smiling in Los Angeles as he headed to his office on Tuesday, July 16 - while Jennifer, 54, enjoyed a ride in The Hamptons with her manager Benny Medina that same day. The sightings come exactly two years after the couple first tied the knot at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022. They said 'I do' again in a more lavish ceremony the following month in Georgia of 2022. But the duo were spotted on opposite ends of the coast as they marked their second anniversary apart. A smiling Ben was spotted suited up once again as he arrived to his office in Los Angeles, carrying a large iced coffee and a duffel bag. Ben Affleck looked dapper as he arrived to his office in Los Angeles on Tuesday Jennifer Lopez was seen going for a drive in a classic convertible with her long-time manager Benny Medina in the Hamptons on Tuesday The star looked stylish wearing a crisp white button down beneath a sharp navy blue suit. The actor was also seen wearing his wedding ring as he arrived to the office. He rocked a freshly-shaven complexion and flashed a smile as he made his way into the lot. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Jennifer was seen going for a drive in a convertible with her long-time manager Benny Medina. Her manager drove the classic vehicle through the Hamptons as JLo sat beside him with her sunglasses on. It comes several days after Ben's daughter Violet Affleck was spotted bonding with Jennifer. The duo were seen walking with their arms around one another during an outing in Southampton, New York. They were also joined by Violet's friend, actress Cassidey Fralin. A source told People that Jennifer 'seemed to be very happy shopping with Bens daughter. She had a big smile on her face.' A second insider shared that the duo was shopping at Roller Rabbit in East Hampton, N.Y., where they were 'surrounded by people' and appeared' unfazed' when they exited the store. Affleck's wedding band was visible as he arrived to the office Ben looked in high spirits as he strode into the parking lot wearing a crisp white button down beneath a sharp navy blue suit The outing comes on the heels of rumors that Jennifer and Ben are experiencing marital issues two years after they first tied the knot in 2022. The couple spent the Fourth of July weekend apart, as the This Is Me... Now star celebrated in the Hamptons with her family and friends while the Deep Water actor stayed in Los Angeles. Ben spent time with his and ex-wife Jennifer Garner's three kids, Violet, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. On Thursday, it was revealed that their $60.85million Beverly Hills marital home had been put on the market publicly, per TMZ. Back in June, the pair tried to quietly offload the 12-bedroom, 24-bathroom mansion to no avail. The MLS listing notes that the house was renovated within the last four months, hence the $3 million spike in the asking price. Earlier this summer, reports surfaced that Jen and Ben have been living apart for 'months,' amid speculation that they are headed for divorce. Ben was seen without his wedding ring on Tuesday and resides at a rental home near his children's mother, while Jennifer recently took a solo vacation to Italy. According to People, the Flash star was also seen moving his belongings out of their Beverly Hills home. Affleck's daughter Violet was seen with his wife Jennifer Lopez in South Hampton, New York on Sunday 'Ben continues to live at the Brentwood rental. Hes been there for about two months now,' an insider told the outlet. 'He seems okay. Hes been at his office every day and seems focused on work. Hes also spending time with his kids.' But the Shotgun Wedding actress did wish her other half a Happy Father's Day. 'Our hero. Happy Father's Day,' she gushed over a black-and-white photo of Ben with a white heart emoji in an Instagram Story. The duo also recently attended Violet's high school graduation together. Meanwhile, in May, sources told People Jennifer and Ben's marriage 'is not in the best place at the moment.' The Monster-in-Law alumna shares 16-year-old twins Max and Emme with her ex Marc Anthony. It comes amid rumored troubles in Affleck and Lopez's marriage; pictured February 2023 Jennifer was also spotted out in the Hamptons on Tuesday as she enjoyed a bike ride The actress was pictured still wearing her wedding ring, just like Ben was back in Los Angeles She was dressed casually in paint-splattered white overalls and a tank top Meanwhile, Us Weekly claimed on Wednesday that there is a 'sliver of hope' that Ben and Jennifer could get back together. 'Jennifer suggested they just take time to figure it out,' the source said. It was also added that Bennifer 2.0 'still havent made a decision' regarding splitting. 'They are going through so much individually and as a couple,' another source told Us. 'They may take some time to see if this complicated moment can resolve itself and they come back to each other [as] better people.' The eventual viewers of the tortured film Rust will never see the scene in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed when a prop gun held by Alec Baldwin fired after being loaded with live rounds. An insider says that the scene was completely excised from the Western's script after the terrible tragedy, according to People. The film's screenplay was reportedly rewritten extensively in the wake of the October 21, 2021, shooting, in which the film's director, Joel Souza, was also seriously injured after the bullet traveled through Hutchins' body and struck him in the shoulder. 'They did cut the church scene that they were rehearsing for, and did some rewriting,' the source said, adding, 'Its a beautiful film. It looks like a big studio movie.' The news of the script shakeup comes after Baldwin, 66, who also served as a producer on the film and had a co-story credit, had involuntary manslaughter charges against him were dismissed permanently after prosecutors were accused of failing to turn over evidence to the defense team. The church scene that was being rehearsed when a gun held by Alec Baldwin fired and killed cinematographer Halyna Huchins on the set of the Western Rust has been removed from the film, an insider told People on Tuesday; Baldwin seen in a still from Rust The news comes just days after involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dismissed with prejudice. He's seen sobbing after the case was ended on July 12 in Santa Fe, New Mexico The on-set shooting occurred during a rehearsal when the main cameras on set were not running. At the time, Hutchins and Souza were determining camera blocking for the church scene that would be filmed, while Baldwin was practicing with a prop revolver that he says he had been told had no live rounds, as is standard practice on film sets. In addition to saying he had no knowledge that live bullets had been loaded into the revolver, the actor has claimed that he did not pull the trigger before the gun fired. Baldwin's case was shockingly dismissed with prejudice by the judge meaning he cannot be charged again for that crime in the future after defense attorneys learned that bullets submitted to police that a witness said could be related to the case were not included with the rest of the Rust shooting evidence. Instead, a Santa Fe County Sheriffs officer filed the bullets under a different case file, which effectively prevented the defense from ever seeing them. Adding to the seriousness of the matter, the prosecutor admitted under oath after taking the stand that she had authorized the filing. Kari Morrissey a private defense attorney who was appointed to try the case took the unusual step of being sworn in and taking the witness stand, where she admitted that the bullets had not even been thoroughly examined, as she had only looked at photos of them before determining that they were not related to the case. But Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer examined the bullets in court after there existence was revealed, and she determined that at least some of them appeared to be similar enough to the bullets used on the Rust set to have warranted being included in evidence. The defense team accused the prosecution of trying to hide evidence, with Morrissey strongly denied, though the explanation for why the bullets weren't included remained fuzzy. The defense team had attempted to cast blame away from Baldwin and toward who had supplied the bullets and loaded the gun. It's unclear how exactly if and how the new evidence could have aided the defense, but it may have helped their claims about where the deadly ammunition came from. 'If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith, it certainly comes so near to bad faith as to show signs of scorching prejudice,' Sommer said of the prosecution as she dismissed the charges against Baldwin. The actor erupted in tears before embracing and kissing his sobbing wife Hilaria Baldwin. He previously had his charges downgraded, as the initial charges he was hit with did not exist at the time of the shooting. He was facing a potential maximum penalty of 18 months in prison under the less-severe charges if he had been convicted. 'They did cut the church scene that they were rehearsing for, and did some rewriting,' the source said, adding, 'Its a beautiful film. It looks like a big studio movie'; Baldwin seen shortly after the shooting Baldwin claims he did not pull the trigger, but the gun contained live rounds. It fired, hitting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest, killing her Charges were dismissed after ammo that was said to be related to the film was filed under a different case number, effectively hiding it from the defense; Baldwin is seen on set covered in fake blood Baldwin still faces potential civil trials, including a lawsuit filed by Hutchins' parents and sister in Ukraine, as well as one filed by her husband; Baldwin pictured on set Rust producers still plan to release Rust, which later resumed filming. Although Baldwin is now free of criminal charges, but he still faces multiple lawsuits, including one filed by Hutchins' parents and sister, who live in Ukraine. Hutchins' husband had also filed a suit against Baldwin and other Rust producers, which was seemingly settled in 2022. But in March of this year, his attorneys claimed that the producers had not made all of their necessary payments, which should have been completed at that point. An attorney for Matthew Hutchins said that the suit was still ongoing in view of the alleged failure to pay in full, and he said he anticipated taking it to court, according to the New York Times. Natalie Portman looked beautiful in a short black mini dress with a matching blazer while stepping out in New York City. The actress, 43, showcased her toned legs in the thigh-grazing look, paired with strappy black sandals. Natalie styled the look with her hair loose around her, center parted and in slight waves. Her stunning look comes just one day after her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she revealed that meeting Rihanna was a 'formative moment' in her life. Natalie Portman looked beautiful in a short black mini dress with a matching blazer while stepping out in New York City. The actress, 43, showcased her toned legs in the thigh-grazing look, paired with strappy black sandals Natalie styled the look with her hair loose around her, center parted and in slight waves I think everyone going through a divorce should get Rihanna to say to her that she's a bad b****h. It was exactly what I needed.' Natalie was married to Benjamin Millepied for 11 years - before they split, with Natalie filing for divorce in July 2023; their divorce was finalized in March 2024. They share two children: son Aleph, 13, and daughter Amalia, seven. During her appearance on the late night show, Natalie reflected on meeting Rihanna in January 2024 - during Paris Fashion Week. Rihanna told Natalie that she was 'one of the hottest b****s' in Hollywood.' 'Are you kidding me?' Natalie had replied to Rihanna. 'It was a formative moment in my life,' she told Jimmy after the clip aired. The moment in January was documented by photographer Stephane Feugere. During her appearance on the late night show, Natalie reflected on meeting Rihanna in January 2024 - during Paris Fashion Week Rihanna told Natalie that she was 'one of the hottest b****s' in Hollywood' Natalie looked gorgeous in a beaded dress during her appearance on Monday's episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon They saw each other in January while heading into the Haute Couture Dior show in Paris, with Natalie gushing to Rihanna: 'I love you.' Rihanna then told her: 'I am a proper fan.' Natalie appeared shocked as he said: 'Are you kidding me?' before the stars shared a hug. Rihanna said to her: 'You are one of the hottest b*****s in Hollywood forever. You have the most innocent look and I'm like "uhhh."' Natalie told her: 'I'm going to faint. I love you and I listen to your music all the time, your're such a queen and just thank you.' Rihanna said: 'Can somebody take a picture? So I like remember this happened tomorrow,' with Natalie adding 'Please!' The songstress said: 'I don't get excited to meet anybody, but I love you!' Ryan Reynolds says he and his nine-year-old daughter James watched his upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine, which is rated R. The Vancouver, Canada native, 47, spoke Monday with The New York Times about his forthcoming film, and how he screened a copy for both his eldest daughter and mother Tammy Reynolds. 'Well, I'm not saying that other people should do this, but my nine-year-old watched the movie with me and my mom, who's in her late 70s, and it was just was one of the best moments of this whole experience for me,' the A-list actor told the newspaper. Reynolds said he was encouraged by the reaction he received amid the multi-generational audience for the motion picture, in which he shares top billing with friend Hugh Jackman, 55. 'Both of them were laughing their guts out, were feeling the emotion where I most desperately hoped people would be,' he said. Ryan Reynolds, 47, says he and his nine-year-old daughter James watched his upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine, which is rated R. Pictured Friday in London promoting the movie The Vancouver, Canada native said he screened a copy for both his eldest daughter and mother Tammy Reynolds. Pictured last year in Wales The Golden Globe-nominated actor shares four children with wife Blake Lively, 36 - daughters James, nine, Inez, seven, and Betty, four, and a fourth child who was born in February of 2023. He told the newspaper that he wasn't tentative to show his eldest child the R-rated film, as he watched many at that age and felt they helped provide an influence that would serve him later in his life. 'When I saw rated-R movies when I was a kid, they left a huge impression on me because I didn't feel like people were pulling punches,' Reynolds said, 'and it's been a huge inspiration to so many of the things that I look to make now.' In the interview, Reynolds also explained the massive impact the Deadpool character has had on his career. 'I was an actor who was semi-well-known,' Reynolds said. 'I don't know how you would phrase that without sounding like a dink. 'But I was 37 when Deadpool had its pop-culture phenomenon moment, and I'm really grateful I was, because I knew exactly how to enjoy it.' Reynolds last month told People that Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy shared a piece of critical advice with him in terms of parenting. 'Shawn Levy actually told me something that stuck with me forever, that people tend to only talk about their wins,' Reynolds said. 'But I think it's really important for your kids in particular to know that you lose. You don't get what you want all the time. Reynolds shares top billing with friend Hugh Jackman , 55, in the forthcoming film The actors were pictured promoting the film earlier this month in Seoul, South Korea 'Something you worked on really hard didn't work. You feel like you said something embarrassing today, you did something that didn't sit right with you. It's just so important that [your kids] see that and they don't just hear, "Oh Dad nailed it." Because you lose so much more than you win. Reynolds said that the lesson has 'really stuck with' him over the years. Deadpool & Wolverine, which also stars Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Karan Soni, Leslie Uggams, Matthew Macfadyen and Jennifer Garner, is slated to debut nationwide July 26. Jack Black has been labelled a coward for abandoning his longtime friend and Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass after he made a bad-taste joke about the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. Gass caused controversy on Sunday night during a performance at the ICC Theatre in Sydney, Australia, when Black brought a birthday cake out for him and asked him to make a wish, prompting Gass to reply, 'Don't miss Trump next time.' This was a crude reference to how the bullet fired by 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks just missed Trump's head and instead hit his ear as he spoke at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Showgrounds in Pennsylvania. Instead of standing by Gass - with whom he has been friends since the mid 1980s - Black sought to distance himself from the guitarist with a blunt statement effectively saying their band, and working relationship, was over. The funnyman appears to be trying to salvage his new role as a Hollywood statesman as he deepens his involvement in U.S. politics, having last month delivered a speech at a Biden fundraiser in which he warned 'democracy was at stake' at the forthcoming election. This, in addition to Tenacious D abruptly cancelling all remaining dates of their Australian and New Zealand tour, has prompted loyal fans of the comedy duo to criticise Black, 54, as a traitor and a coward. 'Jack Black turning on Kyle Gass is legitimately upsetting to me, I'm gonna have to take a long walk,' one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'You're upset at Jack Black because of what Kyle Gass said. I'm upset at Jack Black for turning his back on a 30 year long partnership for the sake of keeping his celebrity status,' another commented. Jack Black (right) has been labelled a coward for abandoning his longtime friend and Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass (left) after he made a bad-taste joke about the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump Fans slammed Black for claiming he was blindsided by his Tenacious D bandmate's tasteless comments and cancelling the comedy band's tour Another unimpressed fan said: 'Not Jack Black throwing Kyle Gass under the bus for making a joke about Trump. What an absolute coward.' 'There's GOT to be more to this Tenacious D thing. You don't end a relationship like that and screw up the livelihoods of your crew over a joke. Like, what's tea?' one said. 'Jack Black should not be praised. Kyle Gass was the sacrificial lamb,' another wrote. It comes as former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd criticised Gass' Trump quip while at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Rudd, who is now Australia's ambassador to the United States, said the joke had made him 'physically ill'. 'It makes me feel sick someone would joke about violence. Physically ill,' Rudd told news.com.au. 'People might think it's a bit of "funny haha" at a concert to run off at the mouth off about this stuff. It's not. 'It's about threats to physical life; it's about the near assassination of a former and prospective President of the United States, depending on the votes of the American people. 'It's about the murder of innocent civilians and two people being seriously wounded.' Last month, Black, 54, delivered a speech that went viral at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he said 'democracy was at stake' in November It comes as former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd (right) criticised Gass' Trump quip while at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Rudd said the Tenacious D duo needed to 'grow up' and 'find a decent job'. Black, who is widely known for his roles in the films School of Rock and Kung Fu Panda, issued a statement on Tuesday saying he had decided to cancel his comedy band's tour - and that all creative plans were on hold - after Gass expressed that he wished Trump's would-be assassin hadn't missed. Black's decision comes just one month after he delivered a speech at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he said 'democracy was at stake' in November's election. Democrats have been criticised for raising the political temperature in America by claiming a Trump presidency would be a threat to democracy. 'I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,' Black told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.' The incident has since prompted divisive reactions online, with Kyle Sandilands banning Tenacious D from his radio show for life in light of the comment. Speaking on Tuesday's Kyle & Jackie O show, radio host Sandilands said: 'So, that guy wishes death on Trump.' 'A note to our talent bookers, I will not be participating in any future Tenacious D interviews,' he went on. 'Someone wishing someone dead that nearly got assassinated, all jokes aside, it's too much for me. Anyone who wishes someone else dead, legit is just a piece of s**t.' Gass caused controversy on Sunday night when he made a joke on stage in Sydney about the attempted assassination of the former American president Frontier Touring has announced refunds for all Tenacious D ticket holders. The concert promoter confirmed on Wednesday morning that shows in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington, and Auckland were cancelled. 'Frontier Touring regret to advise that the remaining dates of Tenacious D's tour of Australia and New Zealand have been cancelled,' they wrote. 'Ticket holders who purchased tickets via authorised ticketing outlets will receive a full refund. A communication to all ticket holders will be sent today with more information.' Joe Manganiello denied Sofia Vergara's claim that his desire to have children played a factor in their decision to end their seven-year marriage. One year after the couple announced their split in a joint statement, the 47-year-old True Blood star broke his silence over what led to them to them divorcing in a candid new interview with Mens Journal. 'Theres been a lot said in the press about me wanting a family. Thats simply not true,' he told the publication. 'We did try to have a family for the first year and a half.' The Magic Mike actor also revealed that they 'had a huge conversation right out of the gate during the first month' they dated, in which he claims to have told her: 'If youre done with kids, then I understand. Just tell me, and Ill know what this is, and thats OK. But that wasnt the case with her.' 'I swore to her that I would never leave if it didnt work out. And I didnt,' Manganiello insisted. Joe Manganiello denied Sofia Vergara 's claim that his desire to have children played a factor in their decision to end of their seven-year marriage; pictured in 2020 While he does hope to start a family someday, the performer set the record straight that disagreeing over children 'wasnt inevitably why everything ended.' 'Its because two people grew apart, and sometimes that happens,' he explained. Manganiello went on to express frustration over Vergara's previous remarks that their 'marriage broke up' because her husband 'was younger' and 'wanted to have kids.' 'To be painted as if I had some sort of midlife crisis, and after nine years, turned to somebody and gave them an ultimatum of, "Do this potentially unhealthy thing to your body, or else Im gone?" Thats never who I was,' Pittsburgh stated. In January 2024, Vergara told the Spanish publication El Pais that she and Manganiello called it quits because he wanted kids and she did not. 'I didnt want to be an old mom,' she said. 'I feel its not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but thats not for me anymore.' She continued: 'I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and Im ready to be a grandmother, not a mother. So, if love comes along, he has to come with [his own] children.' One year after the couple announced their split in a joint statement, the 47-year-old True Blood star broke his silence over what led them to them divorcing during a new interview with Mens Journal; seen in 2019 'Theres been a lot said in the press about me wanting a family. Thats simply not true,' he told the publication. 'We did try to have a family for the first year and a half' (seen in 2019) She and Joe announced their divorce last July. 'We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives,' they said in a statement, obtained by Page Six. Only two days after announcing their split, the True Blood actor filed for divorce and listed their date of separation as July 2. The reason for the end of their marriage was cited as 'irreconcilable differences.' 'Theres been a lot said in the press about me wanting a family. Thats simply not true,' he told the publication. 'We did try to have a family for the first year and a half' In the wake of their separation, Sofia has busied herself with new love interest Justin Saliman, an orthopedic surgeon. In late October, she and the doctor were first spotted together on a night out in West Hollywood. For his part, Joe has moved on with Caitlin O'Connor, who turns 35 on August 3. Over the weekend, the couple had an early birthday celebration at Toca Madera in West Hollywood. For his part, Joe has moved on with Caitlin O'Connor, who turns 35 on August 3 (seen at an early birthday celebration at Toca Madera in West Hollywood) 'Like most Leos, I am celebrating my birthday two weeks early and for the next 4 weeks,' she joked on her Instagram Story She shared a sweet snap of them cozying up in a both as his beloved dog, Bubbles, sat in his lap. A source told People that the pair had a 'wonderful time' and that Manganiello 'treats her like a queen.' 'They love spending all of their time together,' the insider added. The happy couple recently enjoyed a 'very romantic trip' to Paris, where they stayed at a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower. O'Connor also remained by his side as he filmed Deal or No Deal Island in Panama and as he traveled to North Carolina in May for a One Tree Hill. Charlotte Dawson got very candid about her dwindling sex life with her fiance Matt Sarsfield on Monday and joked her kids are 'c***blocking' her. The former Ex On The Beach star, 31, released the first two episodes of her brand-new podcast Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner. The podcast is a place for mothers to share parenting mistakes they have made that would land them in the naughty corner. In the first episode, Charlotte told her co-host Janine Marsh how her sons Noah, 3, and Jude, 11 months, affect her sex life. She and her whole family enjoyed a holiday to the Maldives, Jude's first, in April and Charlotte recalled an incident with Matt in an infinity pool. Charlotte Dawson, 31, got very candid about her dwindling sex life with her fiance Matt Sarsfield (both pictured in February) on Monday and joked her kids are 'c***blocking' her The former Ex On The Beach star released the first two episodes of her brand-new podcast Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner In the first episode, Charlotte told her co-host Janine Marsh how her sons Noah, 3, and Jude, 11 months (pictured on Sunday), affect her sex life Charlotte began: 'So, I was recently in the Maldives, which was fabulous. And me and Matthew felt - I think it was the heat - Matthew's like, "Come on, we need to". 'It's like we have to book sex in now. It used to be a couple of times a week, now it's like once every two months. So, Matthew's like, "Come on, it's been a while, now." And I'm like: "I know, but I just can't be arsed." 'But, we had this lovely infinity pool, it was amazing. And we kept getting in the pool with Noah and Jude, obviously, but Jude was having a little sleep.' Despite not being in the mood previously, something about the pool changed Charlotte's mind. She continued: 'Me and Matt and Noah were in the pool and we were just looking at each other. And for some reason we were both just like two animals, saying: "I wanna eat ya!" 'We were looking at Noah and he was playing with his little Avengers and I was like, "What should we do? Noah's just there." 'We were obviously kissing and stuff, just having a cuddle and a kiss, I think that's nice to do that in front of your kids. 'Not sexual kissing like not a proper snog. Sometimes it's nice when he sees us and says: "Ah, Mummy and Daddy!" And comes and joins us and has a cuddle and really c**kblocks us.' Charlotte recalled of their family trip to the Maldives: 'Me and Matthew felt - I think it was the heat - Matthew's like: "Come on, we need to-." It's like we have to book sex in now 'It used to be a couple of times a week now it's like once every two months. So, Matthew's like: "Come on, it's been a while, now." And I'm like: "I know, but I just can't be arsed"' Despite not being in the mood previously, something changed and Charlotte added: 'Me and Matt and Noah were in the pool and we were just looking at each other' 'We were obviously kissing and stuff, just having a cuddle and a kiss, I think that's nice to do that in front of your kids. 'Not sexual kissing like not a proper snog' 'So, we obviously had a kiss and a cuddle and we were looking at him, like: "What should we do, here? Do you reckon we'll get away with it, or what?" 'We actually voted against it. We were very upset about it because we were both ready. We had to vote against it which we were absolutely devastated about because we were ready and raring. 'It would have been a bloody belting sexual thing happening there.' Charlotte announced her podcast on Monday, writing on Instagram: 'Most of you guessed right.. buuuuut I am so chuffin excited to announce my new show, Naughty Corner! 'The place to share your honest and outrageous tales of parenting fails the question is would you put yourself the parents or the kids in the naughtehhh corner? 'Tune into the first 2 episodes tomozza!!! How exciting with new episodes dropping every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music basically wherever you get your podcasts 'Dont forget to follow @charlottesnaughtycorner for exclusive clips & the most recent updates! See you there!' TOWIE's Frankie Essex and Love Island's Jessica Hayes led the congratulations. 'We actually voted against it. We were very upset about it because we were both ready ... It would have been a bloody belting sexual thing happening there' Charlotte announced her podcast on Monday, writing on Instagram after dropping hints for weeks TOWIE's Frankie Essex and Love Island's Jessica Hayes led the congratulations in the comments section Frankie wrote: 'Cant wait to listen to' and 'Congratulations babe '; Jessica added: 'Well done baby I cant wait '; Charlotte's fans continued: 'Awwww congratulations'; 'love this totally real cant wait'; 'Id love to share my stories about my 4 year old! Some are absolutely bonkers! I love this! 'Lytham wont know whats hit it I pass your dads statue daily. always looks beautiful! Youre a absolute star'; 'Yay cant wait '; 'Love this Charlotte'; 'This is exciting'; 'Omg yay!! I am about to have major surgery .. in a hospital 90 mins from home so I will be away from my childrens for up to 4 weeks.. this will certainly help me get through it xxxx cannot wait x'; 'This is bloody brilliant go on girl!! I will be tuning in xxxxx'. New episodes of Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner drop Tuesdays on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify. US banks closed 28 branches across the country in just one week in July. Wells Fargo, Bank of America and US Bank each closed eight locations in the last week. The remaining locations were closed by Greenville Fed, Chase and Schaumberg Bank & Trust, who each closed one branch. In the week July 9 to July 16, banks informed the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) that a total of 28 branches across sixteen states will be shuttered. Ohio was the worst effected state, losing four branches, followed by California which saw three closures. Scroll down for the full list with addresses. Bank of America filed to close eight locations across the country in the last week It comes as banks closed 539 local branches across the country in the first half of the year - leaving more and more Americans without access to basic financial services. If the rate continues for the rest of 2024, it will mean more than 1,000 branches wiped from malls, and town and city centers. Bank of America has closed the most branches this year, a total of 98 locations to date. US Bank has also made substantial closures, shuttering 73 of their locations. The closures, which banks must report to federal regulator, represent a trend as major banks move away from expensive brick-and-mortar branches in favor of online services. 'The majority of Americans, from Gen Z to boomers, are in less need of a traditional bank, which may explain the rising number of physical branches that have been closing over the past year' Andrew Murray, lead data researcher at GOBankingRates told DailyMail.com. A recent survey by GOBankingRates found that even retirees prefer online banking to in-branch services. Overall 78 percent of Americans prefer using mobile and online banking and almost one in four did not visit their bank in the past year. 'Our survey of more than 1,000 adults clearly shows that demand for in-person banking is low across all generations, even boomers 65 and older,' Murray explained. 'It's likely that overhead costs (rent, maintenance, supplies and staff salaries) are a large factor especially given that our survey shows how infrequently people visit brick and mortar banks.' Indeed closures can lead to significant savings since the average freestanding bank branch costs around $2.6 million a year to run. The worst hit state was California which saw 72 closures from national banks in the first half of the year. US banks closed 539 branches in the first six months of the year Bank of America has closed the most branches in the first half of 2024 New York followed in second, seeing 51 closures, followed by Pennsylvania which had 40. 'Over the last several years, we have rightsized our branch network, and we may continue to combine two older existing branches into one better situated location' Wells Fargo told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'Doing so does not take away the importance of our customers and the communities we serve.' Bank of America also said they tend to consolidate two branches into one when there is a close. 'These shifts in our branch network reflect that, more and more, our clients are using digital banking for their everyday financial needs and coming into financial centers for more significant needs or to have conversations about their finances,' the corporation explained. US bank also highlighted clients' migration towards online banking and 'desire for greater simplicity' as reasons for their mass closures. 'As we evolve along with our clients, we are reevaluating our physical footprint, and in some instances, consolidating branch locations in select markets,' the bank said in a statement. Nearly 7,000 lbs dogs have been recalled after the supplier skipped a key federal inspection. AW Farms, a Kentucky-based food company, has issued a recall after the products were produced without the necessary federal inspections. The ready-to-eat hot dogs were produced on or after May 30 and have a shelf life of 45 days, according to the recall notice. Most will be in hotel or restaurant refrigerators - since the packs are sold wholesale to hospitality companies. Scroll down to see full details of the three different types of products affected by the recall. Thousands of pounds worth of hot dog products have been urgently recalled AW Farms has issued a recall for 6,900 pounds of its hot dog products The bulk products were sent to restaurant and hotel locations in Ohio and West Virginia, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed. The issue was discovered when the FSIS was made aware of the inspection oversight by a state public health partner, the agency explained. The FSIS is asking restaurants and hotels to check if any of the products have made their way into their fridges and freezers. If so, establishments are urged not to serve the products but dispose of them immediately. There have been no reported adverse effects from consumers eating the hot dogs but anyone concerned is urged to contact their healthcare providers. Earlier this month more than 2,000 pounds of chicken products were recalled after a possible listeria contamination was detected. The bacteria can cause listeriosis that can be fatal to the elderly, young children and the immunocompromised. The tragic events of Karbala, where Husain and his followers were mercilessly slain, serve as a poignant reminder of the values of justice and unwavering faith in the face of oppression John Bradshaw once said," Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."Can man stand up to these conditions? "Man can but not necessarily with ease", Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad annunciated from the battlefield of Karbala ( Iraq), on the fateful day of 10th Muharram, 61 A.H. (October 10, 680 A.D.).The pre-Islamic period in Arabia is known as the "age of ignorance". Scudding away from the noble attributes of human principles, the Arabs were treading the path of retrogression and abhorrence. Suffering from the worst evils and vices, these Arabs known as Bedouins (uncivilised rustics) were highly tentative of wrecking vengeance, group quarrels, and tribal animosities leading to bloody warfare that lasted for generations. In the pre-Islamic period, these Arabian Bedouins used to bury their newly born daughters alive out of ego. They had no sense of equality, humanity, decency and brotherhood. In this crucial moment, the Prophet of Islam Hazrat Mohammad brought the message of peace, tolerance, humanity, forbearance, liberty, equality, and brotherhood, assisting to weak and securing justice for the persecuted. The Prophet gradually started transforming the heartless brutes to humanise and turn towards peaceful life.The most notorious among them were the Bedouin tribals of "Bani-Omayya" (Omayyads). Omayyads did not tolerate the sojourn of humanity and peace. They violently opposed the Prophet's teachings. Omayya's grandson, Abu Sufiyan, son of Herb, unfurled the flag of revolt against Islamic teachings. They started a campaign of persecution on the Prophet, who was forced to migrate from his home in Mecca to Medina. As such, the year of the Prophet's flight from Mecca to Medina is marked as the beginning of the Hijri era of the Islamic calender.Still, the Prophet Mohammad was not given any respite or relief. Mohammad was compelled to fight battles many a time. In Medina, the Prophet established the system for administering the "rule of law" in the light of Islamic jurisprudence, under the command of his son-in-law Hazrat Ali Murtaza. Notwithstanding the bravery of Ali, Omayyads suffered a thorough collapse. The shrewd Abu Sufiyan played a trick to subscribe to Islam outwardly and the Prophet mercifully granted a quarter to Abu Sufiyan and his men. On the contrary, Mohammad realised his duties as Prophet were preparing his two beloved grandsons, 'Hasan' and ' Husain', sons of Ali Murtaza and Fatima Zehra, as perfect specimens of his attainment and imparted to their young minds all the characteristics of his high morality.After the demise of the Holy Prophet Mohammad, the school of Islamic thought, philosophy, culture and administration was shifted to the 'Caliphate' with temporal and ecclesiastical powers. The first three caliphs were: Abubakar, Umar and Usman. The last caliph Imam Ali Murtaza, was assassinated by the henchmen of the conspirator and hypocrite Muawiya son of Abu Sufyan while Hazrat Ali Murtaza was prostrating before Allah in the mosque.After Ali's assassination, Muawiya with the might of a sword, usurped the seat of the Caliphate in Syria and declared himself as the self-appointed caliph. Muawiya, the first ruler of the House of Omayyads displaced the democratic Islamic rule by oligarchical and barbaric despotic rule. After the death of Muawiya, his son accursed Yazid ascended to the Caliphate seat of Syria. He was a hardcore terrorist and had surpassed all his ancestors in practising cruelty, violence and corruption. Yazid was a libertine and sinner to the extent that the barest mention of his objectionable character is taboo in this civilised society. Yazid was the mammon of unrighteousness, whose lust for power prompted him to beat society into the mould he favoured. Yazid's criminal behaviour indicated the extreme occurrence of vulgar, and inhuman innovations in the established Islamic values. On the contrary Imam Husain was recognised throughout the Arab world for his excellence of behaviour, wisdom, compassion and piety. When Yazid occupied the erstwhile seat of the Caliphate, deceitfully usurped by his father Muawiya, Yazid by terrorising the citizens sought their allegiance to accept him as leader of the faithfully. He then demanded allegiance from Hazrat Imam Husain. Yazid was equipped with all the paraphernalia of power but so long, he didn't get the allegiance of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet, he had no religious sanction to claim the Caliphate. He therefore demanded allegiance from Imam Husain to subscribe to him as the leader of the faithful.When Yazid bargained hard for Imam Husain to choose between allegiance and death, Husain straightaway refused his allegiance, saying, "A person of my kind, can not accept the allegiance of a man of his (Yazid's) kind." Husain knew that recognition of Yazid's immorality would permanently disfigure the "true faith" and a "pseudo-religion" would emerge in the guise of Islam. Had he encountered no opposition, Islam was bound to acclimatise to the paralysing atonality from Yazid's degenerated symphony.Imam Husain was mercilessly assassinated in the desert of Karbala along with 71 family members and companions on the 10th of Muharram, 61 Hijri ( October 10, 680 A.D.), after being kept hungry and thirsty for three days.Their heads were severed from the bodies and were mounted on lancers. Among the slain martyrs was Husain's six-month-old infant son, Ali Asghar, the buoyancy of whose innocent blood refloated the sinking ship of Islam. Ali Asghar's moon-like innocent severed head was too mounted on a lancer.Asghar's little body among 71 others was too trampled through the hoofs of office horses of Yazid's cavalry. The tents of Husain's household were torched. Daughters and grandchildren of Prophet Mohammad's extended family and the only surviving, ailing son office Imam Husain, were taken captives and paraded from Karbala to Syria, on bare backs of camels, where they appeared before accursed Yazid, the wild beast in human form.10th Muharram is universally observed by right-thinking and kind-hearted people irrespective of caste, religion or faith. "Never in the fight of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few", said Churchill. The event of Karbala, taking place on 10th Moharram, 61 Hijri, teaches us: Never to support injustice and oppression, no matter, how powerful the oppressor might be. No matter, what incentive, what threat you might be given. (The writer is a legal journalist and author. The views expressed are personal) As the Union Budget 2024 approaches, the Indian tourism industry has high hopes for increased support and strategic initiatives Tourism has always been a significant contributor to the economic growth and GDP of nations worldwide, and India is no exception. Indian tourism has consistently shown remarkable growth, even though it has not been a primary focus of government policies. There have been improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, but these efforts have been limited. The Indian Tourism and Hospitality industry, faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp decline in both domestic and international travel led to a significant downturn. Despite these challenges, the industry began to show signs of recovery in 2023. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), 2023 saw 152 million domestic flyers, an increase of almost 24% from 123 million in 2022, and nearly 6% more than the 144 million in 2019. International travel also showed signs of revival, with 63.9 million international travellers to and from India in 2023, close to the 64.2 million seen in 2019, and 35% more than the 47 million in 2022. Consulting firm McKinsey & Company projects that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030. Additionally, aviation analytics firm OAG indicates that India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China. The WTTC reported that this sector contributed INR 19.13 trillion ($230 billion) to the Indian GDP in 2023, marking a nearly 10% increase over 2019 levels. Employment in the industry also saw an 8% rise, reaching 43 million jobs. This highlights the sector's resilience and its vital role in the national economy. They projects that the Indian tourism industry will continue to grow, with contributions to the GDP expected to reach INR 21.15 trillion ($253 billion) in 2024. Jobs in the industry are also projected to increase by 2.45 million, accounting for one in every 11 jobs in India. Despite positive indicators, the tourism industry has been largely overlooked in recent government budgets. This lack of support is concerning given the sector's significant contributions to the economy and employment. Substantial investments and strategic initiatives are essential to fully capitalize on the industry's potential and ensure sustained growth. As the Union Budget 2024 approaches, the tourism industry remains hopeful for greater support and investment from the government. Industry Perspectives Jyoti Mayal, President, The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) feels that the allocation for overseas promotion and publicity has been drastically reduced to just Rs. 3 crore, down from Rs. 100 crore in the previous year. She says, "The industry eagerly anticipates increased budget allocations to enhance infrastructure, marketing, and skill development. Investments in connectivity, heritage sites, and eco-tourism can propel growth. A focus on sustainable practices, waste management, and conservation efforts aligns with responsible tourism. Simplifying visa requirements and encouraging visa-free entry for tourists visiting India can significantly enhance foreign tourist arrivals". Pradeep Shetty, President, Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI) says that the tourism and hospitality, accounting for around 10 percent of India's GDP and should be declared a priority sector. "Granting infrastructure status to hotels and convention centers of project cost of Rs 10 crore and above is essential for attracting investments and accelerating growth in the hospitality sector. Abolition of the 18 percent GST category for hotels with room rates above Rs.7500/-, merging it with the 12 percent GST category, would boost both domestic and inbound tourism," he says. Riaz Munshi, President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) says the outbound tourism sector is hoping for positive policy changes. "One key expectation is the reduction of GST rates on outbound tour packages, making international travel more affordable. Additionally, better Tax Collected at Source (TCS) policies are hoped for as compared to current TCS rates, which are causing financial and administrative problems," says he. Mr Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) feels that the adequate funding is needed for promote tourism on global map. He says, "Ministry of Tourism should be given separate substantial funds for marketing and promotion for participation in overseas travel marts along with industry stakeholders, organizing road shows and for MDA Assistance to tour operators". Mr. Ajay Prakash, President, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) feels that for all the lip service to the economic and social benefits of tourism, the industry remains sadly neglected. Mere infrastructure development is not enough -the sector needs specific incentives if it is to realize its potential. The travel and tourism industry puts forth its Wishlist every year before the Budget and, come the day, is invariably disappointed. "The highest GST slab should not exceed 10% and travel agents/tour operators should be eligible to claim a setoff. Aviation fuel must be brought under GST to make airfares more affordable," says he. (The writer is a travel influencer and writes on travel & tourism; views are personal) Strive for achieving success that is based on contentment, humility, peace and respect Most of us want to be successful, but not everyone knows what success looks like. The concept of "success" can be a real subject of contention because everyone has their definition of success. Success has different meanings to different people, however, to define it in simple words, it can be said that success is very largely a matter of adjusting one's self to the ever-varying and changing environments of life, in a spirit of harmony and poise. So, is it simply the completion of the next task, another job well done, a promise kept, an exam passed, a medal won or a mountain climbed? Whatever we believe success to be, there is no doubt that it will have a profound influence on our lives. The great philosopher Lao Tzu said - When you are content to be simply yourself and dont compare or compete, everyone will respect you. However, what we see today in the so-called modern society is something way too different. If we were to follow the trends of the current world, then success would be measured by acquisition i.e. the more you have the more successful you are. Nowadays even our education systems are geared to producing people whose character and skills are shaped and developed to make more. Similarly, economic growth is the yardstick for national success based on the production and selling of more. And amidst all this, we continue to avoid the connection between the philosophy of more and the unprecedented levels of unhappiness, abuse and breakdown of human relationships worldwide. Some of us say that because we have more telephones there is more communication between more people in more countries every day than at any other time in history. But communication of what? Electronic symbols, packets of data, cold information? This is far from human communication. We seldom nourish each other at the level of mind and spirit over a telephone, Do we? Off lately we have developed more intimate relationships with our techno-toys than we do with each other. So what exactly does it mean to be successful? At what level, in what context and by whose standards? If we were to live in this question for long enough it would challenge us at the deepest level. It would invite us to review and probably revise our core values. But we don't want that challenge because it means we might have to change how we think and what we do. So we live instead in avoidance and denial while going with the flow of traditional belief, and then we wonder why both contentment and fulfilment are so elusive. Just imagine for a moment that every school student in the world spent one year discussing and debating the question, "What is success?" inside out, and upside down.What would our children tell us? Would we have the patience and the faith to listen and to learn from them? Instead of imposing our inherited beliefs, definitions and conditions, would we have the humility to facilitate their discussion and allow them to tell us? Or do we intuitively know they would be wiser than us and therefore pull the carpet from under our comfortable feet? Would we be threatened if their wisdom defined success as a simpler, more considerate, caring, sharing, spiritual state of being and giving, and not a material state of acquisition, accumulation and possession? Would success be less and not more for them? If we were to give ourselves the time to explore this question, we would likely arrive at the fairly obvious insight that success is not a material thing, it is not something that can be possessed, it is a state of being. We might call it contentment, or happiness, or even peace because these are the deepest and most meaningful symptoms of success, but only when they are not dependent on anything outside ourselves. So, let us engage our energies in achieving success that is based on a strong foundation of values like contentment, humility, peace, and respect and inspire the next generation to do so. (Writer is a spiritual educator & popular columnist for publications; views are personal) The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 21 ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament which will start next Monday during which the full fledged annual Budget of the third term of the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government will be presented. The traditional "halwa" ceremony, marking the final stage of the Budget preparation process for Union Budget 2024, was held in North Block on Tuesday, in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The customary ceremony begins with the Finance Minister stirring the "halwa" in the kadhai and then serving it to the colleagues in the Ministry. It is a tradition performed every year ahead of the Budget and it marks the final stage of preparing the plan for the upcoming financial year. Meanwhile, the Opposition parties under the INDIA Bloc too have convened a meeting of their Parliamentarians the same evening and another on July 22 morning ahead of the resumption of Parliament to discuss the strategy to raise the issues during the three-weeks-long Monsoon cum Budget session. The meeting has been called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Ministry said in a statement. This will be Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's first time at the customary session-eve meeting of the floor leaders from all parties if he attends it. Another large party in the Opposition ranks, Trinamool Congress, has regretted it won't attend the meet. The Monsoon session is scheduled to begin on July 22 and will conclude on August 12. The Union Budget will be presented on July 23. Finance Minister Sitharaman will become the first Finance Minister in India's history to deliver seven consecutive Budgets. She will surpass the record previously held by Morarji Desai, who presented six consecutive Budgets between 1959 and 1963. While P Chidambaram is in the second spot, having presented the Budget on nine occasions, but in breaks which includes first in 1997, during the United Front Government led by Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. Former President Pranab Mukherjee presented eight Budgets during his time as Finance Minister. The first Parliament session after the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed the opposition INDIA bloc raising issues like the recent NEET controversy, Manipur situation, and price rise among others, resulting in uproars and adjournments. Protests were also witnessed in both Houses during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. In the Lok Sabha, Opposition MPs raised slogans demanding a statement on Manipur during the Prime Minister's reply, while in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition had staged a walkout. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) said no representatives from the party will attend the meeting as July 21 is observed by the party as "Martyrs' Day". TMC's Parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O'Brien wrote to Rijiju and informed him that his party will not be able to attend the meet. "For 30 years now, 21st July has been observed as 'Martyrs' Day' in Bengal in honour of our 13 colleagues who were unlawfully killed in a police firing on the day in 1993. In this context, all MPs of the All India Trinamool Congress including myself will be in our home State to mark the day along with other party colleagues. Therefore, no MP will be able to attend the meeting," he said. In two separate ghastly murder incidents that have sent shock waves across Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and the political circles of the national Capital days ahead of Parliament Session, former State Minister Mukesh Sahni's 70-year-old father was found stabbed to death at his native home in Darbhanga district. Meanwhile, in southern India, a senior functionary of Naam Tamilar Katchi was hacked to death in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on Tuesday. The killing of Balasubramanian, who is Madurai district deputy secretary of the NTK, comes days after the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party state chief K Armstrong in Chennai. Jitan Sahani, father of Mukesh Sahani, was allegedly found murdered at his ancestral home in Bihar's Darbhanga district, police said on Tuesday. His body, with several stab injuries and cut marks on his chest and stomach, was found inside his room at his house in Biraul area this morning. A former Bollywood technician who heads a fledgling outfit Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), Sahni was away in Mumbai when the information reached him, party sources said. Upon arriving in Patna, on way to Darbhanga, Sahni told reporters at the airport that he was telephoned by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and RJD president Lalu Prasad. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in whose Cabinet he had served for about a year-and-a-half, called Sahni to offer condolences and ensure speedy investigation. A political blame game has followed the tragedy befalling the VIP supremo, who has, in a political career spanning barely half-a-decade, aligned with parties on both sides of the ideological divide. The Nishad community leader, who goes by the evocative sobriquet 'son of Mallah', was won over into the INDIA bloc by Tejashwi Yadav, who gave his party seats from the RJD's own quota in the recent Lok Sabha polls, besides ensuing that Sahni accompanied him at over 250 rallies across the state. Yadav, who is the leader of the opposition in state assembly, came out with a statement lambasting NDA government for failure to check crime in Bihar where "people are forced to live in terror". Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who had shared the stage with Yadav and Sahni at some of the rallies, offered condolences and said "it is expected that the government in Bihar will ensure strongest possible punishment to the culprits at the earliest and ensure justice to the bereaved Sahni family". Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and partys general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the murder is highly condemnable. Leaders of the BJP, which had helped Sahni become a minister in 2020 by getting him elected to the legislative council, only to force his expulsion less than two years later, asserted that the guilty would be brought to book. "Spoke to Sahni and assured him that the government in Bihar has taken the incident very seriously and culprits will be brought to justice at the earliest", said Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, a former state BJP president. Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi also came out with condolence messages. Manjhi, a former chief minister who heads Hindustani Awam Morcha, hit back at the RJD-led opposition. According to Jitendra Singh Gangwar, Bihar Police ADG (Headquarters), two persons have been taken into custody for questioning, on the basis of CCTV footage obtained from cameras installed in the vicinity of the site of the crime. "They were found moving in a suspicious manner. However, the case is being investigated from all possible angles", said Gangwar, who did not divulge the identity of the detainees. The ADG said the body, which had deep wounds caused by a sharp-edged object on the chest and abdomen, has been sent for post mortem. RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha alleged the murder of Mukesh Sahni's father has exposed the "chaotic situation" of law and order in Bihar and that it proved there is "jungle raj" in the state. "This is a certificate for the JD (U)-BJP government, that there is no law and order. You can give any rhetorical statements, but the reality is that there are no districts from where such reports are not coming," he said. In Tamil Nadu, the NTK functionary - Balasubramanian - was on a morning walk when he was chased and done to death by the gang, a police official said. Police, however, ruled out any political motive in Balasubramanian's killing. The party's chief coordinator Seeman condemned the killing and urged the police to arrest the culprits immediately. "Preliminary investigation reveals that the killing could be a revenge attack. Investigation is underway," a senior police official said. The incident happened on Vallabai Road in Chokkikulam. The assailants inflicted fatal injuries on the NTK leader before making good their escape. Balasubramanian was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared "brought dead," said police. A Captain of the Indian Army, along with three other soldiers, was martyred during a fierce gunfight with a group of suspected foreign terrorists in Jammu Dessa forest area, which shares its boundaries with Basantgarh in Udhampur, Anantnag, Keshwan in Kishtwar, and Pogal Paristan in Ramban district, late Monday night. It is suspected the joint team of security forces was lured into the deep forest area where they were ambushed by the well-entrenched group of the foreign terrorists. Kashmir Tigers, a proxy outfit of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The gruesome attack comes close on the heels of another deadly ambush on the soldiers near Badnota village of Machhedi in the Billawar tehsil of Kathua district on July 8 in which five soldiers were martyred and five others were injured. The Indian Army, however, maintained that a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in the general area of Urarbaggi, 10 km North of Doda. At about 8.40 pm on Monday, the search party was able to establish contact with the terrorists hiding in the area, which is a thickly forested and mountainous area with restricted visibility due to low clouds and rain. In the initial volley of fire, four Indian Army personnel were injured, who later succumbed to their injuries. Additional troops and equipment have been inducted to flush out the terrorists and the use of drones and other technical resources is being ensured. The bravehearts have been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, son of Col (Retd) BK Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra & Sepoy Ajay. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who apprised him of the ground situation and ongoing operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda on Tuesday. In a post on X Defence Minister said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army Soldiers in a counter-terrorist operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Singh said the Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers remain committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism and restoring peace and order in the region." General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS and all ranks of the Indian Army also conveyed their deepest condolences to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty, while undertaking a counter-terrorist operation in Doda. This is the seventh major incident of terrorist violence in the Jammu region since the beginning of this year. According to a recent assessment of the various security agencies, around seven to eight groups of 3-4 foreign terrorists are active in the region and have taken shelter in the thickly forested belt inside natural cave-like structures to dodge the security forces. So far 48 soldiers including elite para commandos and other ranks have been martyred in around one dozen operations since October 2021 in the Jammu region. Since January 1, 2024, 12 soldiers including a village defence group member have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. 10 civilians and five terrorists were also killed in these operations. The security forces were maintaining a tight vigil in the area in the aftermath of the killing of a village defence guard in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur on April 28. The anti-terror operations in Doda were intensified after a fierce exchange of fire in Chattargalla pass left five Army personnel and a special police officer injured on June 12. A policeman was injured in another encounter in Gandoh the next day. After the Kathua ambush, terrorists managed to escape after an encounter with security forces in the nearby Ghadi Bhagwah forest bordering Kishtwar district on July 9. Three foreign terrorists were killed in a day-long operation in the Gandoh area of the district on June 26. The Jammu region witnessed a sudden spike in terror attacks soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office of Prime Minister on June 9. His oath-taking ceremony coincided with one of the brutal attacks on a pilgrim bus in the Reasi district in which nine persons were killed and 41 others were left injured. In the wake of an upswing in the incidents of terrorist violence, the Indian Army has been conducting a series of joint and coordinated operations with J&K Police to eliminate foreign terrorists who have infiltrated and are moving in the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah districts / areas and thereafter to Kashmir Valley. Similar operations are being relentlessly conducted in Kathua area. A series of operations in the recent past have resulted in neutralisation of three terrorists in Gandoh on 26 June 24, besides successfully thwarting Chattar Gali terrorist attack on 11 June 24. Analysis of large quantities of warlike stores recovered from the dead terrorists reveal the hand of inimical agencies from across the border. A number of measures have been taken to enhance synergy between various agencies which includes joint training with J&K Police and Central paramilitary forces. A robust intelligence-sharing mechanism between the Indian Army, J&K Police and other intelligence agencies has been established. Close interaction with the local populace is also ensured for flow of intelligence inputs. Similar intelligence-based and area domination operations are continuing in Kashmir region, in the north of Pir Panjal ranges. Line of Control and fence is intact and alert troops have recently neutralised three terrorists attempting to infiltrate along with large quantities of war-like stores in Kupwara region on July14. Intelligence based operations have also been conducted to foil infiltration attempts in Lam, South of Pir Panjal Ranges on July 10. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested two persons, including a key accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case, who allegedly stole the paper from a National Testing Agency's trunk in Hazaribagh in Jharkhand. With the two arrests, the total number of persons arrested in connection with cases pertaining to leakage, impersonation and other irregularities in the medical entrance exam has now reached 14. The CBI has arrested Pankaj Kumar alias Aditya, a 2017-batch civil engineer from the National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, who allegedly stole the NEET-UG paper from the NTA trunk in Hazaribagh officials said. Kumar, a resident of Bokaro, was arrested from Patna. According to officials, the CBI has also arrested one Raju Singh who allegedly helped Kumar in stealing the paper and passing them on to other gang members, adding that Singh was arrested from Hazaribagh. Earlier this month, the CBI arrested the main accused, Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky, from Bihar's Nalanda. Rakesh Ranjan is believed to be one of the key players in the NEET paper leak. The CBI set a trap and conducted raids at four locations in Patna and Kolkata to arrest Ranjan. The CBI has been utilising advanced investigative techniques to track down and apprehend those involved. BJPs national spokesperson, Tuhin Sinha, has raised serious concerns about the increasing number of 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' and the consequent demographic changes in the Santhal Pargana region. In a press communique, Sinha alleged that the State government, led by the JMM-Congress coalition, has systematically marginalized the tribal population in the area. Sinha pointed out that the Jharkhand High Court has already issued directives to the Hemant Soren-led government to take immediate measures to identify and deport these infiltrators. However, he accused the State government of dragging its feet on the issue, allowing the situation to worsen. "The continuous decline in the tribal population, coupled with an unexpected rise in the Muslim population in Santhal Pargana, is a warning signal," he said. The BJP spokesperson invoked historical context to underscore his point. "This is the same place where 170 years ago, Sidhu Kanhu initiated a revolt to fight for the rights of the tribals. Today, the enemies are not the British but 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' who have been settled here under the vested interests of the JMM-Congress government," Sinha asserted. Sinha emphasized that it is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent further marginalization of the indigenous tribal communities. He argued that the demographic changes pose a threat to the cultural and social fabric of the region. "It is time to put an end to the misrule of the State Government," he declared, calling for decisive action against the alleged infiltration. The BJP's stance on this issue is likely to escalate political tensions in the region, as the party intensifies its campaign against the JMM-Congress government. The allegations of demographic manipulation and neglect of tribal interests are expected to be a significant point of contention in the political discourse of Jharkhand. As the situation unfolds, the response of the State government and its efforts to comply with the High Court's directives will be closely monitored. The issue of 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' and demographic changes in Santhal Pargana is poised to become a critical topic in Jharkhand's political landscape, influencing both public opinion and electoral outcomes. In a tragic turn of events, Satendra Gupta, a resident of Jhuggi Colony in Bokaro, lost his life in a severe road accident while en route to Rajrappa. The incident, which occurred a few days ago, has left his family and the community in deep sorrow. Bokaro District Congress President, Umesh Prasad Gupta, visited the grieving family of the late Satendra Gupta to offer his condolences and support. Gupta expressed his heartfelt sympathy and assured the family that his thoughts are with them during this difficult time. He prayed for strength and solace for the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in peace. "I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Satendra Gupta. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and may the departed soul find peace in His heavenly abode. The Bokaro District Congress Committee stands with the family in this time of grief," Mr. Gupta stated. The visit by Umesh Prasad Gupta and the support of the Bokaro District Congress Committee have provided some comfort to the mourning family, reinforcing the community's solidarity in times of tragedy. After Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has also come out in support of teachers opposing online attendance in government schools of Uttar Pradesh. She has described the government decision to make online attendance mandatory a step taken in haste without full preparation. Mayawati wrote on social media on Tuesday, Due to acute lack of necessary basic facilities in government schools of Uttar Pradesh, complaints of poor condition have been common, on which instead of solving those serious problems by making proper budgetary provisions, the government is doing only superficial work to divert attention from it; is this right? She further wrote that digital attendance of teachers also seems to be a similar new step of the government which has been imposed in haste without full preparation. More important than this is the recruitment of the correct and appropriate number of teachers as well as development of basic facilities so that good quality education can be ensured, she added. The issue of digital attendance in the primary schools of the state does not seem to be resolved. Teachers of the entire state are adamant that they will not mark online attendance until their demands are met. There are protests in all the districts regarding this. On the other hand, the chief minister has given instructions to the officials to resolve this matter. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that all the district magistrates should communicate with the local teacher representatives along with BSA and ABSA, resolve their problems and queries appropriately, receive the report from the teacher representatives and send it to the headquarters. It should be ensured that the teaching-learning continues smoothly, he added. The system of recording online attendance of teachers of council schools has been postponed for the time being. This decision was taken after a meeting of teachers organisations with Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh here on Tuesday. Now an expert committee will be formed in which there will be officials as well as educationists and then it will be implemented. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh claimed that the decision was taken on directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who advocated that quality of education in schools should be improved and other shortcomings removed and only then the government would be able to accomplish the goal set by the prime minister for world class education in the country. He said that now necessary steps, including online attendance, would be taken after the expert committee would submit its report. The online attendance system was implemented on July 8 and since then teachers are continuously opposing it. Primary Teachers Association president Dinesh Chandra Sharma and Uttar Pradesh BTC Teachers Association president Anil Yadav have expressed happiness over this decision of the government. Earlier all opposition political parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, had supported the teachers agitating against the online attendance system. In a celebration of humor and oratory skills, The Pentecostal Assembly School Bokaro organized the Hasya Kavi Sammelan, a Hindi Elocution competition for grades 6, 7, and 8, on July 16, 2024. Held in the Assembly Hall, the event highlighted the rich tradition of humorous poetry in Hindi literature and its role in critiquing society. The program began with a warm welcome and introduction, with the Principal, Dr. Karuna Prasad, present alongside a distinguished panel of judges. The judges included Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, a renowned poet and President of the Maithili Bhojpuri Academy; Dr. Sharda Rani, a veteran Hindi teacher with over three decades of experience; and Sunita Roy, an avid poetry enthusiast and PRT Hindi teacher. Students were encouraged to inject their speeches with humor, making for an entertaining and effective competition. The hall soon echoed with laughter as each participant took the stage. Their unique flair and wit turned the event into a delightful celebration of humor. The judges were thoroughly entertained by the clever presentations and praised the students for their excellent poem choices and impressive elocution skills. Dr. Karuna Prasad congratulated the winners and all participants, emphasizing the importance of humor in life. Mr. Upadhyay commended the school's efforts to connect children with literature, highlighting it as a crucial need in todays times. "The Hasya Kavi Sammelan was a resounding success, leaving everyone with smiles and joy. It showcased the power of humor and underscored the importance of nurturing oratory talents in young minds," said Daniel Prasad, the dedicated administrative head of The Pentecostal Assembly School. A collision between a truck with a trailer on the Munirka Flyover in southwest Delhi on Tuesday morning, leading to traffic congestion on the stretch and causing frustration among the commuters. DCP Southwest Rohit Meena said, Accident of Trolla and a truck happened on the Munirka flyover. Moreover, no one was injured in the accident. The accident affected traffic movement on the stretch which resumed later. The Delhi Traffic Police took to social media platform X to warn commuters of the traffic congestion on Outer Ring Road in the carriageway from IIT towards Delhi Cantonment. Meanwhile, the commuters also expressed the inconvenience caused to them from the traffic situation across the national capital on social media about. One of them said the traffic was massive in Delhis Mahipalpur area. Other X users reported that there were huge traffic jams near Bhajanpura petrol pump, near Rohini court, from Modi Mill flyover to Kalkaji temple, and other areas. Commenting on the incident, one X user stated, Trailer should be ceased as this is designed act to create trouble for commuters. DTP should ensure that whenever these trucks are crossing through Delhi roads they need to be on the left only & no overtaking. During night they drive as these roads are only for them. However, two hours later, the police shared another post mentioning both the vehicles had been removed and traffic movement was resumed. Two school kids travelling in a tempo died and half a dozen school children were injured in a collision between a pickup and a tempo near Jata four-lane crossing on Garhwa highway, on Tuesday. As soon as the police reached the spot, the angry people started pelting stones at the policemen, in which about a dozen policemen were injured. All the injured children have been admitted to Garhwa Sadar Hospital, where, assessing the critical condition of Dipankar Mehta and Uday Ram, the doctors referred them to Ranchi for better treatment after first aid. The deceased include Satyam Kumar, 9 years, son of Dinesh Bhuiya, resident of Jata village and Devanand Kumar, 8 years, son of Hariprasad Ram. While the injured in the incident include Ranjan Kumar, 8 years, son of Sanjeev Sahu, resident of Jata village, Dipankar Mehta, 9 years, son of Kalicharan Mehta, Divya Bharti, 8 years, son of Ramashrya Ram, Ankush Bharti, 6 years and Uday Ram, son of tempo driver Mahavir Ram. According to the sources, all the school students study in R N Tagore School. They were going to their homes after school by riding a tempo. Meanwhile, a pickup coming from the opposite direction at high speed near Jata Highway crossing hit the tempo. Due to which two children died on the spot. The rest of the injured students have been admitted to Sadar Hospital for treatment. After the incident, the angry people reached the spot and set another pickup on fire while shouting slogans against the police. After this, the police tried to extinguish the burning pickup with fire extinguishers, but the angry people did not let them extinguish the fire. When the police tried to pacify them a lot, the people became more angry and targeted the police vehicle and damaged half a dozen police vehicles. After the incident, when the Superintendent of Police reached the spot to get information , the angry people tried to attack him as well. The police lathi-charged to control the angry people. Then the people started pelting stones. After this, the police fired tear gas shells. Then the crowd could be controlled. Garhwa SDPO Neeraj Kumar said that the driver had fled with the pickup involved in the accident, but another pickup vehicle passing by was set on fire by the angry people and when the police reached the spot, those people started pelting stones at the police and damaged police vehicles. In which about a dozen policemen were injured. Even after lathi charge, when the crowd could not be controlled, 5-6 tear gas shells were fired, then the crowd could be controlled. Peace and order has been completely restored. Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Pandey, DDC, Pashupati Nath Mishra, SDO Vijay Kumar, SDPO Neeraj Kumar, Video Narendra Narayan also reached the spot. At least five persons were killed and 42 others injured when a bus carrying pilgrims hit a tractor on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, police said on Tuesday. The bus was ferrying 54 'warkaris' (devotees of Lord Vitthal) who were on their way to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations from their hometown Dombivli in Thane district near Mumbai, they said. The accident took place at around midnight near Panvel in Navi Mumbai, an official said. While on the expressway, the speeding bus hit the tractor. Three passengers from the bus and two from the tractor were killed, DCP Vivek Pansare said, adding that a woman was among the deceased. After hitting the tractor, the bus rammed into a barricade of the expressway and fell into a 20-feet-deep gorge, the official said. The injured pilgrims were rushed to a private hospital for treatment. The condition of seven of them was serious, he said. Ashadhi Ekadashi will be celebrated on Wednesday. Lakhs of warkaris undertake the pilgrimage every year to Pandharpur, where they converge on the Ashadhi Ekadashi from all parts of Maharashtra. Jitan Sahani, father of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, was allegedly found murdered at his ancestral home in Bihar's Darbhanga district, police said on Tuesday. Jitan Sahani's body, with several stab injuries and cut marks on his chest and stomach, was found inside his room at his house in Biraul area this morning. Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jagunath Reddy said a team of senior officers have reached the spot and are investigating the matter. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the district police has been constituted to investigate the matter, the Darbhanga Police said in a statement. A former minister in the Bihar government, Mukesh Sahani heads the VIP, which is an alliance partner of the INDIA bloc. Cutting across party lines, leaders of all political parties condemned the incident. Commenting on the incident, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and state BJP chief, Samrat Choudhary, in a post on X said, "It's a very unfortunate, shocking and condemnable incident. On behalf of the government, I assure the people of Bihar that the criminals involved in the murder will not be spared and they will soon be nabbed. Police officials are doing their job." Union minister and chief of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Chirag Paswan, wrote in a post on X, "The brutal murder of the father of Mukesh Sahani is highly condemnable... Criminals will soon be identified and strict action will be taken against them. We offer heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family." Reacting to the incident, RJD leader and party MLC, Shakti Singh Yadav, in a statement said, "It's a highly condemnable incident... What is happening in Bihar? There is a complete collapse of the law and order situation in Bihar. The chief minister is in an unconscious state of mind. He (CM) must be unaware of the incident. Bihar is at the mercy of gods..." Four army personnel, including a captain, died after being injured in a gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday while reinforcements were rushed in to track and neutralize the militants. Those killed in the encounter have been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, they said. This was the third major encounter between security forces and terrorists in the forests of Doda district in the past three weeks. The latest incident comes a week after a terrorist ambush on an Army patrol in the remote Machedi forest belt in Kathua district claimed the lives of five soldiers and injured as many. Troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt, some 55 km from Doda town, late on Monday evening when the encounter took place, the officials said. After a brief exchange of fire, the terrorists tried to escape but were chased by the troops led by the captain despite the challenging terrain and thick foliage, they said, adding this led to another firefight around 9 pm on Monday. Five soldiers were critically injured in the encounter. Four of them, including the captain, later succumbed to injuries, the officials said. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Army paid tributes to the bravehearts who laid down their lives while undertaking the counter-terror operation. "Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief," Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army posted on X'. The Army's 16 Corps, also known as White Knight Corps, in a post on 'X' late on Monday night, said, "Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by Indian Army and JKP was in progress in the general area North of Doda. Contact with terrorists was established tonight at about 2100 hrs in which heavy firefight ensued." "Initial reports suggest injuries to our bravehearts. Additional troops have been moved into the area. Operations are continuing," it said. The officials said the Army and police mobilized reinforcements on Monday night itself and launched a fresh search of the area with more troops on Tuesday morning. The Army's elite para-commandos were deployed while drones and helicopters were also pressed into service for surveillance, they said. According to the officials, there was no fresh contact with the terrorists on Tuesday who are believed to have infiltrated from across the border and been hiding in the forest area for the past couple of months. On July 9, terrorists managed to escape after an encounter with security forces in the nearby Ghadi Bhagwah forest bordering Kishtwar district. Three foreign terrorists were killed in a day-long operation in the Gandoh area of the district on June 26. The anti-terror operations in Doda were intensified after a fierce exchange of fire in Chattargalla pass left five army personnel and a special police officer injured on June 12. A policeman was injured in another encounter in Gandoh the next day. The Jammu region, which remained relatively peaceful between 2005 and 2021 after security forces wiped out decades-long terrorism, witnessed a spike in terror attacks over the past month. It included an attack on a pilgrim bus that left nine persons dead and 40 injured. Terror activities resurfaced in October 2021 from the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Some of the deadly attacks that spread to Reasi, Kathua and Doda were attributed by the security establishment as an attempt by Pakistani handlers to revive terrorism in the Jammu region. Over 70 people, including 52 security personnel -- mostly from the Army -- have been killed in terror-related incidents in the Jammu region since 2021. Most of the casualties were from Rajouri and Poonch districts where 54 terrorists were also eliminated, the officials said. Three terrorists were also killed in Reasi district and two others in Kathua district, they added. The CBI has arrested two persons including a key accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case who allegedly stole the paper from a National Testing Agency's trunk in Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, officials said Tuesday. With the two arrests, the total number of persons arrested in connection with cases pertaining to leakage, impersonation and other irregularities in the medical entrance exam has now reached 14, they said. The agency has arrested Pankaj Kumar alias Aditya, a 2017-batch civil engineer from the National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, who allegedly stole the NEET-UG paper from the NTA trunk in Hazaribagh, the officials said. Kumar, a resident of Bokaro, was arrested from Patna, they said. The CBI has also arrested one Raju Singh who allegedly helped Kumar in stealing the paper and passing them on to other gang members, they said, adding that Singh was arrested from Hazaribagh. The agency, which is probing the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam, has registered six FIRs. The FIR from Bihar pertains to leakage of paper while the remaining from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are linked to impersonation of candidates and cheating. The agency's own FIR on a reference from the Union Education Ministry pertains to a "comprehensive investigation" into the alleged irregularities in the examination. NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions. This year, the exam was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad. More than 23 lakh candidates had appeared for the test. Pune police will conduct an inquiry into the authenticity of medical certificates submitted by probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities category, an official said on Tuesday. Khedkar, the 2023-batch officer currently posted in Washim district, had submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) multiple medical certificates, one of them indicating visual impairment, under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) provision. The 34-year-old Maharashtra cadre officer faces accusations of using fraudulent means to clear her civil services exam, including allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories, and misusing power and privileges during her posting in Pune. The Office of the Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities has written a letter to the Pune police and the district collectorate to verify the certificates submitted by Khedkar. A senior police official said, "We have received a letter from the Office of the Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities. They have asked us to check the authenticity of certificates submitted by Puja Khedkar. We will verify the facts about these certificates, from where they were obtained, which doctor or hospitals certified them will also be scanned." It has also emerged that the controversial junior IAS officer had submitted a fitness certificate while securing admission to a private medical college in 2007. Last week, the Centre set up a single-member committee "to verify the candidature" of Khedkar and submit a report in two weeks. The government said the probe would be conducted by an additional secretary-rank officer to verify the candidature claims and other details of the IAS officer. Khedkar on Monday sidestepped questions related to the ongoing probe against her, saying the truth will eventually prevail. The Pune police have also been searching for her parents in a separate criminal case. An FIR has been registered against the couple and five others after a video emerged showing Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar, a village sarpanch, allegedly threatening some persons with a gun over a land dispute. The Pune police on Sunday confiscated a luxury car used by Puja Khedkar by allegedly installing a red beacon light on it illegally. Dr Jitendra Singh addressing the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Jagti on the outskirts of Jammu city. Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to education and his vision for a New India have inspired the creation of IIM like world-class institutions, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, has said. Addressing the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Jagti on the outskirts of Jammu city, Dr Singh said Indias aspirational generation is going through better times under the PM Modi government. Startups are booming and, as a result, new opportunities are opening. Technology has been a great leveller so that everybody from every region has an opportunity, the minister told the gathering. Most of the successful startup stories have been possible due to strong industry linkages. For example, in the Aroma mission, the government became an enabler by ensuring capacity-building of those engaged in agri startups in lavender and facilitating the market access to spur the sale of Himalayan products like lavender-made perfumes and other products, Dr Singh explained. The Union Minister said the youth must harness the technology which has created a level-playing field for societal good. Earlier, technology was a privilege of a few, Dr Singh pointed out. Dr Jitendra Singh called upon the students to gear themselves up in order to take the leadership role of India of 2047. Youth will be the architects of a developed India when it completes the centenary of its Independence in 2047, the minister said, adding that the government is making tireless efforts to equip its younger generation with new skills. Dr Jitendra Singh advocated for forging collaboration and synergy among institutions for the greater benefit of their students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly's high-level meeting in New York in September, according to the preliminary programme released by the Assembly President Dennis Francis' office. The programme, made public on Monday, has Prime Minister Modi's speech scheduled for the afternoon session on September 26. Later in the same session, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Prime Minister of Nepal have been pencilled in. This would be Prime Minister Modi's fifth address to the Assembly during the week when presidents, kings, prime ministers and other senior leaders converge on the UN headquarters for their annual meeting. In addition, Prime Minister Modi addressed the high-level meeting remotely during the Covid pandemic in 2020. Last year, he visited the UN in June for the International Day of Yoga, which came about as a result of his initiative launched in his first address in 2014, but did not attend the September high-level meeting. The participants at the high-level meeting lay down their international policies and comment on developments in speeches that are closely watched, but more important work happens behind the scenes when leaders are able to have dozens of bilateral meetings and participate in various forums. At his previous participation in the September high-level meetings, dozens of international leaders sought meetings with him. Prime Minister Modi speaks in Hindi with simultaneous translation into the six official languages of the UN. The schedule is subject to change and Prime Minister Modi's speech time is likely to be moved because it is scheduled between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in New York, which would be between 12:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. overnight in India on September 27. Arvind Kejriwal The Delhi High Court on Monday fixed August 7 for hearing on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea against the trial court order granting bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to alleged liquor policy scam. The senior counsel representing CM Kejriwal requested a bench headed by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna to adjourn the proceedings since he received the EDs rejoinder affidavit late on Sunday. In an order passed on June 20, the Delhi High Court had stayed the operation of the bail order saying that the trial court vacation bench did not apply its mind to the entire material and it ought to give equal opportunity to the ED to argue the bail application. The Supreme Court, on Friday, ordered the AAP supremo to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case linked to the excise policy case. However, he was not able to step out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI on June 26. Referring Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the ED to a larger bench, the top court asked him to take a call on stepping down from the CM's post. Meanwhile, a Delhi court last week extended till July 25 the judicial custody of Kejriwal in connection with the corruption case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court passed the order upon the expiry of the previously granted judicial custody. Eglinton-based Northbound Brewery is set to open its doors to tourists before the end of this year as it announces plans to establish a new visitor experience. The move is part of a major expansion for the craft beer producer, made possible after it received assistance from the government-backed Go Succeed business enterprise programme. The business, which is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, has also launched a new Derry Lager and a mobile bar for use at events and festivals, after being successful in securing funding through the Go Succeed grant. The brewery was set up by husband-and-wife team David and Martina Rogers after they returned home to settle in the north-west following a decade living in Australia. Martina, who heads up Sales and Marketing at the brewery said the assistance from Go Succeed coincided with the beginning of a new growth trajectory for the business. We started Northbound Brewery having identified a gap in the market for something like this in the north-west and it is fantastic to see how the artisan food and drink sector has really flourished since then. At the beginning of this year, we had major plans to grow, particularly in our offering to tourists. It was at this point that we identified the help available through Go Succeed which came at exactly the right time in our growth journey. The grant has enabled us to proceed with a number of capital investments including the purchase of a mobile bar that made its debut at the recent Foyle Maritime Festival and will allow us to cater for events in the future. Plans are also well under way to establish a visitor experience at Northbound Brewery with the funding going towards a beer tent, tables and gazebo as we prepare to provide tours of the brewery complete with tasting. Based within Campsie Industrial Estate, Northbound Brewery, which are sold in retailers and off licences, as well as through the bar and restaurant trade and directly on the companys website. Martina added: Our products are listed at some of the best-known retailers across Northern Ireland, and we have a fantastic relationship with the hospitality trade across Ireland who really act as ambassadors for us. The help from Go Succeed, from the grant to mentorship, has injected a new energy into our growth and we look forward to sharing everything Northbound Brewery has to offer to even more people moving forward. Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Irelands 11 councils. Danielle McNally, Business Development Manager, Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: The north-west is home to an incredible group of food and drink producers that really put this part of the world on the culinary map. We are delighted to hear of Northbound Brewerys expansion plans that will add yet another great reason for tourists to visit Derry City and the surrounding district. Go Succeed was set up to supercharge the growth plans of businesses at every stage of their growth journey. It is fantastic to see the tangible impact of that and we wish Northbound Brewery every success for the future. Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and powered by the governments Levelling Up Fund. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey. DPP directions are required in the case of a Derry man alleged to have headbutted a Garda and spat blood on his face at a Buncrana hotel, Rodney Bonnes, who is also charged with assaulting a woman, appeared at Letterkenny District Court via video link from Castlerea Prison. Solicitor Mr Rory O'Brien told the court that he was coming on record for Bonnes, a 39-year-old with an address at Kinsale Park in Derry, faces a series of charges over alleged incidents on June 12, 2024. The court heard that directions remain outstanding from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle said that a file is nearly completed and will be sent to the DPP's office shortly. Mr O'Brien said his client has been in custody for a significant period of time. Mr O'Brien asked for as much expediency as is possible in the case. The allegations seem garda related and the ability to press the case is with the Gardai, he said. Bonnes is charged with assaulting Garda Kenneth Merritt and causing him harm by spitting blood in his face at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. Bonnes is also charged with assaulting Garda Merritt by headbutting him and causing him harm. Bonnes faces a further charge of assault causing harm to a woman by punching her in the face at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. He is also charged that, at Buncrana Garda Station, he did obstruct a member of An Garda Siochana, Detective Garda Kieran Kelly, during the course of his duties. The charge is contrary to section 160(2) of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014. Bonnes is also charged that he, without lawful excuse, damaged property at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, namely that he smashed a bedside lamp and soiled a second bedside lamp with blood splatters. Bonnes also faces a charge of being intoxicated in a public place. Judge Eiteain Cunningham adjourned the matter to a special sitting of the court for directions from the DPP. Be the change in South Carolinas classrooms with Call Me MiSTER South Carolina and all across America need more Black males at the head of their classrooms. You can become the role models children of color desperately need in school by living and learning with your peers in SC States Call Me MiSTER program. Call Me MiSTER offers tuition assistance and stipends for select qualified participants. But the program is more than just a financial incentive. Its a way of life at SC State. What is Call Me MiSTER? SC State University is leading the way in recruiting and training more African American male teachers for South Carolina classrooms through its Call Me MiSTER program. Launched in 2000, the program is designed to provide a pipeline of highly effective African-American male educators to South Carolinas public schools who will serve their communities as mentors and role models. Less than 2 percent of public school teachers in the U.S. are African-American men and less than 1 percent of South Carolinas public elementary school teachers are African- American men. Through Call Me MiSTER, this narrative has already begun to change. Since 2004, over 500 MiSTERs have graduated fully certified and entered the classroom resulting in a 90% increase of Black male elementary teachers in South Carolina. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. About three students are added to the program each year, which means the program is highly competitive. Bonding, Mentoring & Learning Experiences Call Me MiSTER cohort members do more than just attend classes. Our MiSTERs are active participants in SC State campus life. They also mentor other potential educators in Orangeburg area schools, volunteer at events and even travel to major conferences to present research about education around the country and the world. Recent excursions have included trips to Hawaii and Jamaica. Financial Assistance The Call Me MiSTER (CMM) program is a collaboration between Clemson University and other colleges and universities, including South Carolina State University. The program is highly competitive and provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships towards tuition & fees and a stipend each semester. There are two levels of funding: Pre-Praxis Core Completion MiSTERs who have NOT passed Praxis Core. Financial assistance of $5,000 each academic year. Praxis Core Completion MiSTERs who have passed Praxis Core. Financial assistance of $10,000 each academic year. Please note that these amounts are subject to change from year to year and these amounts include the scholarship and stipend together. Guidelines & Requirements for Participation After they graduate, MiSTERs are expected to teach in a public school in South Carolina equivalent to each year they received funding. To participate in Call Me MiSTER, you must meet the following guidelines and requirements: Be accepted for enrollment at South Carolina State University. Reside in the designated Living and Learning Community (LLC) dormitory along with the other MiSTERs in the cohort for the entire duration of your academic matriculation. Major in any education degree program offered at SC State University. Complete the pre-application form found at www.callmemister.clemson.edu. Submit a fully completed application. Applications and supporting documents should be received by April 15 of each year. Participate in a virtual or in-person interview. Please note that applicants who take and pass all three parts of Praxis Core (Pre-Professional Skills Assessment of Reading, Writing, & Math) prior to the selection deadline will be given high priority. For information about this test, log on to www.ets.org/praxis. Praxis Core is a requirement for all education majors in the state of South Carolina. Contact Us Have a question about SC State's Call Me MiSTER Program? Our team will be happy to help! Costonzo Bryant-Martin Campus Director cbryantm@scsu.edu 803-536-8490 Apply to SC State Today! A woman who was breached her bail on six occasions has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with stealing her electronic tag. Katie Bowers (36) of Heron Way in Derry appeared charged with stealing the tag on July 14 and two breaches of bail. A police officer connected the accused to the charge and opposed bail. He told the court that this was the defendant's sixth breach with three of them occurring last week. Despite there being a no alcohol condition as part of her bail the police officer said Bowers was found drinking out of a can in the city centre with two other cans in her possession. The court heard that Bowers was located in Coleraine and her tag has been removed. The police officer said that police had 'zero confidence' Bowers would abide by conditions. Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that 'issues' had come to fore in recent weeks. He said that the defendant was having a pre-sentence report prepared for August 9 and asked for bail to ensure that date could be met. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that the court had given Bowers 'considerable leeway' but her bail history was poor. He said that there was a risk of re-offending and remanded her in custody to appear again on August 9. Protests over asylum seekers being housed at a site in Dublin were hijacked by thugs, the Irish premier has said. Violence erupted across parts of north Dublin after clashes between gardai and rioters, which led to the arrest of 19 people. Irish police came under sustained attack at a disused factory designated as accommodation for asylum seekers in Coolock on Monday. The scenes at the former Crown Paints factory have been widely condemned. Fifteen people 13 men and two women appeared before a late-night sitting at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday, charged with a range of public order offences. Six others appeared in court on Tuesday. A number of Garda cars were damaged during the disturbances and public order officers used incapacitant spray on anti-immigration protesters who threw missiles at them. Videos posted on social media showed machinery and materials had been set on fire at the site. The violent clashes led to a security guard requiring hospital treatment. Premier Simon Harris said on Tuesday that those engaged in the riots were not protesters. He added: I am somewhat perplexed that this morning that I still hear in media and political discourse a reference to protesters. To be clear, when you decide to use a petrol bomb, you lost your right to be called a protester. Im not quite sure why we have decided to, in any manner or means, legitimatise in any way, shape or form the actions of people who engaged in sheer thuggery yesterday evening and try to harm the men and women of An Garda Siochana, disrupt a community and cause utter chaos. I want to pay respect to the people of Coolock, people who called for calm, and indeed people who cleaned up after others came to their community to cause chaos. Everybody knew this facility was going to be used to provide shelter for migrants. People can agree or disagree, but no amount of community engagement is required to tell somebody not to throw a brick, not to set a digger on fire, not to harm a security guard, not to put the men and women of An Garda Siochana in danger. Ive had it up to here with this whataboutery. We will continue to communicate better with communities, good decent people across the country who want to talk about legitimate issues. There is such a role for that. What we saw last night was such a distance away from a question about community engagement, it was sheer thuggery and it should be called out as such. I was particularly pleased to see the benefit of the body-cams that Government has now provided the gardai with. This is not protest or an issue of community engagement. This is an issue of a relatively small number of people who think they have a right to do whatever the hell they like in this country, who showed disdain for the laws of our land, disdain for the men and women for An Garda Siochana. It was the hijacking of a situation by a group of people who engaged in utter thuggery and its not reflecting any means of the community of Coolock. Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman, whose department oversees the housing of international applicants, said there has been engagement with the Coolock community for the last four months. I think its really important that we are clear in terms of the engagement that took place as regards the Crown Paint site and the community engagement team in my department would have notified TDs, councillors and Dublin City Council in late March that an offer had come in in terms of the use of this site for international protection accommodation, he said. In early April a meeting was convened again with TDs, with councillors and with community reps through the auspices of the North-side partnership. Subsequent to that, a detailed briefing was circulated in mid-April setting out at that point, what was the plans for the particular use of the site. We would have had further engagement with the North-side community forum again providing further information. So four months ago, the initial information about the planned use of this site was provided and our community engagement team have been there throughout all that time. There has been very detailed information provided on the use of this particular site. Even if there wasnt, still no excuse to throw petrol bombs, but detailed information has been in the public domain for a very considerable period of time. The Green Party minister also defended the decision for contractors to enter the site in the early hours of Monday. In terms of the operational decisions that An Garda Siochana advise our department and contractors, they are ultimately a call that the gardai made in terms of whens the best time to access a particular site, he added. It varies in that in place to place. An Garda Siochana were supportive of the machinery and equipment coming up to the site in terms of their direct engagement, asking the protesters to move aside. Obviously they refused. Access was secured but subsequently a call was put out in terms of bringing people and encouraging them to engage in disruptive and violent behaviour. There is no excuse for that. But as I say, very clear information was provided over the last four months in terms of the use of the Crown Paint site. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the violence was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Speaking in Dublin, she said: Gardai responded quickly and in force and I want to commend members of An Garda Siochana for the way in which they did respond. It is completely unacceptable that any person that they will be attacked when going about their business. Significant arrests were made, 15 men and women were before the courts and I expect that there will be more arrests later today. Importantly as well, body cameras were used yesterday and will be part of the evidence in the coming weeks and months. This is not a legitimate protest. This is criminal behaviour and activity and it will be treated as such. 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. TUV leader Jim Allister is to support Reform UK in Parliament on the issues that formed the basis of the two parties General Election alliance. Mr Allister said that under the arrangement, he will continue to be a TUV MP in the House of Commons and will be entitled to the speaking rights afforded to party leaders. The newly-elected North Antrim MP outlined his intention to only follow the Reform whip on certain specific issues as he formally unveiled party colleague Timothy Gaston as his co-opted successor as an Assembly member at Stormont. The TUV and Reform UK signed a memorandum of understanding in March that saw them campaigning on a joint platform in the General Election. The pact outlined a number of agreed positions, including on taxation, immigration policy and the removal of post-Brexit economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Mr Allister told reporters at Stormont on Tuesday that he would support Reform UK on those issues in the Commons. In terms of the parliamentary situation, the answer going forward is found in the memorandum of understanding that my party entered with Reform at our party conference back in March, he said. That not only bound us to the mutual defence of certain principles and stands, it also included within that an indication that any MPs elected would pursue a common whip in pursuit of those unifying issues. Therefore, I would anticipate that being fulfilled insofar as the issues that were identified within the memorandum of understanding are concerned. So, the way it would work would be something like this: I would anticipate taking the Reform whip on those agreed issues, but I will continue as the TUV Member of Parliament for North Antrim. I would continue to be the TUV MP and leader in the House of Commons, so the two will work in tandem. The TUV/Reform UK electoral alliance was thrown into confusion during the campaign when Nigel Farage, shortly after taking over the Reform leadership, declared his personal backing for two DUP candidates in the election, including Ian Paisley who was running against Mr Allister in North Antrim. Despite that episode, Mr Allister defeated Mr Paisley in the shock result of the election in Northern Ireland. Mr Gaston was a Mid and East Antrim councillor and previously served as deputy mayor for the council region. Timothy is no stranger to the rough and tumble of politics, said Mr Allister. He has been a councillor for 11 years first at Ballymena Borough Council and then in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council where he has been the scourge of squander and the scourge of mismanagement. Therefore, he has had a long and effective apprenticeship in terms of facing down the scourge and mismanagement of this place (Stormont), which will even excel that of the councils. So I wish to wish him well. I leave this place with mixed feelings, but honoured by the people of North Antrim to be sent to represent them in the mother of parliaments, where I will seek to do that as I sought to represent them here. Mr Gaston said people should expect much more of the same when he takes on Mr Allisters role in the Assembly. I certainly will not be found wanting in asking the hard questions, he said. The hard work will continue on that and I will not shy away from asking the hard questions and challenging those of squander, challenging those that have let down unionism, and therell be much more of the same. The election results necessitated four co-options at Stormont to replace departing MPs. In Lagan Valley, Alliance councillor Michelle Guy was selected to replace Sorcha Eastwood. In North Antrim, UUP councillor Colin Crawford was chosen to replace Robin Swann who was elected as MP in South Antrim, while independent unionist MP for North Down Alex Easton selected DUP councillor Peter Martin for his Assembly seat. Mr Allister said he was surprised and disappointed by Mr Eastons decision to select a DUP representative to take his seat. The TUV and DUP had jointly given their backing to Mr Easton in the campaign. I was surprised and disappointed, because Mr Easton had given myself and Ben Habib (former Reform deputy leader) a very clear undertaking that any successor would be an independent and it turns out not to be so, said Mr Allister on Tuesday. I think its for Mr Easton to explain why he departed from that undertaking and whether he had given any contrary undertaking to others, of which this may have been the manifestation. I think it is for Mr Easton to explain all that. Mr Allister said he would be very wary about backing Mr Easton in any future election. On Monday, Mr Habib said a wider parliamentary alignment of unionist representatives from Northern Ireland with Reform UK MPs would deliver a really big positive for the union. Mr Habib said a backbench alliance comprising Reforms five MPs, Mr Allister, the five DUP MPs, the UUPs Mr Swann and independent Mr Easton could create a powerful voice for unionism in the House of Commons. Mr Allister was asked about the suggestion on Tuesday. I think as an ideal that would be desirable, but that depends upon all other component parts, he said. I would be pleasantly surprised if that came about, but I think the stronger the voice of unionism, those who are unashamedly unionist, the stronger that voice is in the Commons, and indeed in the Lords, the better, and the more organised and unified it is, the better as well. But I cant deliver for others. I can only speak for myself. Alarm has been expressed at the lack of a plan following the resurfacing of toxic blue-green algae on Northern Irelands largest fresh water lake. Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir earlier this month called for the urgent signing off by the Executive on an action plan to tackle the issue. It is understood to contain 37 actions, 17 of which needed Executive support. Lough Neagh is the biggest freshwater lake, by surface area, in the UK and Ireland, supplies 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water and sustains a major eel-fishing industry. Noxious blooms covered large parts of the lough last summer and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be a major contributory factor. The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating more algal photosynthesis. Climate change is another factor cited, with the highest water temperature at Lough Neagh recorded last June. On Tuesday, the Lough Neagh Partnership said with the visible impact of the blue-green algae returning, it is profoundly disappointed that a plan has not been signed off on yet. Manager Gerry Darby said it is no surprise that the blue-green algae is back with a vengeance. It was only a matter of time with the right weather conditions that it would reappear, he said. We consistently campaigned over the winter for action to be taken, as we feared that momentum would be lost once the algae disappeared below the surface and it would be a case of out of sight out of mind. We met with the main political parties and, despite assurances that immediate action would be taken upon Stormonts return, in reality we have not seen any of the promised efforts to resolve the crisis. Whilst we have put on record that we have welcomed the plan presented by Minister Muir, we are utterly disheartened by the lack of consensus to approve and implement it. As a result, we face another summer watching this ecological disaster unfold, powerless to intervene. PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right, Patrick McBrearty, Alice Malseed, Paula McFetridge, Holly Hannaway and Mary Moulds at the launch of Three Pay Days, a new play from Kabosh which comes to the Playhouse nexth month. (Photo: Johnny Frazer) Radical theatre company Kabosh is staging a devastating new play about the impact of the housing crisis on ordinary people at the Playhouse Theatre on August 3. Three Pay Days, written by exciting playwright Alice Malseed - winner of a New York Times critics award, shines a light on the private rental market which forces thousands of people to fight for a limited supply of decent homes, provide exorbitant deposits and plead with family members to be legal guarantors. Kabosh Artistic Director, Paula McFetridge said that housing was a microcosm of all that is wrong in society, trapping the poor in poverty while the rich grow richer. She said: Alices pen shines a relentless spotlight on this shady world, using cold facts and analysis to explore how the system is loaded in favour of those with plenty of money. After years of austerity, broken promises and policies designed to punish the weak and vulnerable, people are exhausted and have had enough. After premiering at the EastSide Arts Festival on July 31, it will transfer to Feile an Phobhail on August 2 and finish its run at the Playhouse in Derry on August 3. The play stars Holly Hannaway as Anna, who is trying to find a suitable place to live and bring up her nine-year-old daughter, while juggling a job working in an upscale cafe. Patrick McBrearty is Stevie, an off the books handyman who patches up the mouldy, Victorian properties that people fight hard to acquire. Mary Moulds is Jennifer, the nice, liberal cafe owner who is as much a part of the problem as the property owners who run the system. The play features two Greek-style choruses: Money represents the rampant capitalism of the landlords, estate agents and property speculators while Larder speaks for the downtrodden, forced to use food banks, who are perpetually exploited by the rich. They live in two worlds that rarely intersect except when it comes to the poor paying their debts or being evicted to allow the landlords to hike up rents. Alice Malseed, whose monologue Haven was part of the 'Under the Albert Clock series which won a New York Times critics award, is known for work that is funny, dark, full of energy and aimed at audiences interested in social and political themes that challenge the status quo. She said: Through writing 'Three Pay Days', I've tried to give a human voice to the cost-of-surviving crisis that has perpetuated in our community. I want audiences to realise that we are all part of this: but through action, we can choose to be part of the problem, or part of the solution. The play was commissioned by EastSide Arts with funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Commissioning Programme. Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this new play written by Alice Malseed, at the EastSide Arts Festival through our National Lottery Commissioning Programme. This scheme offers arts organisations and artists the opportunity to create and present new works of high artistic quality by providing game changing funding from The National Lottery. "The Arts Council is committed to supporting the growth of artistic talent and projects that address contemporary societal issues. In this instance National Lottery funding supported new writing that addresses the important societal issue of austerity and its devastating impacts, and I would encourage everyone to go along this summer to experience what promises to be a powerful play. Three Pay Days features at the Playhouse Theatre in Derry on Saturday, August 3 at 8pm (Tickets 14) For information on how to book go to: www.kabosh.net/production/three-pay-days As I sat on the plane in Boston its fair to say that I was curious about what DAC 2024 would bring. The previous year was much better than I expected but a cold June in San Francisco wasnt exactly what I was dreaming about. Afterall, while I was heading to San Francisco with a bunch of other Codasippers some of the Codasip team was headed for the RISC-V Summit in Munich. The event is nowhere on the scale that it used to be. In fact, the entire exhibit could probably now fill one floor of the Moscone. But the level of foot traffic remained high throughout the show and the team and I spoke to a fair number of people over the 3 days of exhibits. I was impressed with the number of fresh faces and new startups. There was something interesting to see in all corners of the tradeshow floor. And incredibly the weather was, well, incredible. Click here to read more ... The OnePlus Nord 4 blends modern flair with a touch of nostalgia. Its metallic body brings back memories of metal phones from back in the day but its hardware hasnt been compromised to achieve the same. The phone is powerful enough to play most mobile games with zero lag which makes it a worthy competitor of the POCO F6 and Realme GT 6T, and it also has enough substance to stand out in terms of the display and battery life. There are a few shortcomings though. The phone throttles in benchmarks but I didnt see an adverse effect on day-to-day usage, but the mediocre ultrawide camera and lack of HDR support on a few streaming apps are troublesome. The OnePlus Nord portfolio receives its annual refresh with the launch of the new OnePlus Nord 4, bringing a touch of nostalgia. Tugging at the heartstrings of OG tech lovers, the OnePlus Nord 4 boasts an all-metal unibody design that harks back to fan-favourite smartphones of the past, such as the beloved HTC One M8 and OnePlus own OnePlus 3T. Metal back phones fell out of favour because ensuring that the antennae required for faster 5G connectivity werent blocked is significantly harder. However, OnePlus has addressed this challenge with the Nord 4, bringing all-metal phones back into the present-day 5G era. So, we no longer have to look back on them fondly; they are now a reality. Under its metallic exterior is a phone with solid hardware, packing high-end specifications like the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, a 1.5 K AMOLED screen, a large 5,500 mAh battery, and much more. However, the competition in this price segment is cutthroat, with phones like the Realme GT 6T, POCO F6, and Motorola Edge 50 Pro, all vying for the top spot too. Lets see how this metallic marvel fares against these phones in our detailed review. OnePlus Nord 4 Review: Build and Design Available in three unique colour variants, the OnePlus Nord 4 looks sublime across the board. I got the Mercurial Silver colour variant for review. Theres a subtle Obsidian Midnight (Black) colour, and what I assume would be a crowd favourite, an Oasis Green dual-tone colour variant. The Mercurial Silver colour variant I got is a looker as well with its sheet metal look. The lower two-thirds of the rear panel looks textured but its actually smooth to the touch, adding to the appeal. A single metal sheet runs across the back and the frame of the phone, offering a seamless look. However, a thin sheet of glass is placed on the upper third of the phones rear panel, breaking up the monotony. Within this sheet of glass, youve got two cameras placed horizontally (much like Pixel phones) and a dual LED flash. The OnePlus Nord 4 also features the iconic alert slider on the left side of the frame, which is extremely satisfying to use. The buttons are nice and tactile, and the in-display fingerprint sensor is accurate and fast. There are other niceties too such as an IR blaster and a dual stereo speaker setup. The phone is rated IP65, meaning it is fully dustproof and can withstand splashes of water without being damaged. The in-hand feel of the phone is premium, albeit slightly slippery due to the smooth metal texture. Its contours curve perfectly against your palm which makes it very comfortable to hold over longer periods. All in all, this is a svelte, classy design, one that OnePlus should continue using, maybe even on its flagship phones. OnePlus Nord 4 Review: Display The OnePlus Nord 4 features an expansive 6.74-inch flat AMOLED ProXDR display with 1.5K resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The bezels surrounding the screen are super slim, and nearly even all the way around. The display also supports HDR10+ and Widevine L1; however, HDR support hasnt made its way over to Netflix and Prime Video so far, which is disappointing. The ProXDR AMOLED display is sharp and vivid, making the Nord 4 an excellent companion for content consumption. The colours are also very close to accurate right out of the box. The screen is very bright too. It boasts a peak brightness of 2,150 nits thats only applicable on some portions of the display when viewing HDR content. In HBM, we got a reading of 1,081 nits under bright sunlight, which should be more than enough for perfect legibility even on the sunniest days. Overall, this display is competent enough to go up against its competitors, but the Motorola Edge 50 Pros display could look a tad more colour-accurate. Hows the performance and UI? Powered by the zippy Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus Nord 4 impresses with its performance chops. The day-to-day usage experience is excellent with smooth animations and speedy operations, with apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, and others working flawlessly. The phone is kitted with 8 or 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128 or 256 GB internal storage. The 128 GB variant supports UFS 3.1 while the more expensive 256 GB unit supports the latest UFS 4.0. The segmentation irks me, and I think OnePlus shouldnt have launched a 128 GB variant at this price at all; it is too low for users growing storage needs. However, multitasking and data transfer speeds were fantastic on my 12 + 256 GB unit. Now, while the phone performs very well in real-world usage, its benchmark scores indicate some intentional throttling. As an example, the Realme GT 6T with the same chipset scores higher in nearly every CPU performance benchmark. The CPU Throttling Test shows that the phone throttles to 77 percent of its peak performance after 15 minutes of running the test. In contrast, the Realme GT 6T throttled to 80 percent, but the disparity between the benchmark scores is higher than this one. In GPU benchmarks, the OnePlus Nord 4 does a good job, often surpassing the Realme GT 6T scores, but the POCO F6 still remains firmly in first place. The overall benchmark performance of the OnePlus Nord 4 lags behind the POCO F6 and Realme GT 6T but it manages to beat the Motorola Edge 50 Pro with ease. Gaming is a smooth affair too. OnePlus has fitted the device with a large vapour chamber for cooling, which ensures the frame rates in games such as BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile remain stable. I didnt feel the device heat too much even when I pushed it to the highest graphics allowed on these games. As for the UI, the OnePlus Nord 4 comes with ColorOS OxygenOS 14.1 which sits on top of Android 14. The phone offers OnePlus longest-ever software support package four years of OS updates and six years of security updates, which is a rarity at this price. It has also bagged the TUV SUD Fluency 72 Month A rating, which certifies that the phone wont slow down or stutter for 72 months. The OS does have some bloatware in the form of a few games, some third-party apps, and OnePlus apps, but it is on the lower side, which is much appreciated. AI Features and Digit AI-Q Score The OnePlus Nord 4 has an array of AI features; however, some were not available for me to test as I used the device before launch. OnePlus Trinity Engine leverages AI to ensure smooth operations on the phone. There are also some useful AI features such as AI Audio Summary, AI Note Summary, AI Text Translate, AI Linkboost (for boosting the mobile network), AI Magic Eraser, Auto Pixellate, and more. As I mentioned, not all of these were available for me to test, but the ones I did test such as AI Magic Eraser, Auto Pixellate, and others worked fine. I also tested the phones AI hardware capabilities by running a slew of benchmarks, and the phone got a total Digit AI-Q score of 33/100 which beats its competitors such as the Realme GT 6T and Motorola Edge 50 Pro. OnePlus Nord 4 Review: Camera The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 primary camera with OIS support and an f/1.8 aperture. Theres a secondary 8 MP ultrawide shooter and a 16 MP selfie camera. While the setup stands up to the one on the Realme GT 6T, the Motorola Edge 50 Pros triple camera setup has an added telephoto lens which ups its appeal for photography enthusiasts. Now, due to the heavy rains in Mumbai during my testing period, I couldnt click as many camera samples on this phone as I usually do, but I will update this review when I have a few more to show off. Initial impressions of the primary camera are pretty positive though. The primary cameras dynamic range is strong with good detail retention and decent colour accuracy. Low-light photos are also packed with detail thanks to OnePlus Night Mode algorithm. However, the 8 MP ultrawide camera photos lack detail in the shadows and the corners of these photos are a bit noisy. Portrait photos come out looking decent, but skin tones and edge detection could be improved further. The phone supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps on the rear camera. Videos come out looking good but stabilization could be better when shooting active scenes. The front camera only supports 1080p video at 30 fps, which is substandard as both the Realme GT 6T and Motorola Edge 50 Pro support 4K at 30 fps video from the selfie camera. OnePlus Nord 4 Review: Battery Life Sporting a monstrous 5,500 mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord 4s endurance is very impressive. The phone easily gives me a screen-on time of 11-12 hours on days with light usage, and 8-9 hours on days with lots of gaming mixed in. The phone is tested to survive 1,600 charging cycles with 80 percent battery health, as per OnePlus claims. While this is not tested by us, the claim does give users an added assurance of battery longevity. In our tests, the OnePlus Nord 4 lasted over 15 hours in our standard 4K video loop test on VLC, which is brilliant. The phone lost 7 percent battery (58%-51%) running Google Maps for an hour, and 5 percent battery (42%-37%) when I played Call of Duty: Mobile for 15 minutes. Charging speeds are super fast too with the 100 W SUPERVOOC charging support. The device charged to full from an empty battery in just 29 minutes. Should you buy the OnePlus Nord 4? The OnePlus Nord 4 blends modern flair with a touch of nostalgia. Its metallic body brings back memories of metal phones from back in the day but its hardware hasnt been compromised to achieve the same. The phone is powerful enough to play most mobile games with zero lag which makes it a worthy competitor of the POCO F6 and Realme GT 6T, and it also has enough substance to stand out in terms of the display and battery life. There are a few shortcomings though. The phone throttles in benchmarks but I didnt see an adverse effect on day-to-day usage, but the mediocre ultrawide camera and lack of HDR support on a few streaming apps are troublesome. Overall though, I think OnePlus has knocked it out of the park with the OnePlus Nord 4 the metallic design stands out, the colour variants are gorgeous, and the performance is more than satisfactory. Usha Vance accompanies her husband, Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance, on the floor of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday, the same day a San Francisco law firm said she had resigned her position at the firm. Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Usha Vance, the wife of J.D. Vance, former President Donald Trumps newly announced running mate, left her job at prominent San Francisco law firm Munger, Tolles and Olson, the law firm said Monday. Usha has informed us she has decided to leave the firm, a spokesperson for the firm told the Chronicle in a statement. Usha has been an excellent lawyer and colleague, and we thank her for her years of work and wish her the best in her future career. Attempts to reach Usha Vance for further comment on her departure were unsuccessful. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Linkedin profile appearing to belong to Usha Vance said she worked two stints at the law firm as an associate, first from 2015 to 2017 and then 2019 to present. Before that, she served as a law clerk in Kentucky, the District of Columbia circuit of the United States Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, according to the profile. She also has worked as an associate at three other law firms, the profile said. Usha Vance graduated from Yale in 2007 with a bachelors degree in history, the profile said. She later went on to earn a masters degree in philosophy from University of Cambridge before earning her law degree from Yale Law School in 2013, according to the profile. Usha Vances departure from the firm came just hours after Trump announced her husband, an Ohio senator and former Silicon Valley investor and former San Francisco resident, as his running mate in Novembers presidential election during the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. 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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 Ardee native Peter Geraghty, was inaugurated as President of the Planning Officers Society for 2024-2025 at its annual meeting in London on the 12 July. The Planning Officers Society (POS) represents around 2,000 individual planners working in 80% of the local authorities and public sector organisations around England. The society was formed in April 1997 by the amalgamation of the former County Planning Officers Society, District Planning Officers Society and Metropolitan Planning Officers Society, following the decision of the constituent societies, that a single voice for local authority planners would be the most effective way of pursuing good and effective planning practice within and for local government. The POS represents around 2,000 individual planners working in 80% of the local authorities and public sector organisations around England. Peter is the eldest son of Breda and P.J. Geraghty from John Street in Ardee. He is the first person to become President of both the Planning Officers Society (POS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) being president of the latter in 2013-14. Peter, who has practiced in England for many years and is also a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) told the Dundalk Democrat: I am delighted to have become President of the Society at an extremely interesting time for the planning profession. As a proud Ardonian and a Louth man through and through I think it is great to represent my native county at the highest level in my profession. He added. I am eternally grateful for the support of my parents during my education in Ardee, Dundalk (DkIT) and subsequently at University. I owe so much to them. With school holidays in full swing, and school holiday hunger a worrying factor for many Irish families, Tesco Ireland is turning its attention to helping Family Resource Centres, which support families with much-needed household essentials, and preventing children from going hungry this summer. To give a helping hand to children and families outside of the school term, Tesco has created the Stronger Starts Summer Food Collection in partnership with a network of Family Resource Centres to ensure local communities are supported. The groups participating in Louth are Connect FRC and Dundalk Youth Centre. Customers, if they have a little spare they can share, are kindly asked to purchase one extra non-perishable food item and donate it to the Food Collection trolley in 115 stores nationwide until 8th September, to support families and neighbours in their local community. The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) index suggests that one-fifth of children in Ireland have gone to bed hungry because of a lack of available food. In a recent survey with a sample of Family Resource Centres around the country, all respondents said they see an increased need for food supports during the summer months and the majority (77%) said there are children within their communities who do not have access to three meals a day. Fergal Landy, Family Resource Centre National Forum CEO, said: Food supports, among our many outreach activities, play a crucial role in addressing food poverty in local communities. During the summer months, we see an increased need for food supports across the board, which is why we are delighted that Tesco has launched this initiative. "We hope that the public will support the Stronger Starts Summer Food Collection by donating a non-perishable food item at the end of their weekly shop. The food support element of the FRC is not just about distributing food; it's about adopting a community development approach to challenging the underlying structures causing poverty and inequality to create lasting social change impacting on the lives of families and communities facing food insecurity." Rosemary Garth, Tesco Ireland Communications Director, said: We are calling on customers to simply pop one additional non-perishable food item into their basket and place it into the dedicated donation trolleys at the front of 115 stores nationwide, each week until the 8th of September. "A small gesture like this will go a long way in supporting Family Resource Centres across the country and the fantastic work they do. We are extremely proud that our Stronger Starts schools programme has doubled its reach this year and now provides 5,400 children across the country with free, fresh food packs, but we want to go further and ensure that communities are supported throughout the summer months. The Tesco Ireland Stronger Starts Summer Food Collection is live, in-store only, and runs until 8th September 2024. For more information, visit TescoIreland.ie. The Italian government is mulling over taking over defunct auto brands owned by Stellantis and offering them to Chinese companies to attract them to set up factories in the European country, according to Reuters. The plan would involve the brands including Innocenti and Autobianchi, both shut down in the 1990s, reported Reuters citing local newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore on Friday. Innocenti was famous in the 1960s and 1970s for producing an Italian version of the British marque MINI, before it was taken over by Fiat, now part of Stellantis. Former Fiat unit Autobianchi produced upmarket city cars such as the A112 and Y10. The Italian industry ministry, which according to the report is studying the move, was not available for comment, said Reuters. Stellantis told Reuters it had seen the media reports but had not been informed by the government about any such plans. The newspaper said the Italian government's plan would be made possible under a law passed in December and a draft implementing decree, under examination by the Court of Auditors, concerning brands that have been unused for at least five years. Once under government control, they could be given to "companies, including foreign ones, that intend to invest in Italy or move to Italy manufacturing activities located abroad," the law says. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has for months been at loggerheads with Fiat-parent Stellantis, accusing the automaker of neglecting its historic production bases in Italy. It is engaged in talks with the group, the country's sole major automaker, to boost Italian production to 1 million vehicles per year, but also said it wants to expand the domestic industry by attracting a Chinese automaker to Italy. On Thursday, Fiat unveiled at its historic Turin headquarters its Serbian-made Panda model and celebrated its 125th anniversary. Italian industry minister Adolfo Urso, who attended the event, again urged Stellantis to relaunch its manufacturing activities in Italy. A firefighter with the Plumas Hotshots cuts a hand line while battling the Mosquito Fire near Michigan Bluff in unincorporated Placer County on Sept. 8, 2022. The U.S. Forest Service has struggled to recruit and retain firefighters in recent years. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle As California contends with an era of extreme wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service this summer boosted firefighter staffing in the state for the first time in five years. Still, the number of federal wildland firefighters in California remains greatly diminished after years of hiring challenges, renewing concerns about fire response. The forest service counted 3,785 year-round and seasonal firefighters working in the state as of early July, up by nearly 150 people since last year but down by nearly 1,000 since 2020, according to records obtained by the Chronicle. Agency officials say theyre working to recruit people and, in the meantime, plan to bring firefighters in from other states to fill gaps. However, many in the fire community note that the enduring shortfall makes it harder to stomp out blazes quickly and protect people and property, especially in times of high fire activity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This year has started off busy. With the recent heat wave, the young fire season has rapidly progressed from low-lying grasses and brush to the states timber-rich high country, where the purview for firefighting shifts from state and local agencies to the federal government. The capabilities of the forest service will soon be tested. Our organization specializes in emergency response and wildland fire remote crews: You need these hand crews, these repellers, these smoke jumpers, said Pete Dutchick, a firefighter for the forest service in California who spoke as a representative of the advocacy group Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. When those things get stripped down, it doesnt bode well. It can really make a difference in the initial attack. During Californias last big fire year, in 2021 when 2.6 million acres burned, the forest service was noticeably handicapped. The agencys firefighter staffing had just fallen below 4,000, where it remains today, and was nearly 700 people shy of that years target. About 60 wildland fire engines sat idle because of the shortage. The staffing problem dates to the start of the decade. Fatigue from several big fire years soured many on the work, and for some, the coronavirus pandemic ultimately pushed them elsewhere. Firefighting is a fundamentally hard job, involving manual labor in hot, smoky conditions often for weeks at a time and far from home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Perhaps the biggest hang-up, though, is the low pay. Before recent raises, some federal firefighters made as little as $13.45 an hour, less than Californias minimum wage. The forest service has historically paid less than other fire agencies, including local fire departments and the states Cal Fire, which has made hiring and retention especially difficult at the federal level. We cant compete with the local departments for salary, said Adrienne Freeman, spokeswoman for the forest service. The staffing challenges for the forest service, which maintains firefighters across the country, have been most pronounced in California, which officials attribute to living expenses here, notably housing. Nationwide, the forest service counted more than 11,300 frontline firefighters as of the start of summer. Its really a California problem, Freeman said. Its also starting to be a problem in Colorado and Idaho and other areas that are starting to see higher costs of living. Despite the firefighter shortfall in California, forest service officials defend the agencys ability to respond to wildfires. They say their frontline nationwide fire force, which as a whole is better staffed and designed to travel, will meet the needs of California and other states regardless of where personnel are based. The agency can also make temporary hires of less qualified people and contract private firefighters and local fire departments to plug holes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are committed to quick, aggressive response to fire starts on forest service-managed land and stand ready to provide assistance to our partners, said Jaime Gamboa, the agencys Pacific Southwest Region fire director, in a statement during last weeks heat wave. In the meantime, officials are seeing some success with recruitment and retention. The Angeles National Forest, mostly within Los Angeles County, and the Eldorado National Forest, near Lake Tahoe, were fully staffed this month or close to it for the first time in years. Both forests are relatively close to urban areas where housing, schools and jobs for spouses make hiring easier, officials say. I wouldnt have thought it would have gone this well, said Lani Brown, deputy fire chief at the Eldorado, where three years ago only two of 10 wildland fire engines could be fully staffed for seven-day operations. Forest service officials credit the recent uptick in staffing to hiring bonuses, in-person recruitment events and temporary pay raises that came with the 2021 federal infrastructure law. Under the law, the annual pay of firefighters increased by $20,000 or 50% of their base salary, whichever was less. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That pay bump, however, is set to expire after the current budget year. Congress is mulling a permanent raise for federal firefighters, which wouldnt be as much as the temporary one but would apply to retirement income as well as hazard and overtime pay, making higher earnings possible. It would also provide pay stability after years of uncertainty about salaries. If the proposal is approved, the base entry-level salary for firefighters would be around $40,000 annually. This compares with Cal Fires starting salary of more than $60,000 a year, plus benefits, though most entry-level state firefighters work just nine months and therefore make less. The bright spot in Californias firefighting picture this year is that Cal Fire has continued to increase hiring. The agency counts about 9,500 full-time and seasonal firefighters this summer. Over the next five years, the state plans to bring an additional 2,400 people on board. While Cal Fire and the forest service work together to put out wildfires, they have slightly different expertise and mandates, and neither can fully replace the work of the other. The state focuses largely on suppression on private lands near communities, while the federal government generally manages fires across large swaths of wilderness. An all-party committee in the Republic has called for preparations for a united Ireland to begin immediately, saying that every Government department should examine the implications of constitutional change. In a report produced by the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, politicians have also called on the Irish Government to prepare and publish a Green Paper setting out a vision for a united Ireland. The report, the first to be published by the committee, examines the current economic relationship between both sides of the border, and the potential of an all-island economy. The report shows a major increase in cross-border trade, which has increased from around two billion euro in 1998 to some 20 billion euro in 2022. The report also examines the cost of a potential united Ireland and makes the case for planning for a united Ireland to begin. Watch LIVE as the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement meets for Report Launch: Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics #SeeForYourselfhttps://t.co/Lwis56azR9 https://t.co/WgQgUqFdTc Houses of the Oireachtas Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) July 16, 2024 The group, which met 11 times since April of last year, recommended that an Oireachtas committee be set up and resourced and dedicated to the preparations for a united Ireland. It further recommended that preparations for a united Ireland should begin immediately. Chair of the group, Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd, called for others to seriously discuss the issues around the possibility of constitutional change. He also said that he hopes the change in the UK Government will be a reset of relationships with Great Britain. When we started all this there was a government in the United Kingdom which has now changed, Mr ODowd said. As that change occurs, I think we are on a reset of the relationship between Britain and Ireland, which hopefully will have influence and will be important for us into the future. Relationships has huge implications for the issues that were discussing, for the progress we may be able to make as a result of political change, about the willingness of our administration here, and indeed our parliament, to engage appropriately and properly with our colleagues in other parliaments, particularly in the United Kingdom and in the north. (The report) is very hopeful of the future and its an opportunity that we can grasp for change, but change with consent. A united Ireland? Definitely, yes. But an agreed united Ireland? Definitely, yes. Fianna Fail TD for Cavan and Monaghan Brendan Smith said: We can remove barriers to ensure greater participation as well. So incrementally, I believe we can build quite speedily at the same time, towards the achievement of a united Ireland that my people want to see achieved. Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh said the onus is on the Irish Government to implement the recommendations contained in the report. She said: The economic success of the future of a united Ireland is in our own hands and theres no insurmountable barriers there to Irish unification. There will be variances in terms of the time that it might take, in terms of the duration, in terms of the transition period but also that none of those things are insurmountable. This report presents positive inclusive conversation thats taking place across the island in planning for constitutional change. I think the onus is on the Irish government to implement the reports recommendations and that also includes a Green Paper on Irish unity and what needs to be done. She also said that mistakes of Brexit need to be learned and that the Government has a responsibility in providing the framework. Fine Gaels Frank Feighan said that the people of middle Ireland are not ready for a unity Ireland. I think the people we need to be talking to as well is the people in middle Ireland and I dont think middle Ireland is ready for a united Ireland. He said that further conversations needed to be had with people from particular areas about what a united Ireland will look like. Independent Senator Frances Black said there is a compelling case for planning for constitutional change. Senator Emer Currie said there is stark differences in wages, life expectancy, disposable incomes and at-risk poverty between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It is clear from the report just how stark the differences are north and south, she added. Weve spoken before about the difference in productivity levels, the difference in our wages, the differences in the life expectancy, disposable incomes average, on poverty. Whats clear to me is, yes, we have a legacy of the troubles that contributes to that but also some of these issues are politically made. And its very important that we shine a light on that and encourage change in those areas, including education. Eagle Times Staff BRATTLEBORO, Vt. Vermont Adult Learning (VAL), the largest provider of Adult Education and literacy services in the state, is pleased to announce the hiring of Tara Brooks, M.Ed., as executive director. Brooks brings a wealth of experience in leadership, advocacy, policy development and expanding revenue streams to the position, having previously served as the Director of the Vergennes Recreation Department, Events Manager for the Vergennes Opera House, Executive Director of the Vergennes Partnership, Director of After-school and Summer Services for the Addison Northwest School District, and most recently, Director of Operations for Heartworks Early Education. VAL has a long-standing tradition of supporting the people of Vermont and working towards a more inclusive and fair society, Brooks said of her new position. I am excited to join this important cause and play a role in VALs achievements. Our board searched for an executive director to enhance the organizations commitment to Adult Educations evolving needs, and Tara met all our requirements, Board Chair Jim Coutts said. Her background and achievements position her well to lead VAL as we offer comprehensive adult education and training opportunities to a growing population of adult learners. Our committed staff will continue their excellent work with Taras guidance. Under Brooks leadership, VAL is set to uphold its long-standing commitment to providing quality, no-cost education, literacy, and work-readiness services that enhance the lives of Vermonters. Brooks is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and fairness, and her results-driven approach aligns strongly with VALs goal of aiding learners from all walks of life. Her unwavering commitment to advancing VALs mission, supporting its staff, and ensuring its financial stability will build upon the excellent initiatives already in place. Kim George, fire marshal for South Lake Tahoe, cuts down plants outside her home to comply with the citys new defensible space requirements. Brian Walker/Special to the Chronicle California fire officials are writing new rules that could bar most plants, mulch and other combustible materials within 5 feet of homes in fire-prone areas of California. The far-reaching initiative, mandated by the state Legislature, was supposed to take effect last year. But the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, the agency charged with developing the rules, has yet to finalize them. The board expects to discuss draft standards before the end of the year, according to Lisa Lien-Mager, an official at the state agency that oversees the board. California fire map & tracker: Latest updates on active fires throughout the state Advertisement Article continues below this ad At least one city is charging ahead on its own in anticipation of the statewide change. This month, South Lake Tahoe will begin enforcing what appears to be the strictest ordinance in California for the 5-foot zone closest to homes. Homeowners must clear combustible materials such as bushes, flowers, wood piles, sheds, hot tubs, pine needles and other potential fire hazards from that zone. Mature trees, which are less likely to catch fire from small embers, are allowed, though low-hanging branches must be trimmed. Some well-irrigated plants with no woody stems are also permitted. The rules apply for all of South Lake Tahoe, a heavily forested city of around 21,000 people on the shore of Lake Tahoe. I ripped up all my flowers, said South Lake Tahoe Fire Marshal Kim George. She said she began digging up her plants after the ground thawed this spring as the ordinance was working its way through the City Council. Id worked so hard years ago to plant them, but I dont want to be hypocritical. South Lake Tahoe Fire Marshal Kim George, pictured outside her South Lake Tahoe home, helped the city develop some of the most stringent rules in California aimed at protecting homes from wildfire. Brian Walker/Special to the Chronicle Wildfires have destroyed more than 50,000 structures across California since 2017, and the state has embarked on a dramatic and expensive push to limit further disasters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad California in 2020 passed a law, Senate Bill 3074, that required new defensible standards limiting combustible materials closest to homes in fire-prone areas of the state. Introduced by Assembly Member Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, the bill stated that one in four residential structures in California is in areas vulnerable to wildfires, though some studies have found that figure to be as high as 45%. Dubbed zone zero or the ember-resistant zone, the feet immediately next to structures is a critical area where embers from a nearby fire may either die out or ignite woody plants or other flammable materials, spreading flames to the structure. Wildfires can spit embers miles ahead of the main flames. Most defensible space guidance previously focused on removing risks, such as low tree limbs and dying plants, within a broader perimeter from homes and recommended certain types of vegetation be removed within 30 and 100 feet of homes. The concept that the 5 feet closest to structures is critical was developed by the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, an insurance industry research group. Former California firefighter Steve Hawks said the Insurance Institute, where he works as the senior director for wildfire, studied evidence from recent wildfires that spread into neighborhoods to determine why some homes survived while others were destroyed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One major factor was the presence of flammable materials like oily juniper bushes and mulch both popular landscaping features. Even a small fire can burn across mulch or burn along the fence, Hawks said. Its really that zone (closest to homes) that can take even the smallest of fires and allow it to get to the house. Lien-Mager, who is the deputy secretary for forest and wildfire resilience at the California Natural Resources Agency, said her agency (which oversees the board of forestry) is aware that the standards could require homeowners to spend money revamping outdoor spaces. She said the board is taking more time than originally planned to develop a phase-in plan, and it is also gathering information about funding sources to help homeowners with mitigation costs. Under the latest draft, the rules would apply first to new construction and then later to existing homes. There is no timeframe for when the statewide rules will go into effect. This year, California published new maps categorizing wildfire risk across the state, which will determine where the zone zero rules apply. At present, the maps include only unincorporated areas and dont yet cover risky fire areas within cities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many details of the plans remain unclear. Edith Hannigan, the executive officer of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, declined to speak with the Chronicle. The California Department of Insurance already advises homeowners to remove wood fences that connect to homes and to replace wood chips with materials like stone or decomposed granite as methods to seek discounts on insurance premiums. Hawks said tests at the Insurance Institutes research lab in South Carolina showed how effective clearing a 5-foot space can be against flying embers. A series of simulations compared how two small homes built inside the huge laboratory fared when showered with embers. Hawks said the home with fencing and plantings always ignites and catches fire and burns to the ground. The home surrounded by gravel is always untouched. Were going up against centuries of putting plants up against the sides of our houses, Hawks said. Its going to take a complete mind shift. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some pending legislation could affect how quickly the rules take effect and whether another agency takes over implementation. State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, has introduced Senate Bill 504, which would extend the amount of time property owners would have to comply with new state requirements, once finalized, from one to three years. Senate Bill 610, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, would simplify how California defines wildfire risk, which would in turn determine which homes are required to follow any new zone zero rules. Instead of the current tier system such as high, moderate or low wildfire risk the state would instead designate areas where wildfire mitigation is required and areas where it is not, such as urban downtowns. The legislation would also shift the authority over defensible space from the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to the State Fire Marshals Office, a move meant to streamline the implementation process by moving authority to the fire marshal as opposed to the forestry board and committee. South Lake Tahoes early move was inspired in part by the 2021 Caldor Fire, a blaze that burned more than 220,000 acres and forced the entire city to flee, though ultimately firefighters were able to beat the flames back. George was on duty during key moments of the fire and saw the benefits of defensible space at work. The whole street we were assigned to had done a really good job with defensible space, George said. They gave firefighters a real opportunity to defend their homes. South Lake Tahoes ordinance goes into effect July 18. George said the city plans to focus on education first rather than enforcement to give property owners time to learn about the new rules. The city employs two or three defensible space inspectors during the summer months and typically inspects all properties within city limits every two years. When homeowners apply for permits to alter or improve their property, they may now be required to upgrade their defensible space. Real estate sales will require sellers to provide buyers with defensible space disclosures, which include certification that the property complies with current ordinances. Sharon Kerrigan, a South Lake Tahoe resident and the executive vice president of the South Tahoe Association of Realtors, said her organization urged the City Council to implement such a huge change gradually, especially because the snowy winter limits when property owners can do work. But most property owners seem to be keenly aware that they must prepare for the next wildfire, she said. Long based in Knocknaheeny on the northside of Cork city, the Kabin Crew is made up of approximately 30 young people from the local and surrounding areas who meet regularly at the Kabin Studio, a not-for-profit, vibrant music and creative hub, established by Garry McCarthy in 2012 with the support of Music Generation Cork City. Young people write and perform their own raps and songs, spanning a variety of genres. Still enjoying viral success for The Spark, their rap anthem with Lisdoonvarna Crew for Cruinniu na nOg 2024, which garnered millions of views online, young performers from the Kabin Studio are excited to announce details of their show, The Sound Of The Northside. Garry McCarthy, founding member of The Kabin. Picture Chani Anderson A collaborative project with the Irish National Opera, this showcase will see the teenage music artists perform specially tailored arrangements of their music on The Everyman stage, accompanied by the Irish National Opera orchestra. The Kabin Crew will be joined by the Lisdoonvarna Crew on stage for a special guest performance of their worldwide hit The Spark. The Kabin Crews latest initiative aims to foster creativity, collaboration and community. The show is directed by Maud Lee and Zoe Ni Riordain, founders of the theatre, music and film company One Two One Two. Rory McGovern is the music director, alongside Aine Delany who is responsible for musical arrangement. Stephen Dodd is responsible for lighting design. The Sound of the Northside will be performed under the baton of conductor Medb Brereton Hurley. The Kabin Studio facilitates music creation for children aged seven to young adults aged 21. Garry McCarthy, founder and creative director of The Kabin Studio, explained; The Kabin provides a space where young people can be themselves and are given a safe space to explore what interests them creatively and musically. He spoke about the importance of the upcoming show in the Everyman Theatre. Being able to reimagine the work, spoken word, and the songs created by the young people has been an unbelievably inspiring, educational and rewarding experience. Its also been an amazing way for us to push our boundaries, step out of our comfort zones and try something new, bringing a theatrical element to the music that is created at The Kabin. Local rapper Darren Stewart, aka Tiny pictured in The Kabin where he finds help, inspiration and encouragement to write his own lyrics. Picture Chani Anderson Darren Stewart, 15, from Knocknaheeny, has been attending The Kabin since he was eight years old and will be performing in the show. He is a rapper and songwriter. He said: Ive grown to love The Kabin. Music is my passion. I want music to be part of my future and take it seriously and become an artist. Thats why I continuously come back to the Kabin. Darren explained that the show The Sound Of the Northside is about us telling our stories through music. He added that living in the northside of Cork city influences how I write and how I think. Cian Hearn pictured at one of the mixing desks in The Kabin. Picture Chani Anderson Using rap and songwriting as a mode of self-expression was seconded by Dylan Murphy, 19, from Blarney. He has been attending The Kabin for three years and said: Rap is an amazing creative outlet. I enjoy word play, rhythm and how rap allows me to express myself. Dylan described the other young people at The Kabin as family, a description repeated by many of the young performers who attend workshops and summer camps there. Local teen Mark Barry McSweeney pictured in the podcasting room at The Kabin. Picture Chani Anderson Mark Barry-McSweeney, 19, from Fairhill said were like a family here. He has been attending The Kabin for seven years and has a keen interest in music technology and production. He will be performing his own song at the show. His music focuses on finding the positives in life, regardless of ones background, upbringing, or state of mind. Niamh OMahony and Cara Cullen pictured collaborating on a new piece for The Kabins upcoming show in The Everyman. Picture Chani Anderson Four young female performers who met at The Kabin formed a group called Misneach, an Irish word meaning courage. Misneachs members are Cara Cullen, Sophie McCarthy, Rosaleen Brady and Roisin Cullinane. Cara, 19, from Knocknaheeny, has been attending The Kabin for six years. She said: I feel I have a voice when Im here. Fellow group member, Sophie McCarthy, echoed this sentiment. She said: The Kabin is my second home. Its a safe space that I feel comfortable in. Sophie added; Songwriting is an escape from reality. I can sit in my own little bubble with my headphones on and I can write whatever I want. Its irrelevant if people hear my songs or not. Songwriting allows me to release my emotions. Katie Galgey pictured in The Kabin where she has been able to create her own sound by learning and working with others. Picture Chani Anderson The group have seen success since their formation. Following a grant, Misneach wrote three songs and created a music video. Their songs address themes relating to female empowerment. Their lyrics acknowledge the importance of strong female role models in their lives, paying homage to their mothers, aunts and sisters. Misneachs lyrics address the pressures women feel from the unrealistic standards set by the beauty industry in the hope that their listeners will realise that it is OK to be you. Rosaleen Brady pictured in The Kabin where she not only writes and produces her own music but enjoys encouraging and helping others to do the same. Picture Chani Anderson Rosaleen Brady, 17, from Churchfield, is excited for Misneach to perform at the show. She said: The show reflects the sense of community here at The Kabin, how welcoming the space is, how as we grow, we pass the torch onto younger kids, and we help create a safe environment for them because the people who mentored us created that sort of environment for us. Alex Brady and Cara Cullen pictured working together on the lyrics for a new song in advance of The Kabins upcoming show in The Everyman. Picture Chani Anderson Many of the tutors at The Kabin began their creative and musical journeys as young children attending workshops and summer camps. Alex Pacino-Brady, 24, attended The Kabin as a teenager and now tutors young performers and facilitates workshops in music production, hip-hop, rap, songwriting, and videography. He said: As tutors, we build a rapport with the young people and facilitate their creative ideas. We encourage them to push the boundaries of their creativity and step out of their comfort zones. Co-director Zoe Ni Riordain of One Two One Two, said: The Kabin Crews music is full of confidence, lyrical skill, humour and massive ambition. We are so thrilled to be collaborating with such inspiring people who are taking on the world with their unique sound. Music like this can only be made in an environment full of love, support, and hard work. We are really excited to be shaping this one-off show. Katie Galgey pictured in The Kabin where she has been able to create her own sound by learning and working with others. Picture Chani Anderson Performer and Misneach member, Rosaleen said: Working on this show has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. Im delighted that Im getting to work with so many new people and challenge myself more creatively. Its brilliant to see the Kabin experiment in the realm of theatre. Im really looking forward to seeing everything come together and being able to perform on the Everyman stage. Garry McCarthy said: This project, The Sound of the Northside, pushes the performers out of their comfort zones. It opens their eyes to something new. They are all outstanding performers with amazing stage presence. The show will push them into a different creative sphere. We hope our young performers time at The Kabin will give them confidence, create good memories, and give them skills that they can take forward into their futures. The Sound of the Northside runs for one night only in The Everyman, Cork on Monday July 22. Tickets are 13 and are available from www.everymancork.com For more information on Kabin Crew visit www.thekabin.ie For information on Irish National Opera visit www.irishnationalopera.ie Hundreds, if not thousands, of children across Cork are languishing on waiting lists for vital therapies, interventions and support, struggling to access the services they desperately need amid lengthy waiting times, staff shortages and seemingly unheard calls for early intervention. While Cork Kerry Community Healthcare said it is working hard to address waiting times for services, calls have been made for the HSE to focus on providing early intervention and support for children. Some 5,081 children were on waiting lists for speech and language services at the end of February this year. A further 881 children were waiting on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs), along with 756 awaiting initial contact from a Childrens Disability Network Team (CDNT). Meanwhile, children were also among the 4,056 people on waiting lists for occupational therapy in Cork at the end of February this year, and there were 7,453 awaiting physiotherapy. The Rainbow Club in Mahon supports 1,300 children, teenagers and young adults with autism, as well as their families, every single week. Speaking to The Echo, Karen OMahony, the founder of the charity, highlighted the importance of early intervention. Early intervention is very important for every childs development and at all the different stages of their life, they need to access the right support through disability services, education, medical and community to live a happy healthy life, Ms OMahony explained. The transition to the Progressing Disability Services model and recruitment issues that the HSE currently have are adding to the issues of waiting lists throughout the country. That is why there are lists but I do think there will always be lists with the volume of neurodivergent people in the country all needing support, diagnosis or intervention. I think there are plans ongoing and lots of great work being done to try to fill the vacancies that are in disability services and this is always going to take time. We have a long way to go but I do think Bernard Gloster [HSE CEO] has the right ideas about what is needed and it would be unrealistic to say how long it will take for sure but there is a lot of goodwill there. While the Rainbow Club does not replicate services provided by primary care teams or CDNTs, it does provide important support, and Karen explained that, with more backing from the HSE and Government, the charity could do more. It has been over a year since then-taoiseach Micheal Martin stated that a new, permanent home for the Rainbow Club was on the cards but little of substance has been done since, and the charitys founder has once again highlighted the importance of securing a dedicated home. Rainbow Club provides supports, interventions and activities to the child, teen, young adult and their family on a weekly basis, Karen said. We offer programs, groups, workshops and one-on-one sessions to the autistic person, parents, carers and siblings. Our holistic approach with wrap-around support caters for the individual needs of the family or individual, and we create a pathway for them on their journey. We are always adapting and building new programs so we can offer as much as possible but, most importantly [to ensure] that it makes a positive impact for the individual person and their family. We have built very positive relationships with the HSE and many ministers, senators, local TDs and counsellors, businesses, schools and departments in Government that have been helping us grow our services, increase our offering and expand. A new home will be vital for us to continue our work but also to secure a future for Rainbow Club families. We are excited to engage further with the HSE as I feel it will be a vital part of our future. It has been a long journey for us all, but now having support from the HSE and lots of amazing organisations [means] we can apply for funding that will help us hugely. We cannot access lots of funding without having a home with a lease. A new home will open many doors for us. We cannot wait to show the country what Rainbow Club model is doing on a larger scale, and has the potential to do long term. Addressing the waiting times for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, a spokesperson for Cork Kerry Community Healthcare said: We sincerely regret any waiting periods experienced by families. We would like to emphasise that urgent cases are prioritised to ensure timely access to care for those in need. Our primary focus remains on the wellbeing and safety of the children under our care. Despite the challenges posed by the staffing moratorium [which has just been lifted] and growth in demand for services, we have implemented several initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and reducing waiting times for children. The spokesperson said these initiatives include streamlining processes to identify areas for improvement, including validation of lists, introduction of text alert system, bespoke group programmes for specific diagnosis, electronic assessment system presently under design for 2-3 disciplines to reduce administrative burden thus increasing clinical time. All of these measures endeavour to enhance efficiency and reduce waiting times. The initiatives also include resource optimisation to ensure the allocation of resources, personnel, skill-sets to ensure services are delivered most effectively; and collaborative partnerships with external partners, other healthcare providers, community organisations to expand our capacity and improve access. Telemedicine has been implemented where appropriate allowing for remote consultations and follow up to minimise delays and improve access to care, the spokesperson added, also highlighting capacity building initiatives, including training programmes and workforce development efforts to enhance the skills and capabilities of our staff and increasing the overall capacity to meet the growth in demand for services. Whilst these initiatives represent important steps forward, we recognise that more needs to be done to address the underlying factors contributing to waiting times for childrens services, the spokesperson stated. We remain committed to working with stakeholders in finding sustainable solutions, whilst ensuring that every child receives the care they need in a timely manner. Validation of waiting lists across these disciplines is ongoing and as part of this process, it is planned to review the pathways/processes for referral, assessment, etc. to ensure appropriateness of all referrals received. A spokesperson for Cork Kerry Community Healthcare also added that the HSEs disability service team has been supporting the Rainbow Club since 2021 to present through a service arrangement for funding. The Rainbow Club has been provided with additional funding for delivery of after-school day respite to children, the spokesperson stated. It is anticipated that 4,000 hours of after-school day respite will be delivered in 2024 [and ongoing] supporting approximately 160 children and their families. Responding to The Echos series on Cork children and their fight for services, a spokesperson for Cork Kerry Community Healthcare said: We sincerely regret that anyone in need of our services has to wait longer than either we or they would wish. We wholeheartedly apologise to the young people and children who have been waiting for longer times in accessing much needed services and supports. Unfortunately, and despite incredibly hard work done by our teams, there are waiting lists in some services which are too long. While there are reasons as to why these waiting lists have occurred, we are aware that whats important for children and their parents/guardians is the work underway to address waiting lists. Intensive work is underway in every part of our services to reduce waiting lists. We are using telemedicine, extended clinic hours, triage, working with S38 and S39 agencies, and a wide range of other initiatives and innovative practices harnessing the energies of all staff. Substantial efforts have been made across service areas to improve efficiency and patient outcomes and reduce waiting list times. For example, the transition to an integrated eye service in the new state-of-the-art Primary Care building in Ballincollig marks a significant step in the new model of eye care provision for 2024. From March 2023 to March 2024, the waiting list for eye care services for children has reduced from 3234 to 1174 a 64% reduction. Through a wait list initiative last October, we offered more than 3,300 appointments, with 2,252 attending, resulting in a substantial reduction in the waiting list for eye care services for children. We remain committed to seeing high priority patient referrals as early as possible. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare also thanked the many staff involved for their hard work and commitment. There are areas where this work has already made a difference and we have had significant success with initiatives like waiting list blitzes, the spokesperson said. However, we acknowledge that even more work is needed to address remaining waiting lists, and we continue to make improvements so that we can provide the care needed as quickly as we can. We would also like to reassure the public that across all our services, urgent cases are prioritised, which means that those in the most urgent need are seen more quickly than others. As a general point, wed like to point out that waiting lists are due in part to the ongoing increase in the number of people needing to access services. For example, Camhs are seeing a 31% increase in referrals. Despite this, we are responding to more than 90% of urgent referrals within three days. A group of migrants from China cross a railroad track as they are taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection hours after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Jacumba Hot Springs (San Diego County) on June 22. Through the first five months of 2024, the southern border saw 16,270 Chinese migrant encounters, a 52% jump from the same period last year. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle SAN DIEGO COUNTY The sun was high when the white U.S. Customs and Border Protection van rolled up to the sandy lot beside the U.S.-Mexico border in the desert town of Jacumba Hot Springs on June 22. The group of 16 Chinese migrants had been waiting there for six hours, intending to surrender and request asylum. China, lets go this way! an agent told the migrants in the town, directing them to a spot where they would be searched and taken into custody. The agents, none of whom spoke Chinese, and the migrants, none of whom spoke English, used hand signals to communicate. U.S. border patrol has not typically encountered large numbers of Chinese migrants at the southern border stretching from California to Texas. That started to change in early 2023, when the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions in China and the circulation of migration routes on Chinese social media coincided with an exponential increase in Chinese migrants attempting to enter the U.S. through Mexico, according to immigration advocates and experts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, encountered 37,439 Chinese migrants at the southern border last year, almost 10 times as many as in 2022. Through the first five months of 2024, the southern border saw 16,270 Chinese migrant encounters, a 52% jump from the 10,728 encounters during the same period last year. Chinese migrants are making this journey for various reasons, but immigration experts, aid workers in San Diego and the migrants themselves cited financial hardship from Chinas economic slowdown and political persecution as primary motives. Things festered, said Idean Salehyan, a University of North Texas political scientist and senior fellow in immigration policy at Niskanen Center, a Washington, D.C., think tank. There was an economic downturn, COVID-19 restrictions and human rights violations. And then, with migration, once a few people go, it sort of opens the pathway for other people to go. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Salehyan said Chinese migrants may also be attracted to the U.S. by its relatively favorable approval rate for Chinese nationals seeking asylum. Last year federal immigration courts approved 55% of asylum applications from Chinese nationals, U.S. Department of Justice data showed, compared with 4% for Mexican nationals and 28% for Venezuelan nationals. In December 2023, staff with the San Francisco nonprofit Chinese for Affirmative Action spent a day in San Diego to provide translation services to Chinese migrants released from federal immigration custody. According to the groups interviews with 16 migrants, seven said they came because of economic opportunities, five said they came to reunite with family members, and four said they came seeking asylum. A federal border agent gives directions to a Chinese migrant near the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Jacumba Hot Springs (San Diego County) on June 22. Immigration experts, aid workers in San Diego and Chinese migrants say they are fleeing political persecution and financial hardship in China. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Vincent Pan, co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, said there is a perception that Chinese migrants at the southern border must be economically better off than migrants from countries nearer the border. Theres a sentiment that these people must have money if they can afford to pay for this trip, but its more that some are so desperate that they borrow from loan sharks to do this, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Until recently, Ecuador was a popular gateway to the U.S. for many Chinese migrants. But starting July 1, the Ecuadorian government canceled visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, citing an increase in irregular migration through Ecuador to other destinations, leaving Suriname, a small country on South Americas northeastern coast, as the only country in the continent to still offer it. According to a May analysis by the Niskanen Center, Chinese nationals entered Ecuador 48,381 times in 2023 but left only 24,240 times. Hong Kong and Xinjiang were overrepresented as regions of origin for Chinese nationals traveling to Ecuador in 2022 and 2023. The Chinese government quashed pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong in 2019 and subsequently shuttered news outlets critical of the Chinese Communist Party. In Xinjiang, human rights groups estimate the Chinese government has arbitrarily detained more than 1 million Uyghurs, a Turkic ethnic group, since 2017 in what the United Nations Human Rights Office said in 2022 may constitute crimes against humanity. The most reasonable explanation for Xinjiangs high numbers (is) that residents are especially motivated to escape the repressive CCP security apparatus in the region, wrote the reports author, Niskanen immigration policy analyst Gil Guerra. A Chinese migrant is searched by a federal border patrol agent in Jacumba Hot Springs on June 22. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Former President Donald Trump has taken a contrary view, alleging without evidence that the Chinese Communist Party is directing migrants to the U.S. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The crossings help animate the contentious presidential debate over immigration. On June 4, President Joe Biden enacted asylum restrictions that upended decades of federal law allowing migrants to claim asylum in the U.S., even if they entered unlawfully. Anti-China sentiment is a core part of Project 2025, a 900-page conservative blueprint for a second Trump term, which calls for reducing or eliminating visas for Chinese students and researchers to prevent espionage. In an interview, Guerra said he thinks American politicians should consider the large number of Chinese migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. as a soft power victory over China. Despite our own domestic doubts at this political moment that were currently in, for people around the world we still mean something symbolically in a way that hasnt faded, he said. Chinese nationals still made up a fraction of the 2.5 million migrants stopped at the southern border in 2023 far behind people from Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela and other countries and encountered obstacles that their counterparts didnt, say immigration analysts and aid workers at the border. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The language barrier is just huge, said Ruth Mendez, who works with Free Them All San Diego, an immigrant rights coalition. Mendez, who helps migrants released from CBP custody reach their next destination, doesnt speak Chinese and said not enough migrant volunteers do. In Jacumba Hot Springs on June 22, a Chinese migrant said it had taken her 20 days to travel from the southeastern province of Fujian, where she struggled to make a living selling womens clothing. Two migrants walk along a dirt trail followed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle near the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Jacumba Hot Springs on June 22. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle I worked such long hours, the woman, who declined to give her name, said in Mandarin. A friend who made a similar journey and was now in New York persuaded her to come. The woman, wearing a Los Angeles Lakers sweatshirt, said her feet ached after walking from Mexico. I really wanted to come to America, but getting here has been so hard, she said. Her spirits lifted when border patrol agents arrived to take her group into custody. Her plan had been to surrender and then apply for asylum with the help of an attorney. My mood is good now, she said, trudging up a sandy hill toward a CBP van. Im excited. If Cork win the All-Ireland on Sunday, the city will be rocking for the homecoming, Leesides top garda has predicted. Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, who is in charge of policing in the Cork City Garda division, told The Echo that there would be a busy week of preparations for the weekend and afterwards. Cork will play Clare in the All-Ireland senior hurling final in Croke Park on Sunday, and while Mr Myers said planning was under way for next Mondays homecoming. There could be, hopefully, an extraordinary number of people on the streets of Cork next Monday night, if things go well. Even if they dont go well, there might be a nice crowd out there, Mr Myers said. Im not exactly sure to put a figure on it, thats for someone else to probably decide, but theres a lot of planning goes into events, they just dont happen. The chief superintendent said Cork City Council and the GAA would advise gardai on likely figures for an All-Ireland homecoming, whether that would be with or without a win on Sunday. Certainly if they come back with the All-Ireland trophy, Im sure that Cork City will be rocking on Monday night, hopefully, and when we wake up on Tuesday morning everyone is hunky-dory and everyone has had a great night, he said. Theres always a percentage small though that may be that will bring some anti-social aspect to it, drink, drugs, assaults, but generally speaking it should be a great night, a family event, and, hopefully, theyll come back with a trophy and well take it from there. Mr Myers said that the Rebels Fanzone planned for SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday will also be a great addition to the celebration in the city and he said gardai were looking forward to the event as much as the public. He added that he had yet to secure a ticket for the All-Ireland himself, but he did concede that he was following a definite line of inquiry. Cork GAA and Cork City Council are also preparing for the Rebels Return, a live event at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Monday, July 22, to celebrate a brilliant year for Cork hurling. Latest: Tamara Aguilera, 19 years, who was missing from Cork City since 25th June 2024, has been located safe and well. 16/07/24 Cork gardai are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 19-year-old Tamara Aguilera, who was last seen on Wandesford Quay in Cork city on Tuesday, June 25. Gardai in Anglesea Street say Tamara is approximately 5 foot 5 inches in height with a slim build. She has black hair and brown eyes. Tamara is known to frequent Cork city and Limerick city. Anyone with information on Tamara's whereabouts is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station at 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Happy LGBTQI+ Pride from the EM Ireland Team. Over the months of July and August, the rainbow flag will colour streets, windows and doorways across Ireland to celebrate Pride. The Pride Flag serves as an important symbol of the LGBTQI+ community; with red representing life, orange standing for healing; yellow epitomising sunlight; green reflecting nature; blue symbolising serenity and violet conveying spirit. You may see a chevron to the left side of the Progressive Pride Flag pointing rightward, which signifies the need for ongoing progress. This newer Pride Flag also features the colours black and brown, representing LGBTQi+ people with a minority background, as well as the colours light blue, pink, and white, the colours of the Transgender Pride Flag. Additionally, if you see a yellow triangle and purple circle, this represents the Intersex community. Parades Over the next two months there will also be Pride parades in Kerry (July 18), Drogheda (July 20), Cork ( August 4), and Galway (August 17), to name a few. The roots of LGBTQI+ activism in Ireland grew from the historic 1969 Stonewall Riots in the US, which are credited with sparking the rise of global LGBTQI+ liberation movements. The last four decades have seen LGBTQI+ activists across Europe push for a broader expansion of their legal rights, and in many areas, there have been positive developments in the fight for equality. The experiences of LGBTQI+ people across the EU varies significantly from country to country and every group faces different challenges. Ireland ranks 14th out of 48 countries on ILGA Europes 2024 Rainbow Map. Ireland scores high in areas such as civil society space and legal gender recognition. Malta is the EU Member State with the highest ranking on the Rainbow Map, scoring 100% on both the Family and Hate Crime and Hate Speech categories. Poland is the EU country with the lowest scoring, placing 41st. Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Italy, Lithuania and Czechia are among the EU countries that rank the lowest. Polands position is driven by the fact that Poland has yet to adopt legal measures to recognise and protect same-sex couples. Poland also does not currently have hate crime laws that explicitly cover all bias-motivated crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. In April 2024, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) published a report which revealed signs of slow but gradual progress in the area of LGBTQI+ rights. While discrimination against LGBTQI+ people remains high, it is gradually declining. The proportion of respondents who felt discriminated against in at least one area of life decreased from 42% in 2019 to 36% in 2023. Rainbow Map ILGA Europes Rainbow Map reports that 16 countries in Europe now have marriage equality. Legislation in countries such as Estonia and Greece came into force as recently as January and February 2024, respectively, to allow for same-sex couples to marry. Today, schools address LGBTQI+ issues more often than before. Over one in five LGBTQI+ pupils now say that their school addressed the issue positively. In Ireland, the new Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) junior cycle curriculum, published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in 2023, includes references to LGBTQI+ rights throughout. Additionally, the Minister for Children and Equality, Roderic OGorman, has stated that he is in favour of primary school students being taught more about what it means to be transgender. However, despite progress being made in a variety of areas, LGBTQI+ people, and in particular trans and intersex groups, continue to experience hate-motivated violence, discrimination and victimisation, despite the protection afforded by EU law. According to FRA, even though one in two LGBTQI+ people now report that they are open about their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, most still avoid holding hands with their same-sex partner in public for fear of being attacked. Additionally, over one in three said that they face discrimination in their daily life because of who they are. Over one in ten experienced violence in the five years before the survey, slightly more than in 2019. Discrimination and harassment can also remain invisible as less than one in ten people surveyed by FRA say that they reported incidents. Harassment Intersex, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people face more harassment and violence. They are more likely to face mental health issues, with over half reporting that they have suicidal thoughts. They are also more likely to experience homelessness and struggle to access medical care. This is also true for LGBTQI+ people with disabilities, in financial hardship or members of ethnic, racial or other minority groups. In the European context, as of July 1, 2024, Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Hungary is an EU Member State which is currently in infringement proceedings with the European Commission regarding its anti-LGBTQI+ Child Protection Law which was passed in 2021. Over the past year, the stigmatising effects of that law have become increasingly apparent, notably in the restrictions placed on depictions of LGBTQI+ persons in books, cultural institutions, and in the media. Closer to home, in Ireland, it is clear that progress is continuing to be made in the sphere of LGBTQI+ rights. A Bill which would place a ban on so-called conversion therapy has been listed as a priority for the Summer 2024 Government Legislative Programme. However, like in many other EU countries, civil society organisations and activists often step in to fill the absence of public services to support LGBTQI+ people with basic needs. In 2024, Ireland does not legally recognise non-binary genders, trans healthcare continues to consist of detrimentally long wait times, and there has still been no progress made on banning medically unnecessary and non-consensual surgeries performed on intersex children. June 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. However, LGBTQI+ equality across Europe is at a crossroads coloured by progress and challenges. Let the rainbow flags that you see in doorways and windows over the coming months act a reminder of this fact. Prides foundation is a riot and Prides future is the recognition of fundamental rights for all. European Movement Ireland (EMI) is a not-for-profit, non-political, membership-based organisation. Since 1954, EMIs mission has been to develop the connection between Ireland and Europe and to achieve greater public understanding of the European Union. A 38-year-old man on a cocktail of cocaine and Xanax tablets was so desperate to be put into prison to get off the drugs that he deliberately smashed the windscreen of a patrol car outside a garda station and knocked the fire alarm off the wall. Judge Mary Dorgan was told that the culprit also had a tin of lighter fluid in his possession. This was actually very, very serious offending. It was done to achieve an outcome for him, but by an unusual method. In my opinion, it was totally unacceptable Thinking if he did something awful he would go to prison, Judge Dorgan said. Judge Dorgan said she would put Roy Leahy, of 60 Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork, on an 18-month probation bond and review it in September 2025 to make sure of his attendance with the probation service. I am holding this over him. He is not to consume cocaine. He is to do everything directed for him by the probation service. I would hope that he would get some victim-empathy work as well, Judge Dorgan said. At Cork District Court, the facts were outlined by Sergeant Dave Delea: On April 26, at Gurranabraher Garda station, the accused man went into the carpark of the station and damaged the windscreen of a patrol car. He then went into the garda station and damaged the fire alarm attached to the wall. Sgt Delea added that when the accused man was searched, he had a tin of lighter fuel in his possession, but no attempt was made to use the lighter fuel. The defendant pleaded guilty to two criminal-damage charges and one of having under his control a tin of lighter fluid, intending without lawful excuse to use it to damage property. Carrigaline county councillor Seamus McGrath has said he plans to seek Fianna Fails nomination to run in the next general election, and hopes to win the Dail seat held by his brother, former finance minister Michael McGrath, since 2007. Seamus McGrath is leader of the Fianna Fail group in Cork County Council, and was re-elected at last months local elections, receiving the highest number of first preferences of any local candidate in the country. He received 5,191 first preferences in the Carrigaline local electoral area, more than 3,000 above the quota of 2,057 votes. He has been a county councillor for the past 17 years and he hopes to receive his partys nomination to contest the next general election in Cork South Central, when the constituency will increase from four to five seats. Mr McGraths brother, Michael, stepped down as finance minister late last month after it was confirmed by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin that he would be Irelands nominee to the European Commission. Michael McGrath remains a TD but will not be contesting the next general election, which must take place by March of next year, but which many suspect may occur in late October or early November. Speaking to The Echo this week, Seamus McGrath confirmed that he intends to seek the Fianna Fail nomination to contest the next election alongside Micheal Martin, who has been a TD in Cork South Central since 1989. Having consulted with family, friends and party members, I have decided to put my name forward, and I certainly would hope to receive some support from the members. We dont have a convention date yet, but certainly I will be putting myself forward and I would be delighted to be selected as a candidate and certainly would do my utmost to secure a seat for the party in Cork South Central, Mr McGrath said. Im taking nothing for granted, every election is different, I obviously received a very good vote in the recent local election and was very humbled by the level of support I received. But a local election is one thing and a general election is another thing and I will be fighting for every vote and taking nothing for granted, and putting in as strong a campaign as possible, with the hope of securing a seat. Mr McGrath, 49, is married to Gayle, and they have three young daughters. Cork County Council has advised people that a do not swim notice has been issued at Warren Beach in West Cork. The sandy beach is a popular amenity located at the mouth of Rosscarbery Bay. Cork County Council has advised people that a do not swim notice has been issued at Warren Beach in West Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare. The advisory from Cork County Council warns that a do not swim notice has been issued in the interest of public health due to high levels of bacteria in the water. Due to high levels of bacteria in the bathing water, in the interest of public health, a Prohibition Notice (Not to Swim) has been issued at the Warren Beach, in consultation with the HSE. Further microbiological tests are being carried out today, Cork County Council published on its website. In response to a query from The Echo, a spokesperson for the local authority confirmed "an ecoli noncompliance has been detected" at the popular beach. "As advised a further water sample has been taken today were awaiting the results," the spokesperson added. Cork County Council's Beachguards took to social media to advise that the water will be routinely tested and urged people to consider swimming at Tragumna, Owenahincha or Inchydoney beaches instead of the Warren. Birth control or contraception is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. Ciara OGorman, Development Manager with South Munster Citizens Information Services advises; You can get contraception from most pharmacies in Ireland. Most contraception will need a prescription from a GP but you do not need a prescription for emergency contraception or condoms. You can get prescriptions for contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as advice about contraception from GPs, voluntary organisations and private family planning clinics. Voluntary and private family planning clinics usually have charges but may waive them or have lower fees in certain cases. Free contraception has now been extended to women aged 32 to 35. This came into effect from 1 July 2024, says Ciara. You can get free contraception if you are: woman or person with a uterus Aged 17 to 35 Living in Ireland. What contraception costs are free for people aged 17 to 35? Any GP appointments about your contraception options Contraception prescriptions from your doctor (at participating pharmacies) Emergency contraception (the morning-after-pill) Fitting, removal and check-ups of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) Other types of contraception such as contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and contraceptive ring Prescriptions for combined oral contraception (the daily pill) How do I get free contraception if I am aged 17 to 35? You do not need a medical card, says Ciara. You can book an appointment with a GP or doctor to discuss your contraception. This appointment will be free. If you do not have a GP or do not want to go to a GP you can also get free contraception from some family planning clinics, womens health clinics, student health clinics or health centres. You can Freephone the HSE on 1800 700 700 to find a GP or clinic offering free contraception. At your appointment, you will need to give details of your PPS number, name, your date of birth and your address. Your information is used to let the pharmacy know not to charge you for your free contraception prescription. You can also collect your free contraception from some family planning clinics. Medical Cards & Contraception If you have a medical card, you get free contraceptive drugs, devices and free GP services including contraceptive advice. You can also get emergency contraception with the medical card. You will have to pay a prescription charge for items you get from pharmacies under the medical card scheme. If you do not have a medical card, and you are not eligible for the free contraception scheme, you will have to pay for contraception and contraceptive services. You may be able to reduce the cost of your contraception through the Drug Payment Scheme. For example, the cost of long-acting reversible contraceptives such as the IUS (hormonal coil) or IUD (copper coil). You may also be able to claim tax relief on medical expenses. You can get free condoms from: Sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics Some sexual health NGOs Many third level colleges You can also buy condoms without a prescription from many supermarkets, newsagents and pharmacies. Condoms are not free under the medical card or free contraception scheme. Emergency contraception Emergency contraception is a back-up contraception. You can use emergency contraception to stop an unplanned pregnancy after you have had sex without using contraception, or if your method of contraception has failed (for example, the condom slipped, or you missed a pill). You can choose different types of emergency contraception options: The emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning-after pill) The copper coil (also known as post-coital IUD) You can use emergency contraception up to five days after having unprotected sex, but it is more effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. You can get emergency contraception tablets over the counter in most pharmacies without having to go to a doctor for a prescription. You can get free emergency contraception if: You have a medical card, or You are a woman or person with a uterus, aged 17 to 35 and living in Ireland Unplanned pregnancy in Ireland If you have an unplanned pregnancy and need support, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has free confidential counselling and information services to help you consider your options and access the services that you need, says Ciara. My Options is a HSE free phone line (1800 828 010) and webchat ( www.myoptions.ie) providing free and confidential information and counselling for people experiencing unplanned pregnancy. Its important to note that this counselling and information service is also available to you if your partner is going through an unplanned pregnancy. John Beausang and Yvonne Rayner, Cork Citys Citizens Information Managers, said; Our telephone lines in Cork City are monitored from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, the Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street is open to the public Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9.45am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4.30pm. The Blackpool CIC is open to the public each morning from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Full details for all Citizens Information Centres and their opening times are available on our website. Vivienne Clarke Updated: 11.50am Taoiseach Simon Harris has condemned violent scenes in Coolock on Monday as "sheer thuggery". He said what took place at the former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road, which has been earmarked to accommodate international protection applicants, was not about a lack of community engagement. Fifteen people arrested during the disturbance on Monday appeared before a special sitting at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday night, charged with a range of public order offences. Four other people were also arrested. Speaking to RTE radios Morning Ireland on Tuesday morning, Mr Harris said Gardai and workers at the site should not have been put in danger. "I am somewhat perplexed that this morning that I still hear in media and political discourse a reference to protesters. "To be clear, when you decide to use a petrol bomb, you lost your right to be called a protester. "Im not quite sure why we have decided to, in any manner or means, legitimatise in any way, shape or form the actions of people who engaged in sheer thuggery yesterday evening and try to harm the men and women of An Garda Siochana, disrupt a community and cause utter chaos. "I want to pay respect to the people of Coolock, people who called for calm, and indeed people who cleaned up after others came to their community to cause chaos," the Taoiseach said. What we saw last night was such a distance away from my question about community engagement "Everybody knew this facility was going to be used to provide shelter for migrants. People can agree or disagree, but no amount of community engagement is required to tell somebody not to throw a brick, not to set a digger on fire, not to harm a security guard, not to put the men and women of An Garda Siochana in danger. "I've had it up to here with this 'whataboutery'," he said. "We will continue to communicate better with communities good, decent people across the country who want to talk about legitimate issues. "There's such a role for that, every community has a right to be engaged with, [but] what we saw last night was such a distance away from my question about community engagement. "It was sheer thuggery. It should be called out as such, and I want to really thank the Gardai for the very swift action they took in a very difficult circumstance that amounted to many arrests." Mr Harris reiterated: "This is not protest or an issue of community engagement. "This is an issue of a relatively small number of people who think they have a right to do whatever the hell they like in this country, who showed disdain for the laws of our land, disdain for the men and women of An Garda Siochana. "It was the hijacking of a situation by a group of people who engaged in utter thuggery, and its not a reflection by any means of the community of Coolock." Gardai in riot gear at the scene in Coolock on Monday. Photo: Collins The Taoiseach's comments come after Minister for Justice Helen McEntee defended the Garda response, telling Morning Ireland that officers acted "quickly and in force". "It is unacceptable that Gardai would be targeted in the way that they were. I want to commend them for the way in which they responded," she said. Ms McEntee added that misinformation and disinformation remained "an absolute focus" for the Government so they could provide clarity for communities regarding accommodating asylum seekers. "Minister [for Integration Roderic] O'Gorman and his department are engaging directly with communities," Ms McEntee said. "That engagement will continue, but again, it is not legitimate for any individual to use communications as a reason for this type of violent criminal behaviour." The Minister said she expects more people will come before the courts in the coming weeks and months in relation to Monday's scenes, adding that body cameras had been used by Gardai, and evidence from the cameras would be part of the process. Speaking on the use of body-cams, Mr Harris said he was "particularly pleased" to see their benefit, "because I've no doubt that would have been very, very helpful in gathering important evidence in relation to a scene". Deja vu Meanwhile, Fianna Fail councillor Daryl Barron blamed Monday's "shocking and disturbing" violence on the "lack of clarity and communication" from the Department of Integration with the community in Coolock. Also speaking to Morning Ireland, Cllr Barron said the scene had been "like a bit of deja vu all over again", comparing it to rioting which broke out in Dublin city centre last November. "The destruction of Garda vehicles, the damage to property within the vicinity, just the shocking, sheer shocking scenes. "I outrightly, condemn the violence that happened. A lot of these people who did these arson attacks are not from the local community, and that in itself is truly, truly shocking," Cllr Barron said. He added that he had known there was opposition to plans to accommodate international protection applicants at the site on the Malahide Road, as the issue was frequently mentioned to him during his clinics with constituents. Photo: Collins "I think people understand that we have a duty of care to look after people that are seeking refuge in our country, but the reality is that the lack of transparency, the lack of communication with community groups hasn't been good enough. "That in itself is what a certain element of society is feeding off." He added the lack of information on the matter is "causing people a bit of anxiety". "The lack of clarity from the department has been unacceptable. The last follow-up engagement meeting was the 8th of April. "That's over three calendar months since we had a meeting with the department. The reality is, is that that's not good enough. "There has was no engagement up until yesterday. There has been no engagement. There was an email sent out at 12.30(pm) yesterday to local politicians. That's not good enough," Cllr Barron said. However, speaking to RTE's Today with Claire Byrne show, Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton echoed Mr Harris' comments, claiming those involved in Monday's violence do not represent the community in Coolock. "I find it totally galling to see people waving our national flag and claiming to be protecting the local community because nothing could be further from the truth. What patriot would condone this?" Mr Bruton said. He added: "Of course, issues will be raised about other needs in the community, and they're absolutely legitimate, and we're all working on those, but as you know, there has been an openness about what has been proposed. "Anyone who wants to know what's being put forward, that information was there, it was circulated in quite considerable time." Mr Bruton said those who took part in anti-social behaviour on Monday were "isolationists" and were not concerned about efforts to improve the local community or integration. "They are trying to exploit the uncertainty that people feel about the fact that there are higher levels of migration coming to this country as to every other European country at the moment, because that's the reality here, and there's no perfect way of managing this." Isabel Hayes A man who sexually assaulted a young woman in Dublin city centre after following her around for half an hour as she tried to get away from him has been jailed for two years and three months. Adel Kerai (26) had just arrived in the Republic of Ireland five days earlier when he saw the 22-year-old woman waiting for her boyfriend outside a store on O'Connell Street and decided he fancied her, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Kerai, of no fixed abode in Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to one count of sexually assaulting the woman on Henry Street on December 10th 2023. He is originally from Algeria and is seeking asylum in this country, defence counsel said. The woman was on the phone to her boyfriend at the time, which was around 11pm, the court heard. Kerai approached the woman and started speaking to her, managing to hang up her phone in the process, Garda Stephen Conran told Patrick McCullough BL, prosecuting. The woman started walking towards the GPO and then turned down Henry Street in an effort to get away from Kerai, but he followed her and put his arm around her shoulders. They walked down to the end of Henry Street, with the woman still trying to shake off Kerai. The incident culminated in Kerai trying to kiss the woman, putting his hand down her top and touching her genital area over her clothes before pressing his erect penis against her. The woman tried to push Kerai off, but he was too strong, the court heard. At that point, her boyfriend phoned her back and a passer-by came to her aid when they saw she was crying. Two gardai on foot patrol also noticed something was amiss and came on the scene. Prosecution counsel said the entire incident lasted for 30 minutes, with portions of the offence captured on CCTV. Kerai was arrested at the scene and has been in custody ever since. He had no passport or official documents to show gardai and initially gave a different name and date of birth. He has four previous convictions from the UK, where he was living for one year prior to coming to Dublin. He is originally from Algeria and is seeking asylum here on the basis that he was persecuted for his political beliefs. A victim impact statement was handed to court, but not read out. Keith Spencer BL, defending, said his client fancied this young lady and was under the misapprehension that she liked him too. He said Kerai had drunk alcohol that day, which affected his judgement. He wished to apologise unreservedly for his actions that day, the court heard. Mr Spencer said Kerai intends to apply for asylum in this country and wishes to build a life for himself here upon his release from custody. Sentencing him on Tuesday, Judge Martin Nolan said Kerai had no right whatsover to behave in this way and that the entire encounter was totally uninvited. He said an aggravating factor was the way he approached her, totally without invitation, on a public street when she was going about her business. For the injured party, this was very frightening, he said. How he approached this girl was particularly bizarre - to walk up to somebody and behave this way, the judge said. He set a headline sentence of four years and reduced it to 27 months, taking mitigating factors into account. He backdated it to last December when Kerai went into custody. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. 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. A high population density, low-income area of Kolkata, India on World Population Day, July 11, 2024. According to the UN, Indias population is expected to remain the worlds largest throughout the century and decline by 12 percent after peaking at 1.7 billion in the 2060s. Sudipta Das / NurPhoto via Getty Images According to new projections from the United Nations, the global human population will likely peak at a lower level earlier than expected, which officials have said offers hope for less pressure on the environment. The report, World Population Prospects 2024: Summary of Results, says the planets population is projected to keep growing in the next 50 or 60 years, peaking in the mid-2080s at roughly 10.3 billion people. Thats up from the current population of 8.2 billion. Once it peaks, the global population will likely start to decline slowly, falling to about 10.2 billion by centurys end. The likelihood that the population will peak this century is about 80 percent. This represents a major change compared to projections produced by the United Nations a decade ago, when the estimated probability that global population growth would end during the twenty-first century was around 30 per cent, the UN report said. The size of the worlds population in 2100 is now expected to be 6 per cent smaller or about 700 million people fewer than anticipated a decade ago. One in four people on Earth currently live in a country where the population has already peaked. Thats 63 countries and areas including China, the Russian Federation, Germany and Japan which contain 28 percent of the global population in 2024. The population in these locations is predicted to experience a decline of 14 percent in the next three decades. The earlier occurrence of a peak in the projected size of the global population is due to several factors including lower than-expected levels of fertility in recent years in some of the worlds largest countries, particularly China, the report said. In 48 countries and areas, representing 10 per cent of the worlds population in 2024, population size is projected to peak between 2025 and 2054. This group includes Brazil, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkiye and Viet Nam. The lower population projections could have benefits for the environment, according to Li Junhua, the UNs economic and social affairs undersecretary general. The earlier and lower peak is a hopeful sign. This could mean reduced environmental pressures from human impacts due to lower aggregate consumption, Junhua said, while cautioning that slower population growth will not eliminate the need to reduce the average impact attributable to the activities of each individual person, as The Guardian reported. The populations of the other 126 countries will continue to increase, meaning they will need to look into how to minimise future environmental impacts while meeting the needs of their growing populations, according to the UN. Nine countries are expected to double their populations before 2054, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Angola, Niger and the Central African Republic. Currently, the global fertility rate stands at 2.3 live births per woman, down from 3.3 births in 1990. More than half of all countries and areas globally have fertility below 2.1 births per woman, the level required for a population to maintain a constant size in the long run without migration, the report said. Almost a fifth of women, including in China, have fertility rates of less than 1.4 live births, a fertility rate that is considered ultra-low. For the first time last year, deaths among children under five years of age fell below five million, which is expected to either slow rates of decline or contribute to population growth in most countries in the coming decades, the report said. People are predicted to have a life expectancy of approximately 77.4 years on average by 2054, compared with 73.3 years currently. By the late 2070s, the global population aged 65 and older is projected to reach 2.2 billion, exceeding the number of children under 18. By the mid-2030s, those aged 80 and over will outnumber infants (1 year of age or less), reaching 265 million, the UN Summary of Results said. Countries that are at more advanced stages in the process of demographic ageing should consider the use of technology to improve productivity at all ages. They should also design more opportunities for lifelong learning and re-training, support multigenerational workforces and create opportunities to extend working lives for those who can and want to continue working. A crew works to lay pipeline that will transport water to a large farm in the San Joaquin Valley in 2015. Kings County farmers have challenged their probationary status under Californias landmark law regulating groundwater and won a temporary halt to enforcement. Leah Millis/The Chronicle Californias crackdown on farmers who pump too much water hit a snag this week when a judge in Kings County tentatively halted enforcement of the states landmark groundwater law. Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini issued a temporary restraining order against the State Water Resources Control Board on Monday, prohibiting the agency from regulating groundwater pumping in a swath of the southern San Joaquin Valley known as the Tulare Lake subbasin. At a hearing Monday, the judge seemed receptive to arguments made by the Kings County Farm Bureau that the state regulation would cause too much economic harm to the largely agricultural community between Fresno and Bakersfield. The ruling remains in place until the matter can be discussed at another hearing next month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In April, the Tulare Lake subbasin became the first part of California to be put on probation for failing to meet early requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA. The subbasin has seen aquifers run low, wells dry up and land sink nearly 6 feet because of excessive pumping. Under probation, farmers in the area are required to install meters on their pumps, report how much groundwater they use and pay pumping fees. The Kings County Farm Bureau and two landowners sued over the probationary status, contending that the state went too far in enforcing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. They say the costs of compliance are steep, given the slim margins of farming cotton, hay and almonds, which are the regions mainstays. Were not arguing whether or not SGMA should exist. It probably should, frankly, Dusty Ference, the executive director of the Kings County Farm Bureau, told the Chronicle. The problem is that if we remain on probation and were forced to adhere to an interim plan that is overly aggressive and unnecessary, it literally turns our entire county into a ghost town. Ference praised this weeks decision in the case and said he hopes the courts continue to see the merits of their suit as it moves forward. The farm bureau has begun a public fundraiser to support the legal effort. State water officials said in a statement that they disagree with the ruling. They said theyre reviewing their options for fighting it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When local planning efforts are insufficient, the probationary process under board oversight is a key facet of SGMAs design, the statement read. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was signed into law by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014 in a bid to help restore Californias many overdrafted aquifers. While taking water from rivers and reservoirs has long been regulated, pumping groundwater has mostly not been. SGMA was designed to take effect gradually, with the sustainable management of aquifers not required until the early 2040s, so that farmers would have time to respond. However, the state water board has put in place incremental steps for communities to follow. The water board determined that Tulare Lake subbasins required plan for groundwater management did not offer a sufficient path to aquifer recovery. A handful of other subbasins have similarly been scrutinized for their management plans, but only the Tulare Lake subbasin has been put on probation so far. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bhutan's dairy production reaches 48,014 metric tonnes in 2023 Bhutan's total dairy production reached 48,014 metric tonnes (MT) last year, according to the country's Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census 2023 (IALC 2023), Kuensel reported. The IALC 2023 attributed this growth to initiatives such as dairy breed intensification programmes, improved management practices, enhanced nutrition and animal health services, and strengthened farmers' institutions in the dairy sector. Between 2022 and 2023, dairy production saw an increase of 1,739 MT. Specifically, the economy recorded about 43,829 MT of milk, 1,727 MT of butter, 2,326 MT of cheese, and 132 MT of chugo, a type of Bhutan hardened cheese, during this period. Among the country's districts, Trashigang led in the production of milk, butter, and cheese, with totals of 5,503 MT, 226 MT, and 311 MT, respectively. However, cheese production decreased slightly by 2% last year due to increased chugo production and higher demand for buttermilk in the market. To enhance the dairy breed intensification programme, the ministry supplied a total of 71,653 litres of liquid nitrogen across 130 artificial insemination centres last year, improving about 1,174 acres of pasture for dairy cattle. According to a press release from Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the introduction of sexed-semen technology, one of the advanced reproductive biotechnologies, aimed to increase the milking cattle population with the potential of producing over 90 percent female progenies. The Bhutan Trade Statistics 2023 reported that the country exported about 267.89 MT of milk, butter, and cheese worth BTN 29.37 million (US$350,000). Despite this, Bhutan imported 13,060.46 MT of milk and milk products worth BTN 1.31 billion (US$15.6 billion). Additionally, the country imported 389.75 MT of butter worth BTN 160.4 million (US$1.9 million) and 1,451.79 MT of cheese worth BTN 677.84 million (US$8 million). Currently, Bhutan has a cattle population of close to 222,600, a steady decline from over 320,000 in the 1960s. - Kuensel Assembly Member Chris Ward and members of the LGBTQ caucus announce a bill to ban school policies forcing teachers to out trans students to their parents on May 22 in Sacramento. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law Monday. Courtesy of Assembly Member Chris Ward Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed into law a measure that forbids California schools from issuing so-called forced outing policies that require teachers to notify parents if students request to use different pronouns, a new name or otherwise identify as transgender. The legislation was introduced in May in response to a wave of such policies passing in at least a dozen school districts across the state during the previous school year. All of the policies had been challenged, in some cases in court, and none are being enforced. Opponents of outing policies say they infringe on students right to privacy, and in some cases could jeopardize childrens safety if their parents dont approve of their gender identity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The outing policies triggered a wave of public outcry in affected school districts and beyond, and several school board members have been recalled at least in part over parental notification policies. A measure that would have put in place a statewide policy forcing schools to out transgender students to their parents failed to collect enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. We are excited and grateful for the governor signing this into law. This signature allows California to continue to lead on protections for LGBTQ+ students, said Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, which supported the measure. California is the first state in the nation to explicitly ban these forced outing policies, Hoang said. Coupled with the recent recalls of school board members championing these policies, that shows that at the end of the day, California schools are supposed to be inclusive and accepting for all students. The legislation was introduced by Assembly Member Christopher Ward, D-San Diego. He said in a statement Monday that Newsom signing the measure into law ensures that discussions about gender identity remain a private matter within the family. The law bolsters existing state protections for LGBTQ students, in particular those who identify as transgender; it prevents teachers and staff from retaliation if they disobey school policies that require them to report students; and it provides resources for LGBTQ students and their families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were just trying to help kids, said state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton, who supported the legislation. And were trying not to get schools in between children and their parents. Opponents of the law had spoken out against the idea that children had a right to keep their sexual or gender identity private from their parents. This bill creates a wall of secrecy between schools and families, said Jonathan Keller, president of the conservative California Family Council, in a statement earlier this month. It threatens the fundamental rights of parents to be informed and involved in their childrens lives, potentially leading to situations where parents are unaware of their childs struggles until it is too late. Some of the worlds largest tech companies trained their AI models on a dataset that included transcripts of more than 173,000 YouTube videos without permission, a new investigation from Proof News has found. The dataset, which was created by a nonprofit company called EleutherAI, contains transcripts of YouTube videos from more than 48,000 channels and was used by Apple, NVIDIA and Anthropic among other companies. The findings of the investigation spotlight AIs uncomfortable truth: the technology is largely built on the backs of data siphoned from creators without their consent or compensation. The dataset doesnt include any videos or images from YouTube, but contains video transcripts from the platform's biggest creators including Marques Brownlee and MrBeast, as well as large news publishers like The New York Times, the BBC, and ABC News. Subtitles from videos belonging to Engadget are also part of the dataset. Apple has sourced data for their AI from several companies, Brownlee posted on X. One of them scraped tons of data/transcripts from YouTube videos, including mine, he added. This is going to be an evolving problem for a long time. Apple has sourced data for their AI from several companies One of them scraped tons of data/transcripts from YouTube videos, including mine Apple technically avoids "fault" here because they're not the ones scraping But this is going to be an evolving problem for a long time https://t.co/U93riaeSlY Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) July 16, 2024 A Google spokesperson told Engadget that previous comments made by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan saying that companies using YouTube's data to train AI models would violate the paltform's terms and service still stand. Apple, NVIDIA, Anthropic and EleutherAI did not respond to a request for comment from Engadget. So far, AI companies havent been transparent about the data used to train their models. Earlier this month, artists and photographers criticized Apple for failing to reveal the source of training data for Apple Intelligence, the company own spin on generative AI coming to millions of Apple devices this year. However, Apple told 9to5Mac on July 17 that its OpenELM model doesn't power any of its AI or machine learning features, including Apple Intelligence. Rather, the company said that the model was created strictly for research purposes. Previously, Apple has stated that its Apple Intelligence models were trained on "licensed data, including data selected to enhance specific features, as well as publicly available data collected by our web-crawler," as 9to5Mac noted. YouTube, the worlds largest repository of videos, in particular, is a goldmine of not only transcripts but also audio, video, and images, making it an attractive dataset for training AI models. Earlier this year, OpenAIs chief technology officer, Mira Murati, evaded questions from The Wall Street Journal about whether the company used YouTube videos to train Sora, OpenAIs upcoming AI video generation tool. Im not going to go into the details of the data that was used, but it was publicly available or licensed data, Murati said at the time. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has also said that companies using data from YouTube to train their AI models would violate of the platforms terms of service. If you want to see if subtitles from your YouTube videos or from your favorite channels are part of the dataset, head over to the Proof News' lookup tool. Update, July 16 2024, 3:17 PM PT: This story has been updated to include a statement from Google. Update July 19, 2024, 2:32 AM ET: Story updated with comment from Apple that its OpenELM model doesn't power Apple Intelligence or any of its other AI or machine learning features. A group of record labels that include Universal, Capitol, Warner and Sony has filed a lawsuit against Verizon, accusing it of "contributory and vicarious copyright infringement." Verizon "knowingly provides its high-speed service to a massive community of online pirates," the companies said in their complaint. Apparently, the plaintiffs have sent the internet provider "hundreds of thousands" of copyright infringement notices over the past few years, identifying subscribers who've been using Verizon's network to share copyrighted music via peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks. Verizon, they said, acknowledged that it received their notices. The company allegedly chose to ignore them and continued to provide internet services to "thousands of known repeat infringers so it could continue to collect millions of dollars from them." Since it didn't terminate the accounts of the alleged copyright infringers, Verizon "obtained a direct financial benefit" from their "continuing infringing activity," the plaintiffs argued. The labels are asking for damages worth up to $150,000 for each work infringed. Based on the list posted by Ars Technica, 17,335 titles are involved in the case, which means Verizon could be fined for as much as $2.6 billion. Back in 2018, music labels also sued Cox Communications for allegedly refusing to fully terminate the accounts of users who were pirating music. A US District Court jury originally sided with the labels and ordered Cox to pay $1 billion in damages. But earlier this year, an appeals court overturned the verdict and found that the provider didn't profit directly from its users' activities. A group of record labels also sued Charter Communications in 2021 over over song piracy and similarly accused the company of turning a "blind eye" to music piracy. Amber Rose spoke at the Republican National Convention Monday, voicing her support for conservative nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Rose, ex-girlfriend of controversial rapper Kanye West, claimed she was initially swayed to believe "left wing propaganda" that Trump was a racist, but after some research, she's come to a different conclusion. In an effort to prove to her father that he indeed was a racist, she found herself switching sides. Not only does she now endorse Trump, she also stated "red hat-wearing supporters" are all about "love." RELATED: Two D.C. Women Who Allegedly Killed Their 'Sugar Daddy' And Cut Off His Thumb To Steal Money Face Murder Charges Amber Rose gives a powerful speech at the RNC Convention: Im no politician and I dont want to be, but I do care about the truth, and the truth is that the media has lied to us about Donald Trump .. I know this because, for a long time, I believed those lies so Im here to pic.twitter.com/MUGxhSP0wj Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 16, 2024 "People have to do their research," the 40-year-old said in front of thousands during the National Convention. "I watched all the rallies. And I started meeting so many of you his red hat-wearing supporters. I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don't care if you're Black, White, gay, or straight it's all love," she said in the clip obtained by 'ABC News'. She continued: "And that's when it hit me: These are my people. This is where I belong," she told the cheering crowd below. Rose known as the face of 'SlutWalk', a feminist transnational movement to bring an end to slut shaming claimed the media misguided her views and now sees Trump as a path toward a better America. "I'm here tonight to tell you, no matter your political background, that the best chance we have to give our babies a better life is to elect Donald Trump president of the United States," the mother of one said. RELATED: Tyler Perry Reveals He Enjoys Building And Flying Planes As A Hobby, But 'Cocaine Is Cheaper' A bandaged Trump arrived at the RNC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, somewhat emotional as he was seen mouthing "Thank you" to a crowd of cheering fans. 'ABC News' described the candidate as "subdued" with a more quiet demeanor than the American public is used to. Trump, 78, announced his running mate Monday as Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who became a "loyal ally" and now the first millennial to join a major-party ticket, per the 'Associated Press.' Vance proudly sat next to Trump in his box during the convention. The 39-year-old became known after publishing his memoir, 'Hillbilly Elegy,' telling the story of a family and culture in crisis in 2016. In 2022, he was elected to the Senate and later became a champion of Trump's MAGA slogan and agenda, "Make America Great Again," per the news outlet. In a major legal win for Donald Trump, a US judge in Florida dismissed the criminal case accusing the former president of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office. Tuesday, July 16, 2024 During my boyhood years in the remote Ghanaian village of Boadua, there were two categories of men there that no one, including children, respected. The first group consisted of drunkards who abused a locally made hard liquor called akpeteshie, which is produced from the sap of palm trees. Extra-strength vodka would be an appropriate name for that alcohol because of its potency. Those who consumed it were incapacitated for long stretches of time and could barely function. That is why no one took them seriously. The second group included men who did not drink and thus were always sober. But they struggled financially due to lack of viable opportunities to make a living. That was in fact the case for all men in the village, but most found ways to get by. Those few who lacked ideas used sneaky ways to enter other peoples homes to find meals. They picked a few families and made friends with one or two people in each. Every evening, when families were preparing dinner, these men would hang around as if they had come to visit their friends. Invariably, they were served some food. After eating, they made small talk and then quietly slipped away. They rotated, so often it took several days for one of those familiar faces to make a repeat visit to a home. A person who ate meals in such fashion in other peoples homes was referred to in the local parlance as ohuanfo, which loosely translates to parasite. The ahuanfo (plural form) were particularly despised by children in the village. That was because whatever food was served to them led to smaller portions for everyone else in the household. In an environment characterized by large family sizes and rampant poverty, it is easy to see why those unwelcome visitors were a nuisance. Some of the information revealed in the coverage of the recent protests in Kenya brought back memories of the disrespected men in my village. Kenyas President William Ruto recently proposed a bill aimed at raising $2.7 billion in taxes to reduce the national debt, currently estimated at more than $80 billion. The new taxes would have fallen disproportionately on the countrys poor, and the bill triggered mass demonstrations during which protestors stormed parliament and set it on fire. Security forces killed at least 39 people and injured 360 others. What so angered the protestors was their discovery that the countrys lawmakers lived lavishly, while the average people who struggled to find jobs and food to eat were going to be saddled with heavy taxes on everyday essentials like bread. One legislator is said to have posted videos of himself on TikTok admiring his gleaming Range Rover, a Mercedes G Wagon and a Lexus. Several politicians reportedly own private helicopters that they purchased with stolen public funds. They load them with mounds of cash (also stolen from public coffers) and fly around the country dishing out favors to their cronies. The violent demonstrations prompted President Ruto to acknowledge that some officials displayed obnoxious opulence. He announced the dismissal of his entire cabinet, saying that after listening to Kenyans and reflecting, he had decided to set up a new broad-based government. President Ruto cannot pretend to have been unaware of the insanity that was on display within the political establishment. Sadly, that is a common feature across the entire continent of Africa. Every country there is a powder keg today. And in every single one of them, it wouldnt take much to trigger the kind of explosion that the world witnessed in Kenya recently. Mark Rutte, who served as Dutch prime minister from October 2010 until July 2, 2024, famously rode his bicycle to work as often as he could. German frugality is legendary. Enshrined in Germanys constitution is a debt brake provision that essentially forces the country to live within its means. Scandinavian and most other European countries are similarly fiscally disciplined. The financial irresponsibility of African politicians is not a secret to European leaders. I wonder what the bicycle-riding wealthy men think of the helicopter-flying poor men when they come begging for aid. Could anyone blame Mr. Rutte if he harbored a bit of scorn for the African leaders he regularly met with to discuss debt-relief for the continent? At various international conferences over the last couple of years, President Ruto has repeatedly asked for the setup of a new global financial architecture. He argues that within this new framework, developing countries should be given equal say in decision-making. The akpeteshie drinkers in my village were only semi-conscious most of the time so they werent much aware of the disdain people had for them. But Ruto has been sounding a lot like an ohuanfo who has no shame. To their credit, the ahuanfo in Boadua did not go around thumping their chests and demanding respect. Perhaps those of us in the village should have had a bit of sympathy for them because they at least had an excuse for their situation. There is no basis for such compassion for the flamboyant African politicians who drive their countries into penury. And I cant find any justification either for Rutos bravura. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons brother X (from left), husband Brian and son Aidan pose with Kevin for a family portrait at Gentilly restaurant in San Francisco. Courtesy Kevin Fisher-Paulson In 1991, my husband Brian and I moved from Jersey City to San Francisco. We reinvented ourselves: the classic Western romance of the deputy and the dance hall girl: Brian with ODC San Francisco as well as many other Bay Area choreographers. Me with the San Francisco Sheriffs Office. We bought a bungalow in the Outer, Outer, Outer, Outer Excelsior. We adopted Zane and Aidan. And all of that has gone into this column. Over the three decades since our move, neither Brian nor I saw lot of our siblings. His lives in Maine, and at the time, my Brothers X and XX lived on Long Island. We gathered only when relatives got hatched, matched or dispatched. But lately the question of my own dispatch arose. I had a bad reaction to the chemo. Then a small stroke. Im not a pessimist, but when the parish priest recommended a funeral parlor director, I started tying together a few loose ends. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brother X called to say that he would visit in July. I at first demurred, Look, X, you are the busiest 74-year-old man I know. You watch Granddaughter of X by yourself at least once a week. You watch Grandson of X by yourself at least once a week. You volunteer for the Lions Club. You prop up Brother XX, who is even more of a neer-do-well than I am. You take Daughter of X to 98% of her oncology visits. Favorite great-uncles Kevin (left) and Brian Fisher-Paulson are pictured with the grandson and granddaughter of Kevins brother X. Provided by Kevin Fisher-Paulson He insisted. I called back from the emergency room a few days ago and said, Look, Im sleeping 17 hours a day now, and Im on a new course of radiation. This will be no fun for you. On the other side of the line, I heard Girlfriend of X say, This is how all you Paulson men talk. Kevin just had a stroke. Youre going. X flew in on Sunday and sat up with Brian while I slept. And visited with his nephews. And he came back the next morning, even though I had just been blasted with more radiation. And again the next morning, after even more radiation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And in those few hours I was awake we compared notes on how the two of us had been doing on opposite sides of the continent for these past 30 years. And we talked about our mom, Nurse Vivian. I told X that he had inherited her compassion. And he told me that Hap had been a carnival barker at Rockaway Beach and how I looked more like him every day. I told him that writing a column for the Chronicle was a lot like being a barker, the guy at the circus who is so loud you just cant help paying attention. Family values: We had both been men in devoted marriages doing what we could to each raise two children. Tuesday evening, during my few hours of wakefulness, we took him to dinner at Gentilly, the love child of the Castro and the French Quarter. Wednesday had been our date night. But back in October, the owners mother, Mary, wrote to me. She knew that I loved the song A Parting Glass, but I knew no one in San Francisco who could sing it well. Her son-in-law, Jake, who also worked there, sang this as a lullaby. While I was healthy, we hit different nights of the week hoping to find him. And here, on this Tuesday, Jake was there at last. My brother and I shared the fried chicken, because even at my healthiest I could never finish that and the sides of fried mac n cheese and the Cajun beans. Brian had the crab cakes. Aidan had the brisket cheeseburger. It was busy in the front room, but not in the back, and Jake delivered a plate of beignets with a candle to celebrate Xs birthday. Then Jake sang: But since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not, Ill gently rise and Ill softly call, Good night and joy be with you all. With that, my brother and I tipped our ginger ales toward each other and toasted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Aidan clinked: To the best brothers in the world. Was this our last parting glass together? We certainly hope not. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons brother X prepares to blow out the candle on his birthday beignets at Gentilly restaurant in San Francisco. Courtesy Kevin Fisher-Paulson X offered another toast with the final sip: Youre not giving up. Were both too stubborn for that. We keep going until your doctor finds a cure. Brian needs to know we will be there. For both of you. Because family, and kindness, matter. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons book Secrets of the Blue Bungalow (Fearless Books, $25) is available at fearlessbooks.com and area bookstores. A 21-year-old Bozeman man is facing an attempted deliberate homicide charge after he allegedly struck someone with his vehicle at a car meet, fled and subsequently barricaded himself at home when confronted by law enforcement. Keinan Carrier appeared in Justice Court on Monday, where bail was set at $500,000 by Judge Bryan Adams. He was also charged with two other felonies: assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment. According to an affidavit of probable cause, Carrier attended a car club event at the Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman on Friday where he allegedly got into a physical altercation with another participant. Carrier is said to have returned to his 1993 Cadillac DeVille and allegedly proceeded to drive in circles, at a relatively high rate of speed, around the car meet. After a couple of close calls with participants, Carrier allegedly struck the victim, causing (them) to roll over the front drivers side hood of Carriers vehicle and the victim alleged that at one point, Carrier said, Asian driver, no survivors. The affidavit noted that Carrier is Asian American, and that his statement suggests he was telling those nearby that he intended to hit and kill persons present with his vehicle. Bozeman-based attorney Eric Brewer was with Carrier in Justice Court and opposed the correlation regarding Carriers statement. The justification for the attempted homicide is based on a (sic) statement made by Mr. Carrier about his driving, Brewer said. I dont think that can possibly hold up to prove an attempted homicide... I think were overcharged here. Brewer asked Adams to appoint a public defender for Carrier, and he confirmed to the Chronicle that he represented Carrier in the past but that it was unclear if he would be retained for this case. Korin Ziegler, the prosecutor and Special Deputy County Attorney said Carrier had alerts in the police system for assault on a peace officer, resisting and following a Belgrade police officer back to the station after receiving a citation, and that he has been displaying concerning behaviors and is clearly escalating. After the incident, the victim was transported to the Bozeman Health Deaconess Medical Center and later met with law enforcement where a detective noticed numerous lacerations, bruising and blood on his clothing. Forty witnesses reportedly contacted law enforcement, and officers later located Carrier at his home where he allegedly barricaded himself inside. In a joint effort between the Bozeman Police Department and the Gallatin County Sheriffs Office, Carrier eventually exited his home and was taken into custody. On Monday in Justice Court, Adams issued the state-recommended $500,000 bail and ordered Carrier not to attend any cars and coffee events, come within 300 feet of the Gallatin Valley Mall and not to contact the alleged victims. Because of the allegations contained in the affidavit of probable cause and the threats to society that I see here today with the actions and your history, Im setting bail at 500,000 as requested, Adams said. Carrier faces up to 130 years or life in prison. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 62F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. Low 36F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. DARLINGTON, Pa. Public water could be coming to a rural community in western Pennsylvania impacted by the train derailment in a neighboring Ohio community. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, and U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, announced that Darlington Township received a $3.66 million Community Project Funding Grant to extend public water lines to the township where residents use private wells and springs for their drinking water. Thats a damn good win for the people of Darlington Township and Beaver County, Casey said, during a press event to announce the funding July 12 at the Darlington Township Municipal Complex. The need for access to public water came after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, just a few hundred feet from the state line with Pennsylvania. Despite potential health effects, officials intentionally released and burned toxic vinyl chloride from several train cars three days after the crash, sending a cloud of smoke and smog downwind into Pennsylvania. Its more of a home run than an outright win, though, as the project will take at least $7.5 million to get off the ground, according to estimates from the township. Mike Carreon, chairman of the Darlington Township Board of Supervisors, wants Norfolk Southern to pitch in $5 million to make up the difference. Carreon said Darlington Township sent a letter to Norfolk Southern requesting the money in April, but they havent heard anything back from the railroad company. Norfolk Southern contributed more than $5 million to overhaul East Palestines municipal water system. Overall the company has given more than $109 million to East Palestine and surrounding communities, which includes $25 million to upgrade the East Palestine City Park. Pennsylvania communities have received $9.2 million from Norfolk Southern, most of which has gone to reimburse local fire departments and state agencies for work done in responding to the derailment, according to the company. Norfolk Southern has continued to duck responsibility to western Pennsylvania, Carreon said. The plan The access to public water would alleviate concerns from some Darlington residents that their groundwater could be contaminated from chemicals and toxins released during the burnoff. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection did not find any groundwater or soil contamination related to the derailment after testing private wells, soil and plant tissue miles of the site; the agency said it does not expect short or long-term impacts to ground or surface water in Pennsylvania, but monitoring will continue. Darlington Township wants to extend a water line from the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority to an industrial park within the township and put in a water station, where residents can pay to fill up containers of water. The goal is to allow residents along the line to tap in at no cost, if they wanted to, but not require them to use public water. If there is groundwater contamination years later, the township would have the infrastructure in place to extend public water access as needed directly to peoples homes, Carreon said. Rail safety About 50 cars derailed and caught fire due to an overheated wheel bearing on Feb. 3, 2023. The flames could be seen from miles away and the wreckage smoldered for days afterward. Some of the train cars ruptured, spilling their harmful contents into a waterway that runs through the heart of East Palestine. Three days later, working on incomplete information provided by Norfolk Southern, officials decided to vent and burn vinyl chloride from five of the derailed train cars that they believed was becoming unstable. NTSB investigators recently said that Norfolk Southern and its contractors compromised the integrity of the vent-and-burn decision by withholding information from Oxy Vinyls, the company that made the vinyl chloride, and evidence that the tank cars were cooling after the crash. I asked the question why, Deluzio said. It seems to me that they wanted to get their trains moving again at the expense of our health and safety, and thats unacceptable to me. During their stop in Darlington, Deluzio and Casey also renewed calls for improved rail safety to prevent a situation like what happened in East Palestine from happening again. The Railway Safety Act is stalled in Congress, but Deluzio said a similar bill, the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act, was recently introduced in the House with bipartisan support and is gaining momentum. Its not just enough to push this railroad to be held accountable, Deluzio said. We have to make freight rail safer. I know we can. (The Associated Press contributed information to this report.) Most farmers are still reporting some level of unreliable mobile signal across outdoor locations on their farm, a new survey warns. The NFU survey has revealed that poor mobile and broadband connectivity continues to significantly hinder farmers ability to run their businesses. More than 750 farmers were surveyed, with around three quarters reporting unreliable signals in areas of their farms. While farmers have seen a 10% increase in 5G access, 6% of those surveyed still have no access to 4G or 5G on their smartphones. Broadband speeds have improved, with 58% of farmers now finding them adequate for the needs of their business, a 10% rise from last year. However, only 34% of farmer respondents told the NFU that they have fibre broadband. Reliable connectivity is crucial for everyday farming operations, from submitting VAT returns and using GPS on tractors to communicating with customers so they can comply with UK regulations and operate their businesses efficiently. Additionally, mobile signal is vital for health and safety, especially for farmers working alone in remote areas. NFU vice president Rachel Hallos explained that reliable internet and mobile access were key to achieving better food security. Despite there being some improvements in access, it needs to go further. Its very worrying that three quarters of farmers still have mobile signal gaps on their farms. "This not only impacts the day-to-day operations of rural businesses but also the safety of our workforce." Th NFU said the lack of sufficient mobile and broadband connectivity was a barrier to greater productivity, growth and investment into the rural economy. The government has pledged to deliver gigabit broadband and 5G by 2030, but the union said there needed to be more detailed plans to deliver this in rural areas. "That is why we are asking the government to prioritise improving rural connectivity," Ms Hallos said. What does the survey show? The results of the NFU's 2023 Digital Access Survey set out the current state of digital access on farm for rural businesses. It surveyed 755 farmers and grower between February and March 2024. Only half (51%) of farmers believe they have a sufficient mobile signal. Only 24% get reliable mobile signal in all outdoor locations on farm. This leaves more than three quarters (76%) without reliable signal in some or many locations on their farm, despite 97% of respondents believing that mobile signal is important for their business. Only 20% of farmers have access to 5G. Just over half (58%) of farmers have broadband speeds adequate for business needs, which is 10% higher than last year. 10% have broadband speeds of less than 2 Mbps. Only 34% of respondents have fibre broadband. Tesco has announced it will trial a methane-reducing feed supplement for dairy cows as part of an initiative to cut its carbon footprint. The retailer will partner with Cheshire-based Grosvenor Farms, one of its key UK dairy farms, to trial the feed supplement in 400 cows for four months. The innovative ingredient Bovaer, supplied by dsm-firmenich, which has been shown to reduce methane emissions by up to 30%, will be trialled. If implemented across the whole of Grosvenor Farms, Tesco said it could lead to an overall reduction in farm greenhouse gas emissions of up to 12%. The supplement works by suppressing the enzymes responsible for producing methane, leading to a reduction in the amount produced as the cow digests its food. As a result of the enhanced feed, the carbon footprint of each cow is projected to reduce by about 1.3 tonnes CO2e annually, according to Tesco. If the four-month trial is successful, the supermarket chain hopes to scale up the use of Bovae. Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture at Tesco said: "Im delighted were going to be partnering with Grosvenor Farms on a project that could have such a significant effect on emissions reduction in our supply chain. Its only by working alongside our suppliers and farmers that well achieve our shared net zero ambitions, while continuing to provide our customers with quality British produce, including 100% British milk. Mark Roach, managing director at Grosvenor Farms, said the farm already had one of the lowest carbon footprints for milk production in the UK. "We are very pleased to be working with our partner Tesco to trial innovative technologies like Bovaer in order to develop a lower-carbon milk supply chain and in doing so support our ambition to be a carbon net zero milk producer by 2030. It comes after Morrisons recently announced it will trial a methane abating livestock feed made from seaweed. The retailer is collaborating with Sea Forest to trial SeaFeed, which has compounds occur naturally in a native Australian seaweed, inhibit the bacteria that produce methane in the complex stomachs of cows, sheep and goats. It is hoped the product could help Morrisons fast track the introduction of lower carbon beef products, which could be rolled out by 2026. Chunky Butts ice scramble flavor with malted milkshake ice cream, mini marshmallows, strawberry Kit Kat, fudge swirl and meringue. Courtesy Chunky Butt Ice cream MacKenzie Chung Fegan is on leave. This week, food reporter Elena Kadvany is filling in. In September 2020, I drove more than 30 minutes for a single pint of ice cream. The flavor: cuppa kape, a creamy, custard ice cream made from coffee beans from the Philippines, with hunks of salted shortbread, white chocolate ganache and meringue folded throughout. It was worth the trip. Ive been crushing on Chunky Butt Ice Cream ever since. Four years later, that first flavor I tried is still emblematic of owner Matt and Trish Esparzas ice cream philosophy: texture, all day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They layer everything from chocolate cake and strawberry-Meyer lemon jam to salted egg yolk caramel (all of which they make themselves) into luscious, almost chewy ice cream. Opening a Chunky Butt pint feels like discovering an alternate universe. Theyre now sold at Of All Places, a glorious new specialty market in Berkeley and the first and only Bay Area store to consistently stock Chunky Butts ice cream. The couple started Chunky Butt during the COVID-19 shutdown, after losing their jobs at now-closed German restaurant Gaumenkitzel in Berkeley. They were driving for Instacart and making ice cream at home to keep themselves afloat and sane. Like so many pandemic popups, word of the inventive ice cream quickly spread through friends and social media. People like me came from all over the Bay Area and lined up for flavors you cant find anywhere else. Who else is marrying sweet cream with miso caramel, walnut praline, chocolate cake and cocoa meringue? Or making a sorbet sundae with green mangos brought back from a trip to the Philippines, topped with flaky salt and dehydrated Thai chili peppers? Chunky Butts menu changes so often, you cant get too attached. The Esparzas estimate theyve made 100 flavors, each with its own base and ratios. One constant is the Berrytella, stracciatella with delicate dark chocolate shards, hunks of chocolate cake, acidic shocks of strawberry jam and silky meringue layered throughout. You know those disappointing pints where the add-ins vanish after the first few scoops? Chunky Butt would never. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The pints often contain cultural references Matt is an Oakland native with Mexican roots, and Trish is from Manila but they also don't want to be boxed into any single category. A popular early flavor was a spicy Mexican chocolate ice cream with pan de muerto from Penas Bakery in Oakland, a childhood favorite of Matts. Theyve married Japanese hojicha with oreo cookie butter, which reminds Trish Esparza of a McFlurry. Customers also went crazy for a cream cheese creation swirled with blueberry jam, lemon curd and cornbread. Theyre drawn, Trish said, to greedy, gluttonous flavors that play with nostalgia. This is what it means to be a chunky butt (which is also the nickname of a family dog known for his overzealous eating habits). Check Instagram for future Chunky Butt popups (the next one is July 27), or head to Of All Places at 1841 Solano Ave. in Berkeley for pints but hurry, because they sell out quickly. Having a walk in the countryside can stop time from rushing by and lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety. Having a walk in the countryside can stop time from rushing by and lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety A study conducted by scientists at Carleton University, Canada, found people who spent time in a park felt slower in nature compared to when they had a walk of a similar duration in a city. In the research paper Time Grows on Trees - which can be found in The Journal of Environmental Psychology - the team wrote: When one is trying to make the most of one's time, spending it on a pleasant activity in nature may not only increase psychological health in a number of ways, but may also provide the illusion of having spent more time enjoying the activity than one really did. Experts noted participants who went on country walks felt happier, and said they believed to have been immersed in nature for a long time, even if the walk was brief. Ruth Ogden, Professor of the Psychology of Time at Liverpool John Moores University, explained: Its not just our sense of time in the moment which appears to be altered by the natural world, it's also our sense of the past and future. Previous research shows that spending time in nature helps to shift our focus from the immediate moment towards our future needs. So, rather than focusing on the stress of the demands on our time, nature helps us to see the bigger picture. This can help us to prioritise our actions so that we meet our long-term goals rather than living in a perpetual state of just about keeping our head above water. A separate study from psychologist Ricardo Correia at the University of Turku in Finland found those who stayed in a city felt time poor compared to those who spent time in leafy-green areas. Natalie Portman has described meeting Rihanna as a "formative moment" in her life. Natalie Portman felt reinvigorated after meeting Rihanna The 43-year-old actress - whose divorce from ex-husband Benjamin Millepied, 47, was finalised in March after 11 years of marriage - met the 'Diamond' hitmaker two months earlier at Paris Fashion Week, and their exchange was "exactly what [she] needed" during her breakup. On 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', the host played a video where Rihanna told Natalie she was "one of the hottest b******" in Hollywood". The ''V For Vendetta' star said: "It was a formative moment in my life." She added: "I think everyone going through a divorce should get Rihanna to say to her that she's a bad b****. It was exactly what I needed." She filed for a split from her ex - who she met on the set of 'Black Swan' in 2009 before tying the knot three years later - in July 2023 amid reports from Page Six he had allegedly cheated on her with a then-25-year-old woman named Camille Etienne. Natalie and Benjamin initially separated in 2022 but worked through their marital issues before their marriage collapsed. The former couple have two children son Aleph, 12, and seven-year-old daughter Amalia. After the divorce was finalised, an insider told People magazine that Natalie is "incredibly private" and that her biggest focus is "protecting the kids". And a different source told the outlet: "Her biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children. "She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important." Her relationship status has been a source of speculation for years, and the actress previously admitted that she has struggled to deal with the extra attention. In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine - which was published in February - Natalie said: "Its terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it." Kathy Bates used to "fly home" from jobs if she was criticised. Kathy Bates was told to toughen up The 76-year-old actress admitted she got her feelings hurt easily in the early days of her career, and was advised to get "tougher" - but admitted she has been known to take the feedback "too far" and has gone to the other extreme. Appearing on a 'Matlock' panel at the summer TCA press tour, she admitted: "When I was younger, I guess I would get my feelings really hurt. Sometimes Id get on a plane and fly home. "I had a wonderful producer, God rest, him, Saul Zaentz. And I remember we were in London, and it was just a nightmare. British press... "But I remember I got very upset, and I said, 'I'm going home, thats it. I'm not going to put myself through this anymore.' And I remember Saul coming up to me and saying, 'You gotta get tougher.' "Someone else had said to me around that same time, 'You gotta have a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby.' "So thats what I've tried to do. But sometimes I take it too far and I can be like a bull in a China shop." But the 'American Horror Story' star insisted she isn't like the formidable characters she's played over the years, though she thinks she could learn a lot from them. She said: "I'm not like my characters. I wish I was." In her new show 'Matlock', Kathy plays a veteran lawyer who returns to the workforce on the strength of her reputation and she feels "really lucky" to have landed the title role. She said: "I just feel really lucky. I get to play all of those levels with everything I've learned in the last 50 years... I love playing all those facets of this character, and I just feel so lucky to be able to do all of that in one person and in the same episode. I love being able to play all those different notes. "Playing each scene is like creating a little bead on a necklace, you know? You just have to have faith. "Because of course, when you're making television or film, youre breaking everything up, so we really have to be careful about where we are in the show and whats happened and where we are in this character development and that one. "And it all shifts and changes and thats part of what makes it exciting because you never - you know, Matty is never sure whats happening in front of her own eyes, and she has to shift with all of it. So, each scene is its one little pearl, so to speak, and so I just have to focus on moment to moment." Ashley Hauntly, 34, speaks to injured boyfriend Colton as she prepares to go pick up supplies in San Francisco. The last time the death count dropped below 50 was in July 2022, when 43 people died from overdoses. Most months, that number is in the 50s or 60s. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle The number of deaths from fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid that is driving the overdose epidemic, also fell nearly 18% to 268 during the first six months of 2024 compared with the first six months of 2023. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle In what could be a glimmer of hope in San Franciscos intractable fentanyl crisis, the number of people who died from accidental drug overdoses fell in June to 48 the lowest monthly number in nearly two years, according to preliminary figures released Monday from the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The last time the death count dropped below 50 was in July 2022, when 43 people died from overdoses. Most months, that number is in the 50s or 60s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Because overdose death figures fluctuate from month to month, its too soon to say whether the decline will hold. Preliminary numbers typically go up after officials finalize death investigations. The latest figures bring the total deaths for the first six months of 2024 to 375 a roughly 8% decrease compared with the first six months of 2023. The number of deaths from fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid that is driving the overdose epidemic, also fell nearly 18% to 268 during the first six months of 2024 compared with the first six months of 2023. Overall, though, the number of people dying from drug overdoses remains high. Because 2023 saw a record-high 810 deaths, any decline compared with last year is merely returning to a high baseline. The 375 deaths for the first six months of 2024 surpasses the death counts for the same periods in 2022, 2021 and 2020, when those figures hovered between 300 and 340. Overdose remains a crisis in our city and in our country, Dr. Hillary Kunins, director of behavioral health for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, said at a media briefing Monday. While the Department of Public Health cannot solve this crisis alone, weve taken significant steps to address overdoses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wresting control of the citys drug crisis has become a central theme of the mayoral contest being decided in November. Under Mayor London Breed, arrests of drug dealers and users have increased and the city has partnered with state and federal agencies for additional enforcement. Though advocates of harm reduction say the tactic only puts people who use drugs at greater risk of overdosing because they come out of jail with a lower tolerance, Breeds leading challengers are pressing for greater intervention. Nonprofit founder and Levis heir Daniel Lurie and former Supervisor Mark Farrell are proposing declaring a state of emergency to tackle fentanyl. Such a declaration would concentrate resources to shut down open-air drug markets and ask the state to send more law enforcement officers to the Tenderloin and South of Market. In addressing the latest overdose data, Kunins cited the citys efforts to expand access to addiction treatment, including tripling its street care teams that offer treatment and mental health support to people living on San Francisco streets. One street team that focuses on people living on the street long-term helped place 160 individuals in substance use treatment between January and June, she said. The latest numbers bring the three-month average of overdose deaths to 58, the lowest three-month average since November 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 15, 2024) - Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: HPSS) (FSE: E092) ("Hybrid" or the "Company") announces that further to its news release of June 19, 2024, regarding its non-brokered prospectus offering of up to 3,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds to the Company of up to $600,000 (the "Offering"), it has closed the first as well as the second and final tranches of the Offering by issuing an aggregate of 3,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of $600,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"), whereby each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.25 per Common Share within twenty-four months from the date of issuance, subject to acceleration. The acceleration clause of the Warrants provides that, if the daily volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (or such other stock exchange where the majority of Common Share trading volume occurs) exceeds $0.35 for a period of five consecutive trading days between the closing date of the Offering and the expiry of the Warrants, then the Company may, at any time, in its discretion, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by providing written notice to the Warrant holders by news release. If the Company provides such notice, then any unexercised Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which the news release is disseminated. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid aggregate finders' fees of $18,500 and issued a total of 92,500 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to eligible finders, representing a 5.0% finder's fee on certain subscriptions. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.25 per Common Share within twenty-four months from the date of issuance, subject to the above noted acceleration clause. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for general working capital and corporate purposes. A portion of the Offering comprising of 150,000 Units was issued to a professional advisor of the Company to partially settle an outstanding and bona fide debt in the amount of $30,000. 150,000 Units were also issued to Treewalk Consulting Inc. ("Treewalk"), a consulting company controlled by the Company's Chief Financial Officer, to partially settle an outstanding and bona fide debt in the amount of $30,000. Both debt settlements were unanimously approved by the board of directors. The participation by Treewalk as an insider of the Company in the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of nor the deemed consideration for the securities issued to insiders exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. The Offering was made by means of the Company's prospectus supplement dated June 21, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") and the accompanying base shelf prospectus dated March 14, 2024 (the "Shelf Prospectus"). Complete details of the Offering are set out in the Prospectus Supplement, and the Prospectus Supplement together with the Shelf Prospectus can be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, the Company granted 500,000 Restricted Share Units to a consultant of the Company pursuant to the Company's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan. The securities referenced in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to "U.S. persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any jurisdiction. About Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. is a Canadian clean energy company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "HPSS". Hybrid specializes in the development of sustainable energy solutions, offering products that redefine how industries approach access to power and energy storage. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, HPS continues to lead the way in providing scalable, cost-effective power solutions. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the use of the Offering proceeds. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "will be", "intends", "expected" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward- looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended including without limitation those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/216609 SOURCE: Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 15, 2024 / Nepra Foods Inc. (CSE:NPRA)(FSE:2P6)(OTC PINK:NPRFF) ("Nepra Foods" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has reached agreement with the William Hogan (the "Lender") to convert all of the outstanding US$950,000 principal amount of loan advances made to the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Nepra Foods Ltd., pursuant to a secured loan agreement dated April 5, 2024 (the "Loan Agreement"), together with accrued and unpaid interest and all other amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement (collectively, the "Loan Obligations"), which Loan Obligations were set to mature on July 31, 2024, into common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"), at a conversion price equal to C$0.05 per Common Share (the "Conversion Transaction"). The total amount of Loan Obligations which will be converted pursuant to the Conversion Transaction is US$970,551, resulting in the issuance of 26,445,572 Common Shares in satisfaction thereof. Closing of the Conversion Transaction is expected to occur as soon as practicable, but in any event no less than 5 business days from the date hereof, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Upon closing of the Conversion Transaction, all existing security held by the Lender will be released and discharged and the Company will have no further obligations to the Lender under the Loan Agreement. The Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Conversion Transaction 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, accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" (as those terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Any Common Shares offered and sold in the United States shall be issued as "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the U.S. Securities Act. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the Common shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Lender is an insider shareholder of the Company. Accordingly, the Lender's participation in the Conversion Transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation requirement set out in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 on the basis that no securities of the Company are listed or quoted on any of the prescribed exchanges set out therein. The Company is relying on the exemption from the minority approval requirement set out in section 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101. Each of the directors of the Company is an "independent director" (as determined in accordance with MI 61-101) in respect of the Conversion Transaction and the board of directors, acting in good faith, unanimously determined that the Company is in serious financial difficulty, that the Conversion Transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the Company, and that the terms of the Conversion Transaction are reasonable in the circumstances of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the expected closing of the Conversion Transaction as the structure of the transaction had not been confirmed at that time. Board Changes The Company also announces that Mark Olmsted has resigned as a director of the Company, effective July 12, 2024. The Company would like to thank Mr. Olmsted for his years of service to the Company. About Nepra Foods Inc. Nepra Foods is grounded in a passion for food. We believe eating healthy should be easy. Everybody deserves food options that are truly nutritious and taste good. Food should be allergen-free so that everyone in the family can enjoy eating it together. Plant-based foods can offer high-quality nutrition and taste great while maintaining a low-carb profile. Nepra Foods is on a mission to make healthy, enjoyable food for everybody. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Wood, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CFO investors@neprafoods.com Investor Relations Toll-free (844) 566-1917 The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include, without limitation, statements related to the Conversion Transaction, including the timing and completion thereof, and other statements regarding the future developments and the business and options of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the Company's financial performance, business development, results of operations, and those listed in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward looking information. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company's management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws. SOURCE: Nepra Foods View the original press release on accesswire.com DKSH Management Ltd. / Key word(s): Half Year Results DKSH Reports Core EBIT Growth of 8.2% at CER for H1 - Reaffirming Consistent Track Record of Creating Value in Asia and Beyond 16-Jul-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Continued value creation in H1 2024 Core EBIT increased by 8.2% (at CER 1 ) to CHF 163.6 million Core EBIT margin expanded by 10 basis points to 3.0% Net sales grew by 3.3% (at CER) to CHF 5.4 billion Consumer Goods Core EBIT margin reached mid-term target of 2.5% Strong Free Cash Flow of CHF 160.8 million (cash conversion 136.0%) Confirmed outlook for 2024 Capital Markets Day on November 18 in London Key Figures Group (CHF million) H1 2024 H1 2023 ? in % CHF ? in % CER Net sales 5,441.1 5,623.8 (3.2) 3.3 Core operating profit (Core EBIT) 163.6 162.6 0.6 8.2 Core EBIT margin 3.0% 2.9% - - Operating profit (EBIT) 160.6 158.5 1.3 9.1 Core profit after tax 118.2 106.4 11.1 16.7 Profit after tax 114.8 107.1 7.2 13.2 Free Cash Flow 160.8 179.0 (10.2) - Zurich, Switzerland, July 16, 2024 - DKSH's first-half 2024 results reaffirm our consistent track record of delivering value for our clients, customers, employees, and shareholders through growth, margin expansion, and effective cash generation. Net sales reached CHF 5.4 billion (3.3% at CER1) and Core EBIT was CHF 163.6 million (8.2% at CER) with a 10 basis points higher Core EBIT margin. Free Cash Flow remained strong at CHF 160.8 million and Core profit after tax increased by 16.7% (at CER). DKSH CEO, Stefan P. Butz, said: "I am delighted to report that in a continuously uncertain environment, DKSH delivered growth and further margin expansion in the first half of 2024. Capitalizing on diligent strategy execution and our resilient business model, our valued employees across all Business Units and enabling Functions contributed to the result. We remained the trusted partner for our clients and customers and continued to fulfill our purpose of enriching people's lives. Based on our good first-half results, we confirm our outlook for 2024. I would also like to welcome Medipharm and Elite Organic who joined the DKSH family in the first half of the year." DKSH Group DKSH Group net sales increased by 3.3% (at CER) to CHF 5.4 billion in the first half of 2024. Organic growth contributed the most with 2.3%, acquisitions added 1.0%, and exchange rates -6.5% as the Swiss franc remained stronger than most currencies in which we operate compared to the base period in 2023. The Group Core EBIT reached CHF 163.6 million, 8.2% higher than in H1 2023 (at CER). Core EBIT margin increased from 2.9% to 3.0%. Core profit after tax was CHF 118.2 million, up 16.7% (at CER) vs. last year. Free Cash Flow remained strong reaching CHF 160.8 million with a cash conversion of 136.0%. Business Unit Healthcare Backed by attractive market fundamentals, Business Unit Healthcare continued its path of profitable growth. With an above-GDP net sales growth of 5.8% (CER) including market share gains in key markets as well as a Core EBIT growth of over 13% (at CER), the Business Unit improved the Core EBIT margin to 3.0% (+20 basis points). One major factor for these strong results was the expansion with new and existing clients in key markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Business Unit Healthcare further focused on its higher margin businesses, such as Full Agency Services and Own Brands. The Business Unit will continue expanding its position and driving into higher-value segments and services. Healthcare (in CHF million) H1 2024 H1 2023 ? in % CHF ? in % CER1 Net sales 2,776.6 2,809.8 (1.2) 5.8 Core EBIT 84.1 78.6 7.0 13.9 EBIT 83.9 78.6 6.7 13.6 Business Unit Consumer Goods Business Unit Consumer Goods achieved a Core EBIT increase of 17.0% (at CER) and drove a net sales growth of 2.0% (at CER) to CHF 1.7 billion, aided by a combination of increased focus on sales effectiveness for outlets and portfolio prioritization, as well as business development for new client acquisition. The focus has also been on strengthening KPI-based performance management, as well as cost efficiencies. DKSH achieved its mid-term Core EBIT target of 2.5% in H1 2024. The successful transformation of the Unit positions the business for further profitable growth. Consumer Goods (in CHF million) H1 2024 H1 2023 ? in % CHF ? in % CER1 Net sales 1,703.2 1,788.0 (4.7) 2.0 Core EBIT 42.1 38.8 8.5 17.0 EBIT 40.5 38.8 4.4 12.9 Business Unit Performance Materials Business Unit Performance Materials' net sales decline of 2.6% (at CER) was in line with expectations. All regions performed better in the first half of 2024 than in the second half of 2023 with a sequential improvement quarter over quarter. Core EBIT was CHF 58.6 million, driven by gross margin expansion, disciplined pricing, and inventory management as well as an optimized cost structure. DKSH achieved a Core EBIT margin increase of around 15 basis points to 8.3% (Core EBITA margin increase of around 15 basis points to 8.9%) and remains cautiously optimistic of a gradual rise in demand. Performance Materials (in CHF million) H1 2024 H1 2023 ? in % CHF ? in % CER1 Net sales 708.4 767.0 (7.6) (2.6) Core EBIT 58.6 62.3 (5.9) (0.2) EBIT 58.6 62.3 (5.9) (0.2) Business Unit Technology Business Unit Technology achieved a net sales growth of 3.3% (at CER), supported by the recent acquisition of Bio-Strategy. The Core EBIT of CHF 8.6 million compares to an exceptionally strong first half of 2023. With some project phasing into the second half of 2024, further market consolidation potential, and a continued focus on scientific solutions, precision machinery, and equipment for the semiconductor and electronics industry, Business Unit Technology is expected to achieve a stronger second half of 2024. Technology (in CHF million) H1 2024 H1 2023 ? in % CHF ? in % CER1 Net sales 252.9 259.0 (2.4) 3.3 Core EBIT 8.6 12.1 (28.9) (27.3) EBIT 8.6 12.1 (28.9) (27.3) Outlook Confirmed DKSH is committed to deliver GDP+2 sales growth (at CER) and expects Core EBIT (at CER) in 2024 to be higher than in 2023 based on its resilient business model, successful strategy execution, and strong balance sheet. This outlook assumes economic growth in Asia Pacific, and barring any unforeseen events. The Group remains confident about Asia's long-term potential and is well-positioned to benefit from favorable market, industry, and M&A consolidation trends. Capital Markets Day 2024 DKSH is pleased to announce that its Capital Markets Day 2024 will take place in London on November 18, 2024. The Capital Markets Day is followed by an analysts' and investors' dinner in the evening. The invitation to the event including further details will be sent out in the coming weeks. Further Information The conference and webcast for media and investors will take place today at 10:00 a.m. CEST. The Half-Year Report 2024 and recording of the webcast will be available on the DKSH website. 1 Constant exchange rates (CER): 2024 figures converted at 2023 exchange rates. * For the definition of Alternative Performance Measures (APM), see Half-Year Report 2024 . Appendix: Net Sales Growth Components (in CHF million) H1 2024 H1 2023 % CHF % Organic % M&A % FX Healthcare 2,776.6 2,809.8 (1.2) 5.1 0.7 (7.0) Consumer Goods 1,703.2 1,788.0 (4.7) 1.1 0.9 (6.7) Performance Materials 708.4 767.0 (7.6) (2.7) 0.1 (5.0) Technology 252.9 259.0 (2.4) (4.8) 8.1 (5.7) DKSH Group 5,441.1 5,623.8 (3.2) 2.3 1.0 (6.5) 2 Weighted GDP calculation based on DKSH 2023 Net sales market split. About DKSH DKSH's purpose is to enrich people's lives. For almost 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 29,040 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2023. www.dksh.com For further information, please contact: DKSH Holding Ltd. Till Leisner Head, Investor & Media Relations, Sustainability Phone +41 44 386 7315 till.leisner@dksh.com Melanie Gruter Manager, Group Media Relations Phone +41 44 386 7211 melanie.grueter@dksh.com End of Inside Information Henry Charlton and Claire Poulard to join the Board of Directors Funding will Accelerate US Market Entry, Enhance Digital Solutions, and Support Clinical Developments SamanTree Medical, a leading medical technology company specializing in innovative solutions to improve the outcomes of surgery, today announced the closing of $14M as part of a Series B financing round. The new capital will be used to further develop and commercialize the Histolog Scanner, expand its reach in Europe and the United States, and enhance its digital suite. Revolutionizing Surgery with the Histolog Scanner The Histolog Scanner, a CE-marked device, allows for high-resolution imaging of fresh tissue surfaces during surgery, enabling pathologists and surgeons to perform real-time intra-operative assessment of resected tissue much faster than the conventional techniques. This innovative technology is based on ultra-fast confocal microscopy. Investment The round was led by Relyens Innovation Sante, advised by Turenne Capital, and saw participation from new investors Mutuelles Impact, Wille Finance, Noshaq and WE Life Sciences (Wallonie Entreprendre), along with returning investors Panakes Partners, BOM and b2venture. In conjunction with this financing round, SamanTree Medical will establish its headquarters and an operational base in Wallonia (Belgium), while the R&D operations will remain in Lausanne, Switzerland. Fraser Partners acted as sole financial advisor to SamanTree Medical SA. Board of Directors Update Joining the Board of Directors are Claire Poulard, Investment Director at Turenne Capital, and Henry Charlton, SVP and Chief Commercial Marketing Officer at Intuitive. The new Board composition is as follows: Fabrizio Landi Claire Poulard Henry Charlton Dr. Charles Carignan (Chairman) Olivier Delporte (CEO) CEO Olivier Delporte explained: "We are elated by the robust support from our investors, which highlights SamanTree Medical's impressive progress. This funding, coupled with our strengthened Board, will enable us to accelerate our innovation, expand globally, and enhance our digital solutions, thereby delivering greater value to patients. I also want to thank the Walloon investors WE Life Sciences and Noshaq for their continuing support and effort to strengthen the local life sciences ecosystem." "SamanTree Medical has demonstrated that the Histolog Scanner can provide real-time, high-resolution imaging during surgery, and it has the potential to improve surgical outcomes. We are impressed with the company's performance and the clinical data supporting the use of the Histolog Scanner in multiple soft-tissue surgical procedures. We look forward to partnering with SamanTree Medical to bring this transformative technology to more patients worldwide," said Claire Poulard, Investment Director at Turenne Capital. "I am excited to join the Board of SamanTree Medical at such a pivotal time for the company. The Histolog Scanner is a potentially significant advancement that provides surgeons with real-time actionable information to their decision-making," said Henry Charlton, SVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Intuitive. Strategic Vision and Global Expansion As part of the financing conditions, SamanTree Medical is set to expand its commercial operations in Europe and is planning for US market entry later in 2024. This strategic move will involve scaling the deployment of the Histolog Scanner, bolstering clinical trials, and working to obtain necessary marketing authorizations from the U.S. FDA. About SamanTree Medical and the Histolog Scanner SamanTree Medical is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients undergoing surgery through innovative medical imaging solutions. The company has developed the Histolog Scanner, a novel device that offers real-time, high-resolution fresh tissue surface imaging during surgical procedures, that may significantly enhance the accuracy of tissue removal or biopsy. The Histolog Scanner covers a broad range of surgical applications in surgery and is currently commercialized in Europe. It is an investigational device in the US. For more information, visit www.samantree.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240715376136/en/ Contacts: Olivier Delporte CEO, SamanTree Medical info@samantree.com Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen. Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten! Verpassen Sie nicht diese Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! CordenPharma is making a record investment of ~900m over the next 3 years in expanding its peptide platform, both at its Colorado, US site and in Europe. The expansions, covering both existing facilities and new constructions, will meet the pharmaceutical industry's most stringent quality and technical standards for short and long peptide manufacturing, including BLA requirements. The Colorado, US site's expansion will target additional large-scale peptide manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand of GLP-1 peptides, resulting from multiple long-term manufacturing contracts totaling ~3bn, with potential upsides. In Europe, CordenPharma will construct a greenfield site for small to large-scale peptide development and manufacturing, integrated within its global facility network. The company's major expansion plans will act as the driving force behind CordenPharma's 1bn sales target for its Peptide Platform by 2028, reinforcing it as a market leader in the integrated supply of small to large-scale services from APIs to Drug Products (for both Injectable and Oral Peptides). BASEL, Switzerland, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CordenPharma has announced its largest strategic investment to date with a committed spend of ~900m over the next 3 years to grow its Peptide technology platform. These transformational plans consist of two major expansion initiatives occurring in parallel in the US and Europe, including both existing facilities and new constructions designed and built according to the pharmaceutical industry's most stringent quality and technical standards for short and long peptide manufacturing, including Biologics License Applications (BLA) requirements. The US expansion involves bringing additional Peptide capacity to the CordenPharma Colorado site with the planned construction of a new large-scale manufacturing facility, and an additional increase in manufacturing trains in the existing facility. This is the result of rapidly increasing demand in the Diabetes and Obesity Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist medications market, and comes off the back of multiple, long-term, multiyear contracts totaling ~3bn, with potential upsides. The European expansion centers on the construction of a new state-of-the-art greenfield facility, with the aim of creating additional Peptide capacity to serve customers from initial early clinical to late-stage commercial manufacturing. The new site will be located in the heart of Europe, fully-integrated within CordenPharma's existing facility network. In 2022, CordenPharma was acquired by Astorg, a leading Pan-European private equity firm, and its ambitious growth plans aim to help the company reach their ~1bn sales mark for its pioneering Peptide Platform, and ~1.8bn total group revenue by 2028. Upon completion, the new constructions will be fully integrated within its outstanding network of world-class cGMP manufacturing facilities, along with the dedicated technical and regulatory support by expert teams needed to secure innovators' supply chains with small to large-scale fully-integrated services from APIs to Drug Products. Dr. Michael Quirmbach, President & CEO of the CordenPharma Group comments: "These investments will profoundly strengthen our ability to provide valuable and much needed support to innovators for the benefit of patients. We are honored by the trust our customers have placed in us to deliver expert outsourcing for large multiyear contracts, and our team is proud to contribute decades of peptide manufacturing experience towards these transformative new medicines. In addition, the strong commitment and support of our shareholder Astorg demonstrates their strategic vision for CordenPharma to become the leading CDMO for complex modalities such as Peptides, by offering fully-integrated end-to-end services from APIs to Drug Products (for both Injectable and Oral Peptides)." Dr. Signe Michel, Managing Director at Astorg comments: "We are proud of what Michael and the CordenPharma team have achieved through their striving for operational excellence, customer service and ambitious growth. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and to further strengthen the company's peptide offering across the full drug lifecycle and value chain." Judith Charpentier, Co-Head Flagship Fund and Head of Healthcare at Astorg comments: "CordenPharma has a unique opportunity to reinforce its leadership position in peptides with unmatched capacity and performance in large scale manufacturing. With the company's proven track record and our investor experience in pharmaceutical services, we feel confident that our latest commitment will help the company seize this opportunity." About CordenPharma CordenPharma is a CDMO partner supporting biotech and pharma innovators of complex modalities in the advancement of their drug development lifecycle. Harnessing the collective expertise of the teams across its globally integrated facility network, CordenPharma provides bespoke outsourcing services spanning the complete supply chain, from early clinical-phase development to commercialization. With scientific expertise and partnership at its core, CordenPharma provides customers high-value, end-to-end services with a strategic focus on Peptides, Oligonucleotides, customized Lipid Excipients, Lipid NanoParticles (LNPs), sterile Injectables, and the extensive supply of Small Molecules (both Highly Potent and Regular Potency). The CordenPharma Group is comprised of 11 facilities across Europe and North America. In the 2023 financial year, the organization generated sales of 880 million and had over 3,000 employees. Please visit cordenpharma.com for more information I Follow CordenPharma on LinkedIn. About Astorg Astorg is a European private equity firm with over 22 billion of assets under management. Astorg works with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market-leading, global companies mainly headquartered in Europe, providing them with the strategic guidance, governance, and capital they need to achieve their growth goals. Enjoying a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective and a lean decision-making body, Astorg has valuable industry expertise in healthcare, software and technology, business services and technology-based industrial companies. Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Milan, and Luxembourg. For more information about Astorg: www.astorg.com | Follow Astorg on LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2461709/CordenPharma_Peptide_Expansion_Press_Release_16_July_2024___Photo_by_CordenPharma___Large_scale_pept.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1173757/CordenPharma_Logo_New.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cordenpharma-invests-900m-in-transformational-peptide-platform-expansion-in-the-usa--europe-302197452.html Dynamic, interactive data visualizations reveal comprehensive view of the global research and innovation landscape LONDON, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today released its annual G20 scorecard, compiled by expert analysts and data scientists at the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). The annual G20 research and innovation scorecard examines the research and innovation capabilities of each G20 member through dynamic, interactive data visualizations. This year, for the first time, the report includes data for the European Union and the G20's new permanent member, the African Union. The scorecard is designed for the responsible evaluation of the research and innovation capabilities of the G20 members, including new data points that illuminate collaborative impact and demonstrate the effect of research and innovation on society in the form of patent to paper citations. It also contains expanded analyses of data on the research focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), examining the collaborative and accessible nature of this research. It publishes ahead of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on November 18-19 and is freely available to explore on Clarivate.com. Emmanuel Thiveaud, Senior Vice President for Research & Analytics, Academia & Government at Clarivate said: "We promote responsible research assessment by considering comprehensive profiles and indicators that capture the broad contributions research makes to society in terms of quality and impact." "The G20 scorecard provides a holistic view of the global research and innovation landscape, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement within each country and region profiled. For policymakers, governments, funders and research institutions worldwide, it offers reliable evidence to inform critical decisions about research planning and strategic investments." Gordon Rogers, Senior Manager, Data Science at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, said: "The inclusion of the European and the African Union in the 2024 scorecard for the first time marks a pivotal expansion in our analysis to reflect a more comprehensive and inclusive view of global research dynamics. This broader perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the diverse and collaborative efforts needed to address global challenges and advance sustainable development goals." Key findings in the 2024 G20 scorecard include: The African Union (AU) shows a high collaboration rate, collaborations with Mainland China yield higher citation impact than those with the U.S., their leading partner. The AU's SDG priorities are No Poverty (SDG 1) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). (AU) shows a high collaboration rate, collaborations with Mainland China yield higher citation impact than those with the U.S., their leading partner. The AU's SDG priorities are No Poverty (SDG 1) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). The European Union is the largest contributor of papers than any other G20 member. 40% of collaboration is with external partners compared to 10% within the EU. It publishes more open access papers than the G20 average. is the largest contributor of papers than any other G20 member. 40% of collaboration is with external partners compared to 10% within the EU. It publishes more open access papers than the G20 average. Germany has a high number of researchers per capita. It exhibits above world average Category Normalized Citation Impact (CNCI) for collaborative papers and its Normalized Patent Citation Impact* is around twice the world average in Medicine. More than 60% of papers produced in 2023 were open access. has a high number of researchers per capita. It exhibits above world average Category Normalized Citation Impact (CNCI) for collaborative papers and its Normalized Patent Citation Impact* is around twice the world average in Medicine. More than 60% of papers produced in 2023 were open access. India has seen international collaboration increase to just over one-third (35.6%) over the decade (2014 to 2023), the U.S. is its leading collaborator. Its SDG focus on Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Industry (SDG 9) are the most impactful. has seen international collaboration increase to just over one-third (35.6%) over the decade (2014 to 2023), the U.S. is its leading collaborator. Its SDG focus on Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Industry (SDG 9) are the most impactful. Mainland China's international collaborations are mostly bilateral (around three quarters). Its most frequent partner remains the U.S., although the percentage has halved over the decade (2014 - 2023) from 12% to 6%. Its Normalized Patent Citation Impact is above world average. international collaborations are mostly bilateral (around three quarters). Its most frequent partner remains the U.S., although the percentage has halved over the decade (2014 - 2023) from 12% to 6%. Its Normalized Patent Citation Impact is above world average. South Korea's collaborations with the U.S. have fallen, while those with Mainland China and India are rising. It also shows high Normalized Patent Citation Impact in Good Health (SDG 3) and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), at around 1.6 and 1.4 times the world average respectively. collaborations with the U.S. have fallen, while those with Mainland China and India are rising. It also shows high Normalized Patent Citation Impact in Good Health (SDG 3) and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), at around 1.6 and 1.4 times the world average respectively. United Kingdom's research output has a high citation impact with CNCI at 1.4 times world average; Collaboration rose from below 60% in 2015 to over 70% since 2022, with leading partners in the U.S., Germany and increasingly, Mainland China. Its Normalized Patent Citation Impact is strong in Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Life Sciences. research output has a high citation impact with CNCI at 1.4 times world average; Collaboration rose from below 60% in 2015 to over 70% since 2022, with leading partners in the U.S., Germany and increasingly, Mainland China. Its Normalized Patent Citation Impact is strong in Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Life Sciences. United States exhibits high Normalized Patent Citation Impact in Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine. On the UN SDGs, there is a strong focus on Peace & Justice (SDG 16) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) in terms of paper output and a strong focus on Good Health (SDG 3) and Clean Energy (SDG 7) in terms of citation impact from patents. Notes to editors: The G20 research and innovation scorecard 2024 is available to explore on the Institute for Scientific Information's page on Clarivate.com, with a freely downloadable executive summary highlighting key findings. The members of the G20 include: African Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China (Mainland), European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. The African Union, previously an invited organization, was granted full member status in Delhi, September 2023. * Mainland China includes data from Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR *The Normalized Patent Citation Impact measures the number of citations each paper receives from related patents; the total is normalized against the average number of citations received by all papers published in the same year. About Clarivate Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com Media contact: Helen Chung-Kesl, External Communications Manager, Academia & Government newsroom@clarivate.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1159266/Clarivate_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clarivate-annual-g20-scorecard-examines-global-research-and-innovation-trends-across-g20-members-302197190.html New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2024) - Esek, a pioneering AI automation consulting agency, today announced the official launch of its services designed to revolutionize business operations through intelligent solutions. The agency, which has been operating in stealth mode with select clients, is now opening its doors to new partnerships, offering tailored AI strategies to boost sales and streamline administrative tasks. Esek's primary focus lies in implementing cutting-edge AI technologies for lead generation, sales automation, and marketing processes. The agency's approach goes beyond simply providing tools; it aims to educate and empower businesses to fully integrate AI into their existing systems, ensuring long-term success and adaptability in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. "Our mission at Esek is to bridge the gap between businesses and the immense potential of AI technology," said Shimmy Savitsky, CEO of Esek. "We don't just offer solutions; we partner with our clients to ensure they understand and can leverage AI effectively, transforming their operations for sustained growth." The launch comes at a crucial time when businesses across industries are seeking ways to harness the power of AI to stay competitive. Esek's services are particularly targeted at business owners, CEOs, founders, and sales leaders who recognize the need to adapt to technological advancements but may lack the expertise to implement them effectively. Key features of Esek's services include: Customized AI strategies tailored to each client's specific needs and goals Seamless integration of AI technologies into existing business systems Comprehensive training and support to ensure client autonomy in AI utilization Ongoing optimization and refinement of AI implementations Setting itself apart in the competitive AI consulting landscape, Esek offers an unconditional refund guarantee if predetermined partnership goals are not met, underscoring the company's commitment to client success and confidence in its methodologies. While specific pricing details are project-dependent, Esek emphasizes a flexible approach to accommodate varying business needs and scales. The agency's team of experts works closely with each client to develop a tailored strategy and implementation plan, ensuring optimal return on investment. As the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Esek remains committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The company plans to continuously refine its services based on client feedback and emerging AI capabilities, maintaining its position as a leader in AI automation consulting. For businesses looking to leverage AI to drive growth, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive edge, Esek offers a unique opportunity to partner with experts dedicated to their success. Interested parties are encouraged to visit Esek.tech for more information or to schedule a consultation. About Esek: Esek is a cutting-edge AI automation consulting agency dedicated to revolutionizing businesses through intelligent solutions. Specializing in implementing AI to boost sales and reduce administrative workload, Esek allows companies to focus on growth. With a team of experts developing tailored strategies and seamlessly integrating advanced AI technologies, Esek has a proven track record of helping clients achieve significant increases in efficiency and revenue. Committed to long-term partnerships, Esek provides ongoing support and optimization, helping businesses unlock their full potential and stay ahead in the AI-driven future. Contact: Esek Shimmy Savitsky, Founder www.esek.tech shimmy.savitsky@gmail.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/216619 SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC Study designed to support safety profile showed nizubaglustat was safe and well tolerated Results support continued development of nizubaglustat for GM2 gangliosidosis and Niemann-Pick disease type C with Phase 3 trial[s] planned for 2025 Data to be presented at the SSIEM Annual Symposium 2024 to be held 3-6 September in Porto, Portugal Azafaros B.V. today announced positive topline data from its RAINBOW study, a Phase 2 clinical trial investigating nizubaglustat in patients with a genetic diagnosis of either GM2 gangliosidosis or Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). About the Trial The trial was conducted across three sites in Brazil, involving 13 patients older than 12 years of age, with the aim of determining the safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of two different doses of nizubaglustat. The results will guide the identification of the target dose for Azafaros' planned Phase 3 pivotal studies. With the 12-week, double-blind and placebo-controlled part of the study complete, patients have now entered the extension phase, where all participants receive the study drug. The data from the RAINBOW study will be presented at the SSIEM Annual Symposium 2024, which will take place on 3 6 September in Porto, Portugal. Stefano Portolano, CEO at Azafaros, said: "The results of the Phase 2 RAINBOW study mark a pivotal moment in the development of nizubaglustat. The dual mode of action sets nizubaglustat apart as a leap forward from other agents. We are excited by the results of the study and more than confident that nizubaglustat has the potential to become a convenient, life-changing therapy for patients affected by GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC. Azafaros is thankful to the patients and their families for their important contribution to the RAINBOW study. Azafaros is now poised to embark on a global Phase 3 trial next year Lead RAINBOW investigator, Roberto Giugliani, added: "We are pleased to report the completion of this important step in the development of a new therapy for GM2 gangliosidosis and Niemann-Pick disease type C, which delivers data to determine the best dosing of nizubaglustat and allows the planning of the next phase." In a statement, a representative from the Associacao Niemann-Pick Batten Brasil (ANPB), a patient organisation in Brazil, said there is an urgent need for new treatments for NPC. "Current therapeutic options are limited and do not offer a definitive cure. Clinical research plays a crucial role in this process, allowing the development and evaluation of new therapies that can improve patients' quality of life and slow the progression of the disease. Therefore, we are excited about developing innovative and convenient therapies." About nizubaglustat Nizubaglustat is a small molecule, orally available and brain penetrant azasugar with a unique dual mode of action, developed as a potential treatment for rare lysosomal storage disorders with neurological involvement, including GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). Nizubaglustat has received the following designations and support: United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rare Pediatric Disease Designations (RPDD) for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC. Orphan Drug Designations (ODD) for GM2 gangliosidosis (Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs Diseases) and NPC. IND Clearance and Fast Track Designation for GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC European Medicines Agency (EMA) Orphan Medicinal Product Designation (OMPD) for the treatment of GM2 gangliosidosis. UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Innovation Passport for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. About GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidoses GM1 gangliosidosis and GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases) are lysosomal storage disorders caused by the accumulation of GM1 or GM2 gangliosides respectively, in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in progressive and severe neurological impairment and early death. These diseases mostly affect infants and children, and no disease-modifying treatments are currently available. About Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a progressive, life-limiting neurological lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 gene and aberrant endosomal-lysosomal trafficking, leading to the accumulation of various lipids, including gangliosides in the CNS. The onset of disease can happen throughout the lifespan of an affected individual, from prenatal life through adulthood. About Azafaros Azafaros is a clinical-stage company founded in 2018 by scientists with a deep understanding of rare genetic disease mechanisms, using discoveries made by scientists at Leiden University and Amsterdam UMC. Azafaros is led by a team of highly experienced industry experts and aims to build a pipeline of disease-modifying therapeutics to offer new treatment options to patients and their families. The Azafaros team is dedicated to rapidly bring new drugs to the rare disease patients who need them. The company is supported by a syndicate of leading Dutch and Swiss investors including Forbion, BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), BioMedPartners, Asahi Kasei Pharma Ventures, and Schroders Capital. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240619007436/en/ Contacts: Azafaros B.V. Email: info@azafaros.com www.azafaros.com Patricia didnt receive PG&E bills from September 2023 to May 2024. After she inquired, she found that her costs had skyrocketed. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Patricia received past-due bills in June after contacting PG&E customer service about not getting billed. Minh Connors/The Chronicle For the past 30 years, Patricia didnt pay much attention to her PG&E bills. A 73-year-old retired school psychologist who asked me not to use her last name to protect her privacy, Patricia is living on Social Security and a pension, so she didnt have much financial wiggle room. But she was careful to conserve energy and limit her expenses. When a PG&E bill arrived, she typically just gave it a cursory glance before paying. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shell never make that mistake again. Earlier this year, Patricia checked her bank statements and saw that she hadnt received a power bill since August 2023, the same month utility workers came to her Cow Hollow apartment building in San Francisco to replace the meters. Her power was working just fine. Why wasnt she being charged? She could have stayed quiet so as not to alert PG&E to the missing bills, but Patricia wanted to do the right thing. So, in April, she notified customer service representatives that she wasnt being charged. In early June, Patricia finally received a bill. And when she did, her mouth fell open. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was for $347.08. The last bill shed gotten back in August had been $11.02. Patricia was gobsmacked. How could she possibly have racked up that much in charges? She lived alone and used as little as possible between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. when rates were highest. She didnt know how she would pay the bill. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is a stressful situation to put a retiree through, she emailed me. Then, as Patricia attempted to figure out the charges, she was hit with an updated bill for $402.10 the accumulated costs of the past eight months, plus another $55.02 for the current month. Payment Reminder Your Account is Past Due, read the bright-red text under the new sum. To afford the bill, Patricia told me, she would have to go into her savings potentially putting her in a precarious financial situation. Gas and groceries were already far more expensive than they used to be Safeway: its insane! I never get out of there for less than $150, she told me. If her rent and utilities went up much more, shed be likely forced to return to her home state of Iowa. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How did she go from owing $11 to more than $400? On June 7, I reached out to PG&E to find out. Three days later, the utility no doubt prompted by my query mailed Patricia a packet of bills from the past eight months breaking down her electricity usage and charges. The packet, which I reviewed with Patricia, contained more than 10 double-sided pages and was incredibly confusing to parse. A PG&E spokesperson walked me through what happened: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Apparently, there had been a problem with Patricias new meter not communicating with the billing system, which had resulted in her not receiving a bill from September 2023 to May 2024. According to the spokesperson, Patricia racked up $948.13 in charges in that period, plus her current usage. That amount was reduced to $854.57 after the application of the California Climate Credit, a twice-annual rebate that provides each resident with a share of benefits from the states greenhouse gas reduction program. However, under California Public Utilities Commission regulations, a utility experiencing billing problems can only charge a customer for the last three months of charges. That knocked Patricias bill down to $347.08, and charges for the current month brought it to $402.10. Only $27.88 of that, however, was due to PG&E itself. The rest was due to CleanPowerSF, a program operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. CleanPowerSF is part of Californias community choice aggregation system, which allows local governments and other entities operating within the service area of investor-owned utilities such as PG&E to buy and develop their own energy. That energy is then delivered to customers via the existing infrastructure of the private utility, which also continues to handle billing, meters and maintenance. Although Patricia didnt initially realize it, she was a CleanPowerSF customer under state law, residents are automatically enrolled unless they choose to opt-out. When I spoke over email with Nancy Hayden Crowley, press secretary for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, she told me CleanPowerSF actually provided 11 months of energy to Patricia for which it wasnt paid but it didnt have any insight into Patricias meter and lacked the ability to bill Patricia separately from PG&E. CleanPowerSF isnt subject to the state rules requiring it to waive all but the last three months of delayed charges. But, Hayden Crowley told me, CleanPowerSF would forgive those charges anyway, leaving Patricia with an $83.72 balance. We take these PG&E billing issues seriously and recognize it is a headache for our customers when PG&E does not get it right, Hayden Crowley said, adding that CleanPowerSF is working with the utility to improve communication about billing issues. (PG&E said more than 99% of bills are sent on time.) When I spoke with Patricia last week, she was relieved that the whole saga was finally coming to an end. But she was infuriated by the bigger issues the episode had raised. The middle class are getting hit with everything, she told me, and would slowly be booted out of California. Its still unclear why exactly Patricias unpaid bill was so high, but rate increases likely had a lot to do with it. In January, PG&Es rates skyrocketed by 20%. And this month, CleanPowerSFs rates rose by an average of 8.5%. Furthermore, the California Public Utilities Commission recently approved a flawed plan to allow private utilities to charge a fixed monthly fee of as much as $24.15 in exchange for lowering electricity rates. The new billing scheme, which is slated to go into effect in early 2026 for PG&E customers, will result in higher bills for many low-energy users like Patricia. Im going to be picking up what the Tesla people arent paying, Patricia said. This experience has caused her to wake up and subject each one of her PG&E bills to scrutiny. Patricias billing fiasco may have had a relatively happy ending, but shes under no illusion about the long-term challenges. 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 PG&E and other utilities have acknowledged that rates will keep going up for the next few years. Yet the state has no real plan to rein in those costs. Alpega is excited to announce the return of Connecta, the premier networking event in the European road transport sector, celebrating its 14th edition. Scheduled for October 10th and 11th, 2024, at the prestigious Marriott Auditorium Conference Center in Madrid, this year's event promises to be the most comprehensive and impactful yet. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716487251/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Unparalleled Networking Opportunities With over 500 professionals from across Europe expected to attend, Connecta 2024 will offer unmatched networking opportunities. Participants can generate significant business prospects within a single day, thanks to a meticulously planned agenda of networking activities. This event brings together the major players in the market, offering attendees a unique platform to engage in meaningful conversations and forge valuable connections. A Full Logistics Network Representation For the first time, Connecta 2024 will feature all logistics network participants, including carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers. This comprehensive representation ensures a holistic view of the industry, facilitating deeper insights and collaboration across different segments of the transport sector. Showcasing the Latest Innovations Connecta 2024 will also be a platform to showcase the latest innovations in the logistics sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions and technologies that are transforming the industry, providing valuable insights into future trends and advancements. Expanded Agenda with Key Panels and Workshops The 2024 edition of Connecta boasts an expanded agenda, beginning on Thursday afternoon with a series of key panels and workshops. We are excited to confirm an inaugural session with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), led by Jesus Montero, Lead Knowledge Analyst in Logistics, presenting insightful analysis on industry trends alongside major sector players. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a networking workshop led by the renowned Jose Maria Salles, providing practical tools and strategies for effective networking. Why Attend Connecta 2024? "Connecta is more than just a networking event; it's a pivotal moment for the European logistics community to come together, share insights, and drive innovation. This year's edition will be our most impactful yet, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow," said Todd DeLaughter, CEO of Alpega. Engage with Industry Leaders: Meet and converse with top influencers and decision-makers in the European road transport industry. Meet and converse with top influencers and decision-makers in the European road transport industry. Generate Business Opportunities: Utilize tailored networking activities to create valuable business prospects in a single day. Utilize tailored networking activities to create valuable business prospects in a single day. Gain Industry Insights: Attend sessions and panels led by industry experts, including a detailed analysis of current trends by BCG. Attend sessions and panels led by industry experts, including a detailed analysis of current trends by BCG. Comprehensive Network Representation: Benefit from the presence of carriers, logistics operators, and shippers, offering a complete view of the transport chain. Benefit from the presence of carriers, logistics operators, and shippers, offering a complete view of the transport chain. Discover Innovations: Explore the latest technologies and solutions shaping the future of logistics. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the European road transport sector. Join us at Connecta 2024 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the industry. Registration and Additional Information For more details and to register for Connecta 2024, please visit our official website Alpega Connecta. Special early bird prices are available until July 31st. About Alpega Alpega is a global leader in logistics SaaS software, dedicated to delivering comprehensive end-to-end solutions for all transport requirements. Our mission is to empower shippers, forwarders, and carriers through efficient digitalization, addressing today's logistics challenges and driving smarter logistics for a greener tomorrow. Leveraging extensive carrier-based assets, Alpega provides tangible benefits in Transport Execution, Freight Planning, Freight Sourcing and Payment, Dock Scheduling, and Data Insights. As the only SaaS provider offering Transport Management Systems (TMS) for shippers, and with an 80,000-strong open carrier network that covers about 10% of all commercial trucks in Europe, we lead in innovation and efficiency. Our connectivity extends through three premier freight exchanges in Europe, with notable leadership in Iberia, Romania, Central, and Southeastern European regions, facilitating seamless matching of freight loads with transportation capacity. With over three decades of transportation expertise, we help businesses streamline their supply chain planning and execution, reducing costs and increasing visibility. Our community of 80,000 carriers and 200,000 members is seamlessly connected daily, efficiently managing vital transport operations. This network harnesses the power of collective intelligence, driving data-driven insights and optimizations across the logistics ecosystem, and creating a network effect that adds significant value for our customers. Operating in 80 countries, Alpega boasts a diverse team of over 450+ professionals representing 31 nationalities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716487251/en/ Contacts: Media: Olga Alvarez Community and Events Team Lead olga.alvarez@alpegagroup.com hedgehog lab, as part of its ambitious growth strategy, has invested in content management system, Contentful, and eCommerce platform, SHOPLINE, to support customers in delivering on their digital experience aspirations. NEWCASTLE, England, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- hedgehog lab, a global digital product consultancy, today announced that it has signed strategic partnerships with Contentful and SHOPLINE. These partnerships aim to empower enterprises to deliver exceptional digital products and services by combining hedgehog lab's expertise in strategy, design, and engineering with Contentful's cutting-edge content management capabilities and SHOPLINE's leading commerce tools and services. "hedgehog lab has an impressive track record of leveraging partner relationships to create best-in-class solutions for our clients," said Daren Fitzgerald, Chief Commercial Officer of hedgehog lab. "Achieving Silver Partner status with Contentful is a recognition of our valued partnership and expertise in creating digital experiences that solve business problems and add value to the end customer. This is complemented by our new strategic partnership with SHOPLINE, which significantly strengthens our ability to deliver innovative and agile applications for our ambitious e-commerce clients." Contentful is a content management platform that enables teams to build digital experiences at scale. Being recognised as a Silver Partner differentiates hedgehog lab by acknowledging its best-in-class implementations of the content platform, including content modelling, Contentful implementation, change management and training, ongoing content services and technology solution consulting. "Our partners are the innovation engine for many of the world's leading brands," said Patrick Finn, Global VP Alliances & Partnerships, Contentful. "Partnering with hedgehog lab brings Contentful's market-leading content platform to brands that are building demanding, cutting-edge digital experiences." hedgehog lab has already implemented content strategy and Contentful solutions for a variety of clients, including Cynergy Bank. For Cynergy Bank, hedgehog lab created a strategy to improve the company's digital experience through a web redesign and omnichannel content refresh, including a Contentful implementation. As the retail sector continues to evolve, hedgehog lab has also chosen to partner with Asia's leading e-commerce platform, SHOPLINE. Used by over half a million merchants worldwide, the company has developed a suite of cutting-edge omnichannel solutions across e-commerce, social media and point-of-sales (POS), allowing partners to quickly scale operations both online and offline. SHOPLINE offers access to best-in-class technology integrations via its extensive partnerships, including Meta, Google and TikTok. The partnership opens up full access to the platform's cutting-edge tools and resources, allowing hedgehog lab to develop applications tailored to the unique needs of ecommerce brands. "This is an exciting time for SHOPLINE as we continue our rapid EMEA expansion," said Deepak Anand, General Manager, EMEA at SHOPLINE. "hedgehog lab is a company we have admired for some time and we're thrilled to announce this partnership. With its established reputation for designing and building captivating digital experiences for top ecommerce brands, hedgehog lab is the perfect partner to help us grow and enhance our ecosystem." About hedgehog lab hedgehog lab is a global digital product consultancy. Our UXR, UI/UX, engineering, cloud & AI/data science experts work with our partners to deliver custom product development and digital transformation services. With over 17 years of digital product experience, our team is skilled at developing human-centred solutions that drive real business impact for partners, including AJ Bell, Under Armour, YourParkingSpace and Aviva. We work worldwide, but our main digital hubs are located in Newcastle upon Tyne, York in the UK, and Sofia in Bulgaria. https://hedgehoglab.com/ About Contentful Contentful, the global leader in headless content management, powers digital experiences for 28% of the Fortune 500 and thousands of leading global brands. It enables enterprises to deliver omnichannel digital experiences with greater speed and scale than with a traditional CMS. Contentful unifies content in a single hub, structures it for use in any digital channel, and integrates seamlessly with other tools through open APIs. Companies such as Spotify, Urban Outfitters, Jack in the Box, The British Museum, Xoom, Lenovo and many others rely on Contentful's content platform. About SHOPLINE Founded in 2013, SHOPLINE is one of Asia's largest and fastest growing commerce Software-as-a-Service and solution providers. The SHOPLINE platform offers a rich ecosystem of technologies, resources and partners that empowers merchants to succeed. Merchants leverage SHOPLINE's omnichannel solutions for e-commerce, social commerce, and point-of-sales to sell their products and services around the world. SHOPLINE is headquartered in Singapore with about 2,000 employees operating globally. Learn more at www.shopline.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2244514/hedgehog_lab_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hedgehog-lab-strikes-strategic-partnerships-with-contentful--shopline-302197218.html EQS Newswire / 16/07/2024 / 17:51 UTC+8 (July 16, 2024 - Hong Kong) A leading higher education group, China New Higher Education Group Limited ("New Higher Education Group", collectively called the "Group" together with its affiliated companies, stock code: 2001.HK) is pleased to announce that with outstanding performance in the field of sustainable development, the Group stands out from over 1,700 enterprises and is successfully selected to be included in the S&P Global "Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2024" (hereinafter referred to as the Yearbook). Out of around only 120 Chinese companies selected this time, the Group outperformed 110 companies in the CSV Diversified Consumer Services Industry, making it the first and only company in the industry to be included. The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) evaluates companies' sustainable development performance based on a wide range of industry-specific economic, environmental, and social criteria. The CSA score of New Higher Education Group is 34 points, ranking seventh globally in the CSV Diversified Consumer Services Industry and the first in China, significantly exceeding the industry average level. With its unremitting efforts and excellent performance in ESG, New Higher Education Group stood out from various companies and successfully made it into the Yearbook. Not only is New Higher Education Group the only chosen enterprise in the higher education industry but it is also the first and only enterprise to be selected among the S&P Global CSV Diversified Consumer Services Industry (110 companies in total). S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook summarized the main sustainability risks and opportunities in various industries in the past year, aiming to identify and recognize companies with sustainable development advantages in various industries. The Yearbook continues to receive great attention from global companies and stakeholders. With more than 1,700 companies participating, it is highly competitive this year and ultimately only around 120 companies with the best performance from different industries were selected. The Group always adheres to the long-term development and firmly promotes the Group's internal ESG performance. The Group has implemented environmental education and emission reduction actions. The Group integrated "double carbon" education into teaching content, gradually set targets and implemented emission reduction actions; promoted the pilot photovoltaic projects in Yunnan School, Gansu School, and Guangxi Schools; carried out effective resource management in the whole process of procurement, used of resources and waste management; and followed the national Green Building Evaluation Standards in the construction of new buildings. Yunnan School, Guizhou School and Central China School were selected as "Water-saving Universities". The Group has actively fulfilled its social responsibilities by providing educational assistance. The Group continued to host the "One Heart - Rainbow Action" and "Spring Rain Action" of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy to train teachers for 27 rural support sites in Yunnan and Guizhou, and sent teachers and students to more than 20 primary and secondary schools to provide teaching support. A total of 830 rural wealth leaders have been trained, and nearly 4,000 farmers have been employed through the training of these leaders. The Group continues to optimize its governance structure and operational model, promote internal institutional construction and process improvement, enhance the level of governance and management efficiency of the Group, improve the teaching and employment quality of its schools. The employment rate of the graduates has exceeded 95% for four consecutive years, cultivating high-quality applied and technical skilled talents for society. While firmly adhering to the sustainable development pace, the Group actively benchmarks against external standards, refers to international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learns from the best practices of well-known universities at home and abroad, and continuously improves ESG work and report disclosure. In financial year 2023, the Group quantified its ESG environmental goals for the first time, formulated energy-saving and emission-reduction measures, and actively communicated with rating agencies and the capital market to fully demonstrate the Group's high-quality ESG development results. The performance of New Higher Education Group in the ESG field has also been recognized by other authoritative rating agencies and media in the capital market: the Group has received a "Low Risk" rating from Morningstar, and has been won the "Best ESG Information Disclosure Award" in the 8th Zhitong Finance Listed Companies Selection in 2023. In the future, the Group will continue to promote the integration of ESG into the Group's development strategy, attach great importance to and voluntarily implement the ESG development concept, focus on environmental protection, actively fulfill social responsibilities, optimize the governance of the Group and schools, benchmark international standards and global best practices, continuously improve the Group's ESG level, and unswervingly follow the path of sustainable and high-quality development. Meanwhile, the Group is committed to the ESG philosophy and uses ESG as a guide to integrate financial indicators such as stable performance growth, steady investment returns, abundant cash flow and stable dividends with ESG, so as to create value in a sustained and steady manner, thereby realizing long-term benefits and sustainable development, and achieving a win-win situation for both investors and the Group in the long run. -END- About China New Higher Education Group Limited (2001.HK): China New Higher Education Group, a leading higher education group in China, was founded in 1999. The Group fully implements Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, implements the fundamental task of building moral character and cultivating people, "enabling every student to achieve career success and happiness in life" as its mission, and committing to "building the most student-oriented university". The Group has established 8 full-time universities and colleges in 7 provinces in China, with more than 140,000 students and nearly 10,000 faculty members. The Group has cultivated more than 400,000 high-quality applied and technical talents for society, making positive contributions to the high-quality development of national strategy and regional economy and society. As a leader in high-quality employment, the Group's schools have won many honors such as the "Top 50 National Employment", "The Top 100 National Typical Cases of Employment and Entrepreneurship for College Graduates", "National College Graduate Grassroots Employment Excellence Award", and the employment rate of the graduates is far higher than the average level in China for consecutive years. For more information, please visit the Group's website: https://www.xingaojiao.com 16/07/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com Company applauds new EU Tree Free baby diaper laws, as regulators bringing 449 million European consumers greater sustainable choices, and announces new CTO to scale product development and delivery in key global markets TORONTO and PARIS, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Soft N Dry Diapers Corp. ("Soft N Dry" or "SDC") today announces the launch of their innovative Tree Free disposable baby diapers in Europe, with sales and distribution capabilities in France, Germany, and the UK on a white label basis for retailers. Soft N Dry is market-ready at scale for its customers in the EU and complies with the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) era, which ensures disposable baby diapers sold in the EU do not cause deforestation and degrade the climate. Under the EUDR, diaper manufacturers using tree fiber must comply by January 1, 2025. As part of this strategic growth, the company has also appointed Alexander Valle Burkert as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective July 11, 2024. European Expansion and Compliance with EUDR The entry of Soft N Dry's Tree Free disposable baby diapers into the European market marks a significant milestone for the company. Retailers in France, Germany, and the UK can now offer these eco-friendly products under their own house or private label brands, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional disposable diapers. This move is timely, aligning with the EU's new Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), which aims to eliminate deforestation-related products from the market, ensuring that baby diapers sold do not contribute to environmental degradation. Manufacturers using tree fiber must comply with the EUDR by January 1, 2025. Soft N Dry is the only Tree Free disposable baby diaper on the market at scale to excel in product performance attributes and compliance in the new EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) era. Matthew Keddy, CEO of Soft N Dry, stated, "We applaud elected officials and regulators in the EU for taking the bold step in bringing about the new era of tree free disposable diapers. It is understood that 10 million trees a year are used needlessly in the manufacturing of baby diapers, and we can now look to innovation as the method to get higher performing products to consumers at lower costs. They took lead out of gasoline, and that didn't kill the car market, nor did it negatively impact our relationship as consumers with petroleum. We're confident the global market will embrace our revolutionary tree free diaper and retail partners will thrive with either our own proprietary products or those of other innovative companies who also could be looking to one day provide a diaper solution beyond tree fibers as we have." Appointment of Alexander Valle Burkert as CTO In line with its expansion, Soft N Dry has appointed Alexander Valle Burkert as its new Chief Technology Officer. Alexander brings a wealth of experience in product development and scaling operations, particularly in the baby diaper industry. His expertise will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring that Soft N Dry continues to deliver high-performance, sustainable, baby care products. Ricardo Santana, President of Soft N Dry de Mexico, commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Alexander to our team. His track record of success in bringing new products to market and his deep understanding of the industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand our footprint and enhance our product offerings, with manufacturing and fulfillment for European markets driven by our operations and partners in Mexico." Market Opportunities and Strategic Growth Soft N Dry's Tree Free diapers are designed with proprietary ecoFlex Core technology, which eliminates the need for tree fiber, offering superior absorbency and comfort while minimizing environmental impact. This technology not only aligns with the EU's sustainability goals but also positions Soft N Dry as a leader in the eco-friendly diaper market. Alexander Valle Burkert shared his vision, stating, "Joining Soft N Dry at this pivotal moment is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working with the team to drive further innovation and expand our product range, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our retail partners and their customers." About Soft N Dry Diapers Corp. Soft N Dry Diapers Corp. (SDC) is a Canadian company specializing in advanced materials within the $60 billion global disposable baby diaper market. Utilizing its proprietary ecoFlex Core technology, SDC delivers superior product performance and sustainability to commercial manufacturing and retail customers across North and Latin America, and now Europe, outperforming traditional tree-pulp based materials. For more information, visit: www.SoftNDryCorp.com . For Europe: www.SoftNDry.fr , www.SoftNDry.de , and www.SoftNDry.co.uk for the UK. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2461907/Soft_N_Dry_Diapers_Corp__Soft_N_Dry_Tree_Free_Diapers_Now_in_Eur.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/soft-n-dry-tree-free-diapers-now-in-european-markets-302197562.html CHICAGO, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market by Type, Material (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer, Bio-Based Sap), End-Use Industry (Agriculture & Horticulture, Industrial, Construction), & Region - Global Forecast to 2029", is projected to reach USD 2.0 billion by 2029, at a CAGR Of 6.5% from USD 1.5 billion In 2024. The Specialty super absorbent polymer market is driven by increasing demand in various end-use industries like water treatment. The increasing application of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) in water treatment is a significant development in the field of agriculture and water management. SAPs improve soil porosity, air capacity, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), which enhances soil health and fertility. Browse in-depth TOC on "Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market". 235 - Tables 56 - Figures 237 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=63314575 "Agriculture is projected to be the fastest growing end-use industry of specialty super absorbent polymer, in terms of value, during the forecast period." The agriculture sector is the fastest growing specialty super absorbent polymer market due to the increasing demand for water-efficient and sustainable farming practices. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are used in agriculture to improve soil water retention, reduce water loss through evapotranspiration and runoff, and enhance crop yields. This is particularly important in regions with limited water resources, where efficient water use is crucial for maintaining crop productivity and ensuring food security. "Sodium Polyacrylate is the largest type of material used in specialty super absorbent polymer, in terms of value." Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent polymer with a wide range of applications in various industries. Its ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water makes it an effective material for managing water in various contexts. SAP is used to manage water in various applications, including water retention in soil, reducing water loss through evapotranspiration and runoff, and improving water retention in agricultural settings. Sodium polyacrylate is used in sandless sandbags for flood control, allowing for effective water retention and management during flood events. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=63314575 "Asia Pacific captures the largest share in the specialty super absorbent polymer market during the forecast period, in terms of value." Asia Pacific has experienced significant industrialization and urbanization over the past few decades, leading to increased demand for various industrial and construction materials, including specialty super absorbent polymers. The region's booming manufacturing sectors, particularly in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, have driven the demand for specialty super absorbent polymers in applications such as agriculture, packaging, and construction. The region's economic expansion is also a significant contributor to the expansion of the global specialty super absorbent polymer market. Mergers, new product launches and expansions are the major growth strategies adopted by the key players in the market. The key global players in the specialty super absorbent polymers market include Evonik (Germany), Sumitomo Seika (Japan), Nippon Shokubai (Japan), LG Chem (South Korea), Songwon Industrial Group (South Korea), Chase Corporation (US), Formosa Plastics Corporation (Taiwan), SDP Global (Japan) SNF (France), Yixing Danson Technology (China), and Acuro Organics Ltd. (India). Browse Adjacent Market: Specialty Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Healthcare Adhesive Tapes Market - Global Forecast to 2023 Spunbond Nonwovens Market - Global Forecast to 2025 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 Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/specialty-super-absorbent-polymer-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/specialty-super-absorbent-polymer.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/specialty-super-absorbent-polymer-market-worth-2-0-billion-by-2029--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302197820.html For the first time ever, the esteemed Festival Off Avignon has welcomed a guest of honor country, inviting Taiwan to present its dynamic arts and culture to the global stage through performing arts, film, and publishing from July 3 to 21. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716997746/en/ Taiwanese portraits adorn the walls at the Off Avignon Arts Festival in France, showcasing Taiwan's diversity. (Photo: Business Wire) Harold David, co-president of the Avignon Festival, praised Taiwan for its unique and diverse contemporary art and culture. Hu Ching-fang, the director of the Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris, said that the event will highlight a special collaboration with the globally participatory art project "Inside Out Project," initiated by the renowned French photographer JR. Posters featuring the faces of Taiwanese people will cover a giant wall, presenting the happiness, joy, and stories of the Taiwanese people. Taiwan has selected four theater groups "Resident Island Dance Theatre," "Shinehouse Theatre," "Chun Dance," and "Eye Catching Circus," to explore contemporary issues through their performances. Joelle Dupuy, artistic director of Rouge Gorge, stated that Taiwanese works has the power to move people and evoke emotions. She also announced that she will be making her first visit to Taiwan by the end of the year. As the guest of honor country at the festival, Taiwan will be hosting a variety of activities, including the "JR Inside-Out Project x Faces of Taiwan," the Taiwan Panorama Film Section at Cinema Utopia, the Taiwan Visual Arts Exhibition at Avignon School of Art, and interactive literature and publication promotions at Village du Off as well as local bookstore Comedie Humaine. Additionally, attendees can enjoy lantern installations and taste Taiwan's local food during the event. More information about Taiwan's performance programs and exclusive behind-the-scenes highlights can be found on the official Facebook fan page "Taiwan Avignon off." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716997746/en/ Contacts: Sales and Marketing CenterCentral News Agency Name: Luo Tsuei-yi Email: tyl@cna.com.tw 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! VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX:ASM)(NYSE American:ASM)(FSE:GV6) a long-standing silver producer in Mexico, reports second quarter production of 616,571 silver equivalent ounces. Production Highlights - Q2 2024 (compared to Q2 2023) Silver equivalent production increased 5% to 616,571 oz Silver production increased 26% to 292,946 oz Copper production decreased 10% to 1.3 million lbs Gold production was flat at 1,514 oz Mill throughput decreased by 10% to 140,934 tonnes Consolidated Production - Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Q2 2024 Q2 2023 Change YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change 140,934 157,371 -10% Total Mill Feed (dry tonnes) 310,529 317,128 -2% 75 53 42% Feed Grade Silver (g/t) 63 52 21% 0.48 0.44 9% Feed Grade Gold (g/t) 0.47 0.51 8% 0.51 0.49 4% Feed Grade Copper (%) 0.46 0.48 -4% 87% 87% 0% Recovery Silver (%) 87% 88% -1% 70% 68% 3% Recovery Gold (%) 70% 73% -4% 88% 84% 5% Recovery Copper (%) 86% 84% 2% 292,946 232,417 26% Total Silver Produced (oz) 543,589 466,755 16% 1,514 1,520 0% Total Gold Produced (oz) 3,292 3,805 -14% 1,305,549 1,445,552 -10% Total Copper Produced (lbs) 2,652,659 2,843,189 -7% 616,571 587,317 5% Total Silver Equivalent Produced (oz)1 1,246,053 1,265,564 -2% Production by Location - Q2 2024 Tonnes Processed Grade Ag g/t Grade Au g/t Grade Cu % Recovery Ag % Recovery Au % Recovery Cu % Silver oz produced Gold oz produced Copper lbs produced Avino 130,983 71 0.49 0.51 88% 70% 88% 262,861 1,456 1,305,549 La Preciosa 9,951 133 0.28 - 71% 63% - 30,085 58 - Total 140,934 75 0.48 0.51 87% 70% 88% 292,946 1,514 1,305,549 "Our second quarter production remained consistent with 616,571 silver equivalent ounces produced, up 5% over the second quarter of last year and tracking our production target for the year. We were able to start processing La Preciosa surface stockpile material through our mill with excellent recovery results, particularly silver, which exceeded our expectations. This contributed to the 26% increase in silver ounces produced this quarter, which we expect to grow significantly when we are able to commence mining and processing underground material from La Preciosa." said David Wolfin, President and CEO of Avino. "We are eagerly anticipating the receipt of the environmental permits for La Preciosa. La Preciosa is an integral piece of our 5-year plan and will deliver economic growth and benefit to the local communities in Durango. With the price of silver gaining momentum, we remain focused on delivering organic growth for all stakeholders." 2024 Second Quarter Highlights Production: During the quarter, production remained steady overall, The Company remains on track with our targeted full year production of 2.5M to 2.8M silver equivalent ounces. The last two weeks of production for the quarter were somewhat impacted due to repairs being carried out on one of our cone crushers. A smaller crusher has been utilized to minimize downtime in the mill and the expectation is to be back to full mill capacity very soon. La Preciosa Stockpiles: During the quarter, almost 10,000 tonnes were processed from the La Preciosa surface stockpiles in Circuits 1 and 2, which produced a saleable high-grade concentrate. La Preciosa Progress: Following the signing of the long-term land use agreement with a local community on January 9th, 2024, the application for the Environmental Permit was submitted by the Company to the relevant authorities. Following feedback received in Q2 2024, the Company's response has been re-submitted with minor modifications. A further permit application will be submitted shortly after receipt of the Environmental Permit, which is required to commence the construction of the portal, haulage ramp, and the mining of the Gloria and Abundancia veins. Recent photos from the La Preciosa property can be viewed on our website by clicking here. Earnings Announcement The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, will be released after market on August 13, 2024. A conference call to discuss the Company's Q2 2024 operational and financial results will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET. To participate in the conference call or follow the webcast, please see the details below. Shareholders, analysts, investors, and media are invited to join the webcast and conference call by logging in here Avino's Q2 Financial Results or by dialing the following numbers five to ten minutes prior to the start time. Toll Free: 888-506-0062 International: +1 - 973-528-0011 Participant Access Code: 933119 Participants will be greeted by an operator and asked for the access code. If a caller does not have the code, they can reference the company name. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A portion. The conference call and webcast will be recorded, and the replay will be available on the Company's website later that day. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Mill assays are performed at the Avino property's on-site lab. Check samples were submitted to SGS Labs in Durango, Mexico for verification. Gold and silver assays are performed by the fire assay method with a gravimetric finish for concentrates and AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) methods for copper, lead, zinc and silver for feed and tail grade samples. All concentrate shipments are assayed by one of the following independent third-party labs: Inspectorate in the UK, LSI in the Netherlands, and AHK. Qualified Person(s) Peter Latta, P. Eng, MBA, Avino's VP Technical Services, is a qualified person within the context of National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the technical data in this news release. About Avino Avino is a silver producer from its wholly owned Avino Mine near Durango, Mexico. The Company's silver, gold and copper production remains unhedged. The Company intends to maintain long term sustainable and profitable mining operations to reward shareholders and the community alike through our growth at the historic Avino Property and the strategic acquisition of the adjacent La Preciosa which was finalized in Q1 2022. Avino currently controls mineral resources, as per NI 43-101, with a total mineral content of 371 million silver equivalent ounces, within our district-scale land package. Early in 2024, the pre-feasibility Study on the Oxide Tailings Project was completed. This study is a key milestone in our growth trajectory. As part of Avino's commitment to adopting sustainable practices, we have been operating a dry-stack tailings facility for more than one year now with excellent results. We are committed to managing all business activities in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner, while contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we operate. We encourage you to connect with us on X (formerly Twitter ) at @Avino_ASM and on LinkedIn at Avino Silver & Gold Mines. To view the Avino Mine VRIFY tour, please click here. For Further Information, Please Contact: Investor Relations Tel: 604-682-3701 Email: IR@avino.com This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (together, the "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the mineral resource estimate for the Company's Avino Property, including La Preciosa, located near Durango in west-central Mexico (the "Avino Property") with an effective date of November 30, 2022, prepared for the Company, and references to Measured, Indicated, Inferred Resources dated October 16, 2023 as well as the Prefeasibility Study dated January 16, 2024 and references to Measured, Indicated Resources, and Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves referred to in this press release. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements" are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the estimated amount and grade of mineral reserves and mineral resources, including the cut-off grade; (ii) estimates of the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, of operating the mine, of sustaining capital, of strip ratios and the duration of financing payback periods; (iii) the estimated amount of future production, both ore processed and metal recovered and recovery rates; (iv) estimates of operating costs, life of mine costs, net cash flow, net present value (NPV) and economic returns from an operating mine; and (v) the completion of the full Technical Report, including a Preliminary Economic Assessment, and its timing. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "envisages", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "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) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the dates of technical reports, as applicable. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Cautionary note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources All reserve and resource estimates reported by Avino were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" and uses new definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" that are substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards. However, the CIM Definition Standards differ from the requirements applicable to US domestic issuers. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources," or "inferred mineral resources" that the Issuer reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade are estimated on the basis of limited geologic evidence and sampling. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Footnotes: 1. In Q2 2024, AgEq was calculated using metal prices of $23.36 per oz Ag, $2,072 per oz Au and $3.83 per lb Cu. In Q2 2023, AgEq was calculated using metals prices of $24.18 oz Ag, $1,978 oz Au and $3.85 lb Cu. In Q2 2023, For YTD 2024 AgEq was calculated using metal prices of $22.56 per oz Ag, $1,888 per oz Au and $4.05 per lb Cu. For YTD 2023 AgEq was calculated using metal prices of $23.37 oz Ag, $1,933 oz Au and $3.95 lb Cu. Calculated figures may not add up due to rounding. SOURCE: Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSXV:EPL) ("EPL" or "Eagle Plains") is inviting visitors to explore our updated website at https://www.eagleplains.com. The new website offers a user-friendly, visually-rich experience with improved navigation and functionality on both desktop and mobile devices. The site includes many new features to help users to quickly and easily navigate the site and locate valuable information about our company and our exploration projects. New features include: improved performance allowing the site to be compatible with all browsers and mobile devices updated project filters to help prospective partners identify relevant projects high resolution graphics to help users visualise various aspects of the mineral exploration industry modern investor overview page that includes introductory videos and comprehensive explanations of the five elements of Eagle Plains' successful business model updated corporate presentation with modernized functionality custom icons highlighting pertinent information redesigned news page that allows quick browsing of current and historic news releases We hope you enjoy our new look. About the Findlay Project Eagle Plains and Amaroq Gold Corp. ("Amaroq") have amended the option agreement on EPL's 100% owned Findlay Project (the "Property") (see EPL NR May 08, 2023). The due date on certain cash payments and exploration expenditures on the Property have been extended an additional year to June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2025, respectively. In consideration of the extension, Amaroq has issued an additional 200,000 common shares to Eagle Plains. The Findlay Project overlies Aldridge Formation stratigraphy, considered prospective for sedimentary-exhalative ("sedex") deposits. Structurally, this area has been identified as an extension of the North Star-Sullivan corridor which hosts the world-class Sullivan critical metals deposit located 35km to the southeast. Over its 100+ year lifetime, Sullivan contained a total of 160 million tonnes of ore averaging 6.5% lead, 5.6% zinc and 67 g/t silver, resulting in 298 million ounces of silver, 18.5 billion pounds of lead, 17.5 billion pounds of zinc and significant quantities of associated metals; collectively worth over $40B at current metal prices. In 2023, PJX Resources Inc. discovered high-grade sediment hosted "Sullivan style" zinc, lead and silver mineralization on their Dewdney Trail Property, located approximately 40 km SE of the Findlay Project. The mineralization is thought to occur at the same stratigraphic horizon as the historical Kootenay King Mine, a stratiform, Aldridge-hosted lead-zinc deposit. PJX recently announced plans to drill test the Dewdney Trail mineralization in 2024. The Findlay property displays Sullivan-style exhalative tourmalinite (boron) horizons, massive fragmental sections, anomalous lead, zinc, and indicator geochemistry, and base-metal occurrences. This "Sullivan smoke" occurs throughout the Lower to Upper Aldridge formation and indicates the potential for Sullivan-style mineralization at multiple stratigraphic levels. The correlative "Kootenay King" stratigraphy at the Findlay is marked by anomalous multi-element Sullivan type geochemical soil anomalies, extensive tourmalinite alteration and untested EM-VLF geophysical anomalies. The Mid Fork area of the property also exhibits many of the geological features associated with the Sullivan deposit including extensive, thick fragmental lithologies, and discordant structures marked by a gabbro arch, both occurring near the Lower-Middle Aldridge contact (LMC), the stratigraphic horizon that hosts the Sullivan deposit. A 2013 AMT survey in the Mid fork basin located a deep low resistivity response, which has not been drill tested. Information regarding PJX and the Dewdney Trail property is taken from the PJX Resources Inc. website. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Findlay property. Qualified Person Technical information in this News Release has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Plains, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101. About Eagle Plains Resources Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada, with a focus on critical metals integral to an increasingly electrified, decarbonized economy. The Company was formed in 1992 and is the ninth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and one of only three that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin outs has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and Taiga Gold Corp. being notable examples. Eagle Plains latest spinout; Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:"ER") was listed on May 24, 2023, and holds a diverse portfolio of royalty assets throughout western Canada. Eagle Plains' core business is acquiring grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team. Expenditures from 2010-2023 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $38M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 50,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development. Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Eagle Plains "C.C. (Chuck) Downie, P.Geo" President and CEO For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673) Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 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 including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. 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. SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Boxes of classified records are stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Department of Justice A ruling Monday by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissing Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago classified documents criminal case should serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes the wheels of justice can turn very slowly. Fortunately, unlike the more complex federal election interference case in U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkins courtroom, hamstrung by the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding presidential immunity, the documents case is quite simple, and everything the public needs to know about it is already in the public square. By now, weve all seen the photos: dozens of cheap cardboard boxes stuffed with top secret documents, stacked beside the toilet in a tacky bathroom at Mar-a-Lago and dozens more stored in plain sight in a kitschy ballroom where public events are regularly staged and even more squirreled away in storage rooms, their contents spilling out onto the floor. Boxes seized by the FBI agents in their search two years ago, containing some of our nations most highly coveted nuclear secrets in a threat environment known to be populated with Chinese spies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its also probably safe to say that most have heard the stories where the former president (while in office and after) cant seem to keep his mouth shut when it comes to nuclear secrets. Everything from boasting to the Philippine president the top secret locations of our nuclear-armed submarines off the North Korean coast to blabbing to an Australian billionaire about the exact number of warheads our nuclear subs carry to leaking just how close our subs can get to a Russian submarine without being detected. But what we have not seen or heard not yet, anyway is any sort of rational explanation for why President Joe Biden appears poised to allow U.S. intelligence agencies to move forward later this week with their widely reported plan to, once again, begin providing intelligence briefings to someone who doesnt seem to be able to keep secrets any better than Chelsea Manning or Edward Snowden. Its not like President Biden hasnt been down this road before. In the earliest days of his presidency, he determined that Trump could not be trusted with classified information. Citing the outgoing presidents erratic behavior, Biden took the unprecedented step of barring his predecessor from receiving intelligence briefings traditionally given to former presidents. To reverse course now and permit the intelligence community to resume sharing our nations most highly guarded secrets with a man who has demonstrated repeatedly that he cant be trusted would be a gross dereliction of duty and raise serious doubt about whether Biden (already widely called out by his detractors regarding his mental acuity) continues to demonstrate the good judgment that he, himself, can be trusted with these sorts of decisions or these sorts of secrets. Beyond the direct threat this potential strategic blunder would pose to Americas top secrets, of course, lies the even bigger threat posed to our closest allies regarding shared intelligence. And to the shared trust its taken our countries so many years to develop. We are, after all, the superpower upon which their national securities rely. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As someone who worked alongside intelligence officials throughout much of my career, Ive seen firsthand the damage done when our allies learned, in real-time, how the incoming Trump administration had wasted no time divulging their most closely guarded secrets with our shared adversary, Russia. All of our allies took notice, for example, how he outed the identity of one of Israels most valued double agents something Israel had specifically forbidden us from sharing with even our closest NATO allies. How awkward it must have been, therefore, nearly two years after the former president had been voted out of office, for U.S. intelligence officials to have to come clean once again with their counterparts from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom that the U.S. was once again responsible for leaked intelligence. 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 This time it was regarding shared secret intelligence discovered lying on the floor at Mar-a-Lago intel clearly labeled, for anyone to see, SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY a top-secret classification that would have been spotted almost immediately in a highly fluid threat environment known to be populated with Chinese spies. This is intelligence that any intel officers worth their salt would have to assume was discovered by the adversary, photographed and returned to its place on the floor. Intelligence that our allies should have been able to reasonably expect would have been retrieved almost immediately by federal law enforcement or counterintelligence, rather than waiting months asking politely for the materials to be returned while being lied to at every turn and then waiting additional months for courts to approve search warrants. The Biden White House might think thats normal, but I promise you: Our allies dont. Whatever happens next in the documents case is now the least of our worries. What we need now is for Biden to act and to act fast. Its time to throw on the brakes. Reverse course. The intelligence communitys plan, already in place, to lift the moratorium on Trump receiving briefings, must never be allowed to happen. Usha Resources Ltd. ("USHA" or the "Company") (TSXV:USHA)(OTCQB:USHAF)(FSE:JO0), a North American lithium exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a marketing and distribution service agreement with an arm's-length marketing firm, Hillside Consulting and Media Inc. ("Hillside") of Penticton BC, to provide digital marketing services, including SEO, PPC, email, YouTube and social media channels to increase corporate awareness for a term of 3 months. The media disseminated will be generated using publicly available information. The Company will pay Hillside a cash fee of $50,000 CAD plus applicable taxes. Hillside does not currently own any shares of the company. The engagement of Hillside is a piece of Usha's strategy to bring global visibility to the Company as it strives to establish itself as a leader in the critical metals industry. This strategic move follows the execution of its Letter of Intent (the "LOI") with Stardust Power, Inc. ("Stardust Power") dated March 15, 2024 granting Stardust Power the right to earn up to a 90% interest subject to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR") in Usha's Jackpot Lake Lithium Brine Project ("Jackpot Lake" or the "Project") for total consideration that could total up to US$26,025,000 over five years inclusive of payments comprising US$1,525,000 cash, US$750,000 stock, US$15,750,000 stock or cash at Stardust Power's election, and a work commitment of (US$8M). A non-refundable sum of US$75,000 has been paid to Usha by Stardust Power pursuant to the LOI. The full details of the LOI are included in Usha's press release dated May 17, 2024. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including Stardust Power's satisfactory commercial and legal due diligence, the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements (the "Definitive Agreement") and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company cautions that there is no guarantee that the Definitive Agreement will be completed. Deepak Varshney, CEO of Usha commented: "Retaining Hillside is the first piece of our strategy to bring visibility to Usha in the coming months as we strive to build shareholder value. Our vision at Usha has always been to acquire and monetize undervalued assets. With the recent success of companies such as Abitibi Metals, we have been evaluating opportunities to acquire copper and/or gold projects to create further shareholder value in a similar fashion. We look forward to providing shareholders updates as our strategy progresses." About Usha Resources Ltd. Usha Resources Ltd. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality lithium metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, Usha's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes Jackpot Lake, a lithium brine project in Nevada and White Willow, a lithium pegmatite project in Ontario that is the flagship among its growing portfolio of hard-rock lithium assets. Usha trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol USHA, the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol USHAF and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol JO0. USHA RESOURCES LTD. "Deepak Varshney" CEO and Director For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email info@usharesources.com or visit www.usharesources.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements: This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about entering into a Definitive Agreement and completion of the Jackpot Lake transaction with Stardust Power, strategic plans, future work programs and objectives and expected results from such work programs. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation: Usha and Stardust entering into the Definitive Agreement; risks associated with general economic conditions; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; and other risks. 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. 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. 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. SOURCE: Usha Resources Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Syngenta will leverage Ginkgo's Ag Biologicals capabilities to optimize secondary metabolite production for a pioneering biological solution Syngenta Crop Protection, a leader in agricultural innovation, and Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, today announced a new cooperation aimed at accelerating the launch of a new biological solution. The two companies have previously collaborated on next-generation seed technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716231883/en/ Syngenta collaborates with Ginkgo Bioworks to enable faster launch of innovative biologicals. (Photo: Business Wire) Through this new collaboration, Ginkgo plans to develop and optimize a microbial strain that can meet the productivity targets of a secondary metabolite from the Syngenta Biologicals pipeline. This molecule is earmarked by Syngenta as a pioneering biological solution. Successful cost-effective and large-scale production of this targeted metabolite would significantly expedite Syngenta's go-to-market timeline for its latest biological solution. To achieve this, Ginkgo will use its Ag Biologicals capabilities to calculate theoretical performance and guide rational strain engineering strategies to develop the microbial strain that is robust enough to meet Syngenta's goals. Ginkgo will leverage its biological knowledge and machine learning approaches to develop insights from multiple complex data sources and apply this toward diagnosing strain performance limitations as well as biological feature discovery. "Biologicals are increasingly important in addressing the need for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions worldwide. At Syngenta, we are committed to providing farmers with greater complementary product and technology choices that promote sustainable agricultural practices," said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research at Syngenta Crop Protection. "We are excited to work with Ginkgo, and are confident that their distinctive capabilities will enable us to achieve our productivity goals for our targeted molecule, expediting our time to market." Magalie Guilhabert, Head of Ag Biologicals at Ginkgo Bioworks, said: "We are so excited to expand our relationship with Syngenta. We've built a successful relationship from our work together on plant traits and now look forward to doing the same with ag biologicals. Ginkgo is proud to put our excellent assets and experience against some of our customer's toughest challenges. We'll work to achieve productivity levels to realize commercial viability for Syngenta's innovative ag biologicals product launch." About Syngenta Crop Protection Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow productively and sustainably. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 18,300 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group. Follow us on X (@Syngenta@SyngentaUS), and on LinkedIn. About Ginkgo Bioworks Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo Biosecurity is building and deploying the next-generation infrastructure and technologies that global leaders need to predict, detect, and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and ginkgobiosecurity.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (@Ginkgo and @Ginkgo_Biosec), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks), or LinkedIn. To learn more about Ginkgo's Ag Biologicals capabilities, please visit: https://www.ginkgobioworks.com/offerings/ag-biologicals-discovery-development/production-strain-engineering Syngenta's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. 2024 Syngenta. Rosentalstrasse 67, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of the partnership and Ginkgo's cell programming platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "can," "project," "potential," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) volatility in the price of Ginkgo's securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo's business, (ii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, (iii) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (v) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vi) the outcome of any pending or potential legal proceedings against Ginkgo, (vii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs, (viii) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, and (ix) the product development or commercialization success of our customers. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Ginkgo's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 9, 2024 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716231883/en/ Contacts: media@syngentagroup.com Gingko Bioworks Investor Media contacts investors@ginkgobioworks.com press@ginkgobioworks.com Heimdall Power, the global leader in power grid optimization, today announced a $25 million USD capital raise in a Series B financing. The round was co-led by the international energy company Orlen, Nordic cleantech fund NRP Zero, and the Steinsvik Family Office. Existing shareholders, including Investinor, Eviny, Hafslund, Lyse, and Sarsia Seed, participated in the round with a combined $8.5 million USD. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716656922/en/ New and existing investors united in Heimdall Power's Oslo HQ to celebrate the successful funding round. Photo: Jola McDonald Founded in 2016, Heimdall Power delivers software and sensors for the monitoring of overhead power lines. The technology enables electric utilities to increase transmission capacity in their high-voltage power grids by 40% on average, while simultaneously improving the safety and efficiency of their operations. Heimdall Power's solutions allow utilities to optimize existing power grid assets, reducing or delaying the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades, while making utilities better prepared to meet the growing electricity demand fueled by the ongoing energy transition. The sphere-shaped sensor-units, called Neurons by Heimdall Power, gather live data that allows the company's advanced software to assess the actual transmission line capacity in real-time. This way, utilities can harness the increased capacity made available by Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR), moving on from the traditional static or seasonal line ratings that limit grid operators from utilizing power grids in a dynamic fashion. The Neuron's unique design and remarkable ability to squeeze more capacity out of the existing infrastructure has earned it recognition as a "Magic Ball" by top global media outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Yahoo. The sensor units can be installed in a matter of seconds on live power lines through a patented autonomous drone system, providing unrivaled scalability and efficiency while ensuring safety of workers. By combining them with their digital sibling, the AI-powered Virtual Neuron, Heimdall Power is the first to offer precise monitoring of overhead lines at system-wide scale. "We have reached many key milestones in Heimdall Power during the past year, but this is the biggest yet and the timing is perfect. The U.S. government recently announced a goal to upgrade 100,000 miles of transmission lines in the next few years, and powered by this Series B round, we'll do our fair share to fulfill that vision," said Jrgen Festervoll, CEO of Heimdall Power. "This funding gives us fuel to grow internationally, as we continue to build our organization with the best people and industry experts in the world. It will also allow us to make further investments in our tech-development, taking scalability to the next level as we strengthen our position as the clear world-leader within Grid-Enhancing Technologies," Festervoll concluded. Heimdall Power is trusted by more than 40 utilities in 17 countries across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. The company recently caught the attention of the U.S. government after launching the largest grid optimization project in the United States with Minnesota's Great River Energy, and was subsequently invited to the White House in Washington D.C. for a summit on Grid Modernization. "Heimdall Power has built itself a unique position as an enabler for the ongoing energy transition with, fast-increasing electricity demand and queues of renewables waiting to get connected. As the owner of one of Poland's four utilities, we have observed the growing challenges power grids around the world are facing" said Marek Garniewski, President of the Management Board at Orlen VC. "The ability of Heimdall's solutions to increase grid capacity by 40% is not just impressive, it's transformative. Combined with the increasingly strong governmental interest and new mandates coming out of the U.S. and Europe we are happy to be part of this investment opportunity, supporting Heimdall Power in their ongoing international growth journey." Sharing in the excitement about the company's future, Patrick Sandahl, Investment Director at Investinor, added: "As both an investor and board member, I've witnessed Heimdall Power's remarkable journey firsthand. Their technology has already started to reshape the entire energy sector. This funding round is a testament to the team's vision and execution, cementing Heimdall Power's pivotal role in modernizing power grids globally." About Heimdall Power Heimdall Power is a technology company that specializes in power grid optimization, making the world's grids smarter, more capable and more sustainable. Heimdall Power's technology is trusted by over 40 utilities in 17 countries, across Europe, Asia and in the United States, where it has successfully increased power grid capacity for companies like Swissgrid, Austrian Power Grid, TenneT and Great River Energy by as much as 40% on average. The company designs and develops smart software solutions and industrial devices in support of its mission to enable a swift, secure and affordable energy transition around the world. Heimdall Power was founded in 2016 with European headquarters in Oslo, Norway and US headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. About ORLEN Group The ORLEN Group is an integrated multi-utility energy company listed in the prestigious global Fortune Global 500. It was the first company in the region to declare achieving total emission neutrality in 2050. Thanks to the recent acquisitions and mergers, it became one of the 150 largest companies in the world. The company operates on 10 home markets: Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Canada, Norway and Pakistan. By the end of this decade, ORLEN will invest over PLN 320 billion to implement strategic projects, of which approximately 40% will be allocated to green investments, including wind energy at sea and on land, photovoltaics, biogas and biomethane, biofuels, electromobility, green hydrogen and synthetic fuels. About NRP Zero NRP Zero is an Oslo-based industrial cleantech fund manager investing in late-stage venture companies accelerating the energy transition and optimizing resource efficiency with a positive impact beyond the Nordics. Through active engagement with companies' management teams and stakeholders, we seek to amplify long-term returns while delivering positive and sustainable environmental outcomes. The investment team comprises of five professionals with longstanding experience in active ownership at the cross-section of industry, energy and finance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716656922/en/ Contacts: Peter Grbitz Head of Marketing Communications +47 905 12 662 peter@heimdallpower.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2024) - Florida Canyon Gold Inc. (TSXV: FCGV) ("FCGI", or the "Corporation") advises the market that processes are underway to review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value on the Mexican business unit and the Florida Canyon mine, both of which are well advanced. About Florida Canyon Gold Inc. The Corporation is a Canadian-based junior gold producer with assets in the United States and Mexico. The principal operating assets of FCGI are the Florida Canyon mine in Nevada and San Agustin mine in Mexico. The Corporation also holds the El Castillo mine, La Colorada mine, Cerro del Gallo project and San Antonio project (which is subject to an option agreement with Heliostar Metals Limited), all located in Mexico. The Corporation is exploring all options to leverage the value of its portfolio of assets. Further information concerning FCGI may also be found on its website at www.floridacanyongold.com and in the Corporation's TSXV Form 2B - Listing Application, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under FCGI's issuer profile. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of FCGI. Except for statements of historical fact relating to FCGI, all statements included herein are forward-looking statements. The words "believe", "expect", "strategy", "target", "plan", "scheduled", "commitment", "opportunities", "guidance", "project", "continue", "on track", "estimate", "growth", "forecast", "potential", "future", "extend", "planned", "will", "could", "would", "should", "may" and similar expressions typically identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, information and statements regarding the Transaction; the timing and ability of FCGI to commence trading on the TSXV (if at all); and the business and operations of FCGI. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and 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. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of FCGI and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. These factors are discussed in greater detail in FCGI's TSXV Form 2B - Listing Application, filed under the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR+, which also provides additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. FCGI cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Although FCGI has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. FCGI undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Comparative market information is as of a date prior to the date of this document. Further, the forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date of this news release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. For more information contact: Florida Canyon Gold Inc. www.floridacanyongold.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/216613 SOURCE: Florida Canyon Gold Inc. Addition of solar panels at the facility builds on Bombardier's industry leadership to promote sustainable practices and ongoing commitment to reduce the energy consumption at its worldwide service facilities Installation of more than 3,000 solar panels at the nearly 250,000 sq. ft. London Biggin Hill facility to provide up to 32% of the service centre's total energy demand from an on-site renewable source New PV solar panel system will generate more than 1.133 million kWh, lowering annual carbon emissions by up to 252 tons MONTREAL, July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier announced today that more than 3,000 solar panels have been installed on the roof of Bombardier's London Biggin Hill Service Centre located at the London Biggin Hill Airport, underscoring its commitment to promote sustainable practices within the aviation industry and to reduce its energy consumption at its worldwide facilities. The recently completed project was developed in collaboration with Zestec Renewable Energy, a funder, developer and asset manager of renewable solutions and part of the Octopus Energy group. The new PV solar panels will generate more than 1.133 million kWh, lowering the annual carbon emissions by up to 252 tons and providing up to 32% of the facility's total energy demand from an on-site renewable source. "At Bombardier, we are actively committed to ensuring that we are making aviation more sustainable and this includes the design and implementation of sustainability-related projects in our service facilities around the world," said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aftermarket Service & Strategy. "This recent installation is aligned with our company's objective to manufacture and service aircraft with the smallest possible environmental impact and demonstrates our company's commitment to lead the way to a greener industry." Bombardier's expanded London Biggin Hill Service Centre nears 250,000 square feet and provides customers with complete heavy maintenance capabilities. It is fully equipped to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications and avionics installations for Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft. The addition of the solar panels at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is just the latest example of Bombardier's ongoing commitment to building and enhancing its service facilities through a sustainable lens. Another example is Bombardier's Singapore Service Centre. Located at the growing Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore, the 290,000 sq. ft. facility was built with sustainability at its core. The LEED Silver certified service centre includes new solar panel installations, electric vehicle charging and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) capability. Bombardier's sustainability commitment extends far beyond its worldwide service centre development. The company is actively seeking new environmentally conscious solutions and is committed to ensuring a 25% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 relative to 2019 levels. Since 2023, Bombardier has also been covering the totality of its flight operations with a sustainable aviation fuel blend using a Book-and-Claim system and has become the only business jet OEM to publicly disclose the environmental impact of its entire product portfolio through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for all its in-production aircraft. Finally, the company's revolutionary EcoJet research project initiated over 15 years ago and currently exploring the blended-wing-body aircraft configuration targets to reduce business jets CO 2 emissions by up to 50% compared to the current aircraft generation through significant aerodynamics, propulsions and other enhancements. About Bombardier At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world's best-performing aircraft for the world's most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs. For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation-innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier's performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. For Information For corporate news and information, including Bombardier's Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company's plans to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier's industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier. Media Contacts General media contact webform Matthew Nicholls +1-514-243-8214 Matthew.Nicholls@aero.bombardier.com Bombardier, Challenger, Global, Global 7500 and Learjet, are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. 200 Sites Renewable 5-year NaaS Agreement Initial Drawdown of US$ 2. MUSD Received Resumption of NuRAN New Site Builds QUEBEC, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR)(OTC PINK:NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce an agreement for up to 200 sites with MTN Benin (JSE:MTN) for the deployment of rural 2G, 3G and 4G sites under the Network-as-a-Service ("NaaS") business model in Benin, West Africa. The 5-year agreement with MTN Benin now places NuRAN in 8 countries throughout Sub-Saharan Africa with NaaS agreements signed. The contract includes a renewal for an additional 5 years at the end of the initial term. This agreement has been signed under the MTN Framework Agreement announced on July 21, 2022, serving as further evidence of the strong partnership between MTN and NuRAN both dedicated to empowering lives in rural communities across Africa. The project is expected to support 2G, 3G and 4G with a variety of site categories to cover different population densities and coverage areas. NuRAN expects to retain ownership of the infrastructure after completion of the contract which increases the overall value of the agreement. NuRAN now has a total of 5,092 sites under-contract with multiple mobile network operators (MNO's), now surpassing more than 50% of its goal of 10,000 sites within five years of the NaaS framework being launched. This milestone not only showcases NuRAN's ability to execute large-scale deployments but also underscores its commitment to bridging connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas. Initial Drawdown of US $2.5M Received and New Site Build Resumption Management is also very pleased to announce that the initial US$ 2.5M drawdown from the Facility for Energy Inclusion ("FEI") has been received. As a result of this NuRAN is resuming its rollout plan. While the majority of the amount will be dedicated to Cameroon, NuRAN expects to dedicate a portion to initiate site builds in the Ivory Coast, Benin and Madagascar as well as to deliver sites already in inventory in South Sudan. About MTN Benin: MTN is an emerging market mobile operator at the forefront of technological and digital changes. They provide a diverse range of voice, data, digital, fintech, wholesale and enterprise services to more than 280 million customers in 21 markets. Established in South Africa at the dawn of democracy in 1994 as a leader in transformation, they offer services to communities across Africa and the Middle East. MTN Benin is a telecommunications company which offers telecommunications products and services in Benin, Africa. The company is also the first established mobile network in the Benin region. About NuRAN Wireless: NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information: For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Letourneau, Director and CEO Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com Tel: (418) 264-1337 Frank Candido Investor relations Frank.candido@nuranwireless.com Tel: (514) 969-5530 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as 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. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the MTN Benin definitive agreement terms and conditions and the proposed sites and revenues from the sites in Benin, projected build out of 200 live sites to fulfil MTN Benin Agreement in the future. Subject to completing incorporation in Benin and to obtaining the operating license from the local regulator (ARCEP). Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, such as the uncertainties regarding include risks such as the uncertainties regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and measures to prevent its spread, risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to refinance its long term debt that is currently in default; NuRAN's ability to adequately restructure its operations with respect to its new model of NaaS service contracts; the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; effects of the global supply shortage affecting parts needed for NuRAN's sites and site installations; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in applicable telecommunications laws or regulations or changes in license and regulatory fees, downturns in customers' business cycles; and insurance prices and insurance coverage availability, the Company's ability to effectively maintain or update information and technology systems; our ability to implement and maintain measures to protect against cyberattacks and comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements; the Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategies or realize expected cost savings and revenue enhancements; business development activities, including acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; the Company's expansion into markets outside of Canada and the operational, competitive and regulatory risks facing the Company's non-Canadian based operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis that is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: NuRAN Wireless Inc View the original press release on accesswire.com Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BU0) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, today announced the terms of the proposed non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debenture units (the "Convertible Debenture Units") at a price of $1,000 per Convertible Debenture Unit (the "Purchase Price") for gross proceeds of up to $3,900,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Convertible Debenture Unit will be comprised of (i) $1,000 principal amount (the "Principal Amount") of senior unsecured convertible debentures (the "Convertible Debentures") of the Company and (ii) 10,000 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") of the Company. Each Convertible Debenture will be convertible into common shares of the Company (the "Debenture Shares"), at the option of the holder at a conversion price of $0.10 per Debenture Share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.10 per Warrant Share for a period of 48 months from the Closing Date (as defined below). The Convertible Debentures are expected to bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum from the Closing Date, calculated and payable quarterly in cash. Any remaining accrued and unpaid interest will be paid by the Company on the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date (the "Maturity Date"). The Company is expected to (i) repay 6.25% of the Principal Amount quarterly in cash, and (ii) repay the remaining Principal Amount outstanding on the Maturity Date. It is anticipated that the sole subscriber in the Private Placement (the "Subscriber") will be a single institutional investor. Pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Debentures and the Warrants, the Subscriber will be restricted from converting or exercising the Convertible Debentures or Warrants, as applicable, to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion or exercise, as the case may be, the Subscriber would beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly in excess of 9.99% of the common shares of the Company outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion or exercise, as the case may be. The Private Placement is expected to close on or about July 19, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and the net proceeds are expected to be used to repay existing indebtedness. The issuance of the Convertible Debenture Units remains subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Avant Brands Inc. Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars. Avant offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to recreational, medical, and export markets. Avant's consumer brands, including BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. Avant's products are distributed globally to Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand BLK MKT currently being sold in Israel. Additionally, Avant's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, serves qualified patients nationwide through its GreenTec Medical portal and trusted medical cannabis partners. Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the TSX (TSX: AVNT) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA: 1BU0). Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Avant operates in strategic locations including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. For more information about Avant, including access to investor presentations and details about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca For further inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc. 1-800-351-6358 ir@avantbrands.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: completion of the proposed Private Placement; the terms of the Convertible Debenture Units; the expected Closing Date; the use of proceeds; and receipt of final TSX approval. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking 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 of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: risk related to the ability to obtain additional financing; limited operating history; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in consumer demand and preferences; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; compliance with extensive government regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; and the risk factors set out in the Company's annual information form dated February 28, 2024, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking 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 that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Avant Brands Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2024) - Prospector Metals Corp. (TSXV: PPP) (OTCQB: PMCOF) (FSE: 1ET) ("Prospector" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the 2024 exploration program has commenced at the ML Project located approximately 80 km from Dawson City, Yukon Territory, and 25 km northeast of the former Brewery Creek Gold Mine. The ML Project geology is extensively metal endowed with numerous instances of high-grade gold, silver and copper in drill holes, trenches and surface rock samples. ML IRGS System ML hosts one of the few remaining Tombstone-style intrusions in the Yukon that has not been systematically explored with no significant work completed since 2008 and as such, no modern Intrusion Related Gold (IRGS) exploration models have been applied to ML despite the presence of a diagnostic Au-As-Bi-Te-W geochemical signature. Previous exploration focused on well exposed Au-Cu-W skarn mineralization proximal to syenite intrusions, however little work was completed within the intrusions. Nonetheless, the presence of skarn Au-Cu mineralization provides key evidence of an active, metal-rich intrusive system with over over 24 known high grade Au surface occurrences that have never been drill tested and numerous high-grade Au drill and trench results remain open-ended. Stated Dr. Rob Carpenter, P. Geo, CEO of Prospector: "We are excited to get our first look at these prospective rocks with multiple targets yet to be evaluated. We look forward to advancing key targets." ML Project 2024 Exploration Plan The fully funded 4-week field program encompasses ground-truthing of known targets and prospective geology, and assessment of additional high-priority targets developed during the evaluation of the digital datasets with the purpose of developing a robust pipeline of drill targets of 2025. This first pass exploration program with a budget of approximately $650,000 will include: Rock/soil sampling, geological mapping Airborne LiDAR survey. High-resolution World View 3 remote sensing survey. Detailed drill core review with relogging and additional sampling as needed. Prospector's work will provide a pipeline of targets with an emphasis on the numerous undrilled surface showings that include Java where select mineralized samples reportedly assayed from trace to 14.8 g/t gold while seven trenches that partially tested the zone along a 100 m strike length returned 10.46 g/t gold over 1.5m and 3.09 g/t gold over 1.5m. ML Project Overview Historical exploration of the ML Project has outlined numerous areas of interest that are loosely defined by a combination of geographic location, host lithology, mineralization type, geochemical signature and/or geophysical response (Figure 1), including intrusion hosted gold (+copper) style, replacement-skarn style, and high-grade vein targets. In addition, there are multiple relatively unexplored mineral occurrences, many of which are high grade gold targets. A total of 117 diamond drill holes have been drilled property wide, testing six property targets. From 2005 to 2008, Dynamite Resources drilled 114 of these holes, with 23 holes at the North Vein Zone (a gold enriched skarn-replacement target) and 71 holes at Skarn Ridge (a gold - copper skarn-replacement target). The Property hosts numerous other targets of interest which have a variety of intriguing characteristics, such as high-grade rock-soil samples, highly anomalous trench samples, unique geophysical signatures, and large areas of alteration. Additionally, there remain large parts of the property that have received little or no exploration and evaluation. Several of the lesser-known mineralized areas have undergone only cursory assessment by previous operators, thus present very attractive targets. The property has an impressive technical data base which includes property wide airborne geophysics, satellite imagery, extensive soil and rock sampling, prospecting, selective ground geophysics, and diamond drilling (+16,700m over 117 holes). Most of this exploration took place from 2004 to 2008, a period when most drilling was focussed on two specific skarn/replacement type targets: Skarn Ridge (71 drillholes) and North Vein (23 drillholes). Figure 1. Main Prospects on Geology at the ML Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1564/216568_a7b3215c94b1994b_002full.jpg Table 2. Summary of Prospects Showing Style Easting Northing Comments 4160 Showing ? 357504 7124747 1991 Placer Dome sample from 0.25 m shear exceeding 6.00 g/t Au. B Showing S-R 358997 7127012 1990 Placer Dome - pod in argillite - 0.80% Cu, 153 g/t Ag over 0.80 m. Bev Showing ? 360787 7130612 1991 chip sample - 5.31 g/t Au over 0.60 m; hornfelsed argillite. Bindie Birdie Zone V 357389 7125112 Some arsenic- rich specimens exceeding 6 g/t Au, drilled 2005 and 2007. Bueno S-R 358035 7128169 Massive arsenopyrite replacing 0.40 x 25 m CSL bed- 3770 ppm Bi. Fishbowl cirque ? 358511 7131143 2005 Dynamite, float sample - 1.86 g/t Au, 2.26% Cu, 1.6% Zn, 350 ppm Ag. GH Vein V 359994 7129014 1973 Belmoral rock sample from 10 cm qtz vein - 10.60 g/t Au over 30 cm. Homestake Showing S-R 361086 7130295 Skarn float with 50 ppb Au, 2.94% Cu. Java Horizon S-R 361141 7132639 1.5-5m thick replacement mineralization; 10.46 g/t gold over 1.5 m in trench. Lorrie Lake Cirque V 357342 7126287 Weakly mineralized outcrop - 65 ppm Au, 52 ppm Ag, 1135 ppm Cu over 1 m. Megaladon V 358504 7130809 Multi-episode 40 cm wide calcite vein - up to 5.23% Zn, 2.76% Cu, 218 ppm Ag. Mike Lake Cirque Zone P 359938 7129675 2004 Dynamite composite rock sample - 0.38% Cu, 3.67 g/t Au. Nit Float ? 361441 7132652 1998 Homestake grab sample mineralized breccia - 392 g/t Au. North Mike Lake ? 359190 7131151 1998 Homestake rated highest ranked geophysical anomaly; drill attempt 2006. North Vein S-R 361186 7131494 2005 Dynamite drill intersection 7.67 g/t Au over 18.43 m; also drilled 2006. Pebble Zone S-R 361326 7132313 1998 Homestake Trench #1: 0.18% Cu, 14.51 g/t Au over 6 m; drilled 2005. Philp Showing V 358761 7129521 1973 Belmoral trench sample - 0.40% Cu, 4.8 g/t Au over 1.37 m in syenite. Phone Zone S 358998 7127670 Massive sulphides - select samples to 160 g/t Ag, 0.22% Cu, 117 ppb Au. PX Showing S-R 359505 7128191 Pyroxene-garnet skarn - 1.56% Cu, 220 ppb Au, 35 ppm Ag. R.L. Showing V 358406 7129223 1990, 1998 samples 4.98% Cu, 16.13 g/t Au in syenite. Ridge Showing ? 358288 7130444 1990 Tombstone grab sample - 2.33 g/t Au disseminated Py +As in argillite. RP Showing ? 357490 7127262 1990 Tombstone- massive po float, py, cpy, gal - 1.99 g/t Au, 0.25% Cu. SE Zone ? 360606 7127848 1991 Placer Dome - bedded pyrite + qtz-po veinlets in argillite - 4.14 g/t Au Skarn Ridge Zone S-R 357598 7129112 1998 Homestake Trench # 1, 0.18% Cu, 14.51 g/t Au over 6 m, drilled 2005, 2007, and 2008. Smith Showing V 361390 7113818 2004 Dynamite grab rock sample - 0.75% Cu, 0.21 g/t Au, 0.86% W. South Rubble Lake Zone S-R 357981 7129399 1990 Tombstone rock samples ranging 0.24% - 6.98% Cu. Spartan Vein V 359979 7129859 1975 Canalta drill intersection 24.51 g/t Au over 1.28 m, also drilled 2005. Stonehenge Moly P 360915 7133586 Up to 945 ppm Mo, 1750 ppm Cu on fractures - syenite float The drilling and trench results disclosed in this news release relate to historical results on the ML Property. Prospector has not undertaken any independent investigation of the historic sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work to verify the results. Prospector considers these historical drill and trench results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling. Qualified Person The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jodie Gibson, P.Geo. Advisor to Prospector, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument NI 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). About Prospector Metals Corp. Prospector Metals Corp. is a Discovery Group Company focused on district scale, early-stage exploration of gold and base metal prospects. Creating shareholder value through new discoveries, the Company identifies underexplored or overlooked mineral districts displaying important structural and mineralogical occurrences similar to more established mining operations. The majority of acquisition activity occurs in Ontario, Canada - a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction with an abundance of overlooked geological regions possessing high mineral potential. Prospector establishes and maintains relationships with local and Indigenous rightsholders, and seeking to develop partnerships and agreements that are mutually beneficial to all stakeholders. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Prospector Metals Corp. Prospector Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca Forward-Looking Statement Cautions: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. 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. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans and risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. 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/216568 SOURCE: Prospector Metals Corp. Option and license agreement includes multiple fully human bispecific antibodies generated with Biocytogen's proprietary RenLite platform Agreement will enable SOTIO to significantly broaden its next-generation ADC portfolio, including multi-specific ADCs Biocytogen will receive an upfront payment and potential development milestone payments totaling up to $325.5 million SOTIO Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company owned by PPF Group, and Biocytogen (HKEX: 02315), a global biotech company focused on the discovery of novel antibody therapeutics, today announced a research collaboration and exclusive option and license agreement. The agreement grants SOTIO the option to license multiple fully human bispecific antibodies generated with Biocytogen's proprietary RenLite platform, which SOTIO will use to develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting solid tumors. The agreement also includes an option for SOTIO to leverage Biocytogen's proprietary ADC platform. Biocytogen will be eligible to receive upfront, development, and commercial milestones and royalties on net sales on a product-by-product basis. "SOTIO's powerful ADC platform brings together multiple technologies, allowing us to tailor our therapeutics to meet the needs of specific cancer types. Specifically, exploiting bispecific targeting in the context of our ADC approaches to improve precision targeting and overcome tumor heterogeneity is particularly appealing," said Martin Steegmaier, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of SOTIO. "This agreement with Biocytogen complements our existing collaborations with Synaffix, LigaChem, and NBE-Therapeutics, providing SOTIO with access to fully human antibodies from Biocytogen's state-of-the-art in vivo discovery platform. With the first targets for a bispecific program already selected, we are well-positioned to expand our ADC pipeline and the therapeutic possibilities for patients with solid tumors." Under the terms of the agreement, Biocytogen is eligible to receive upfront and potential milestone payments worth up to $325.5 million, plus low single-digit royalties on net sales. SOTIO and Biocytogen will collaborate closely during the research phase of the bispecific programs. SOTIO will be responsible for non-clinical and clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADC products. "We are eager to deploy Biocytogen's cutting-edge tools for antibody discovery to support SOTIO's exciting ADC development plans," said Yuelei Shen, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Biocytogen. "Our unique RenMice platforms allow us to discover fully human antibodies with high affinity, low immunogenicity, and favorable developability. We look forward to working with SOTIO to advance novel therapeutics that have the potential to improve cancer treatment." About SOTIO SOTIO Biotech (SOTIO) is shaping the future of targeted cancer therapies by translating compelling science into patient benefit. The SOTIO pipeline includes three clinical-stage programs: SOT102, a next-generation Claudin-18.2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate; BOXR1030, a metabolically-enhanced CAR-T cell therapy targeting GPC3-expressing tumors; and SOT201, a next-generation PD-1-targeting immunocytokine. SOTIO is a member of the PPF Group. SOTIO is a registered trademark of SOTIO Biotech a.s. in selected countries. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.sotio.com. About Biocytogen Biocytogen (HKEX: 02315) is a global biotechnology company that drives the research and development of novel antibody-based drugs with innovative technologies. Founded on gene editing technology, Biocytogen leverages genetically engineered proprietary RenMice (RenMabTM/RenLite/RenNano/RenTCR-mimicTM) platforms for fully human monoclonal/bispecific/multispecific antibody discovery, bispecific antibody-drug conjugate discovery, nanobody discovery and TCR-mimic antibody discovery, and has established a sub-brand, RenBiologicsTM, to explore global partnerships for an off-the-shelf library of >400,000 fully human antibody sequences against approximately 1000 targets for worldwide collaboration. As of December 31, 2023, 103 therapeutic antibody and multiple clinical asset co-development/out-licensing/transfer agreements and 47 target-nominated RenMice licensing projects have been established around the globe, including several partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNCs). Biocytogen pioneered the generation of drug target knock-in humanized models for preclinical research, and currently provides a few thousand off-the-shelf animal and cell models under the company's sub-brand, BioMice, along with preclinical pharmacology and gene-editing services for clients worldwide. Headquartered in Beijing, Biocytogen has branches in China (Haimen Jiangsu, Shanghai), USA (Boston, San Francisco), and Germany (Heidelberg). For more information, please visit http://en.biocytogen.com.cn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716285394/en/ Contacts: Company contacts: Richard Kapsa Head of Communications SOTIO Biotech a.s. T: +420 224 174 448 M: +420 603 280 971 E: kapsa@sotio.com Chaoshe Guo Vice President (Global Head of Business Development) Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. M: +86 10-5696 7680 E: chaoshe.guo@bbctg.com.cn Media contacts: Lisa Raffensperger Ten Bridge Communications (SOTIO) M: +1 (617) 903-8783 E: lisa@tenbridgecommunications.com Yanan Liu Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. M: +86 10-5696 7680 E: yanan.liu@bbctg.com.cn GLOBALink | China makes astonishing achievements through reform, opening-up: Hungarian party leader Pub Date:24-07-16 09:28 Source:Xinhua China has made astonishing achievements in recent decades by adhering to reform and opening-up, a Hungarian party leader said in a recent interview with Xinhua. #GLOBALink Editor:Zheng Chen Related News Anxiety of the West over SCO rise misplaced Xinhua Headlines: China's economy maintain... GLOBALink | China's modernization drive pu... GLOBALink | China one of key co-creators o... A person holds a sign opposing a Chino Valley school board policy requiring school staff to out students to their parents if they ask to be identified by a gender that is not listed on their birth certificate. David McNew/Getty Images Billionaire Elon Musk drew a harsh spotlight Tuesday on a new state law allowing transgender students to decide if their parents should be informed about their gender identity. Musk said he plans to move his businesses, including the social media platform X, out of California because of the measure. But the legality of school districts privacy policies will most likely be decided by federal courts. At least seven school districts in the state are already in court on the gender identity issue, sued either by state officials and local residents challenging their parental-notification policies or by parents demanding disclosure of students transgender status. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the leading cases is in the states 4th District Court of Appeal in Riverside, where a judge ruled in February that a school district could require teachers to notify parents when a student identifies as transgender. Superior Court Judge Eric Keen said the Temecula Valley Unified School Districts policy, adopted in 2022, was actually gender-neutral and does not expressly single out transgender or gender non-conforming students, as it applies to any students request to change their school official or unofficial records. But Keen was relying on California law, which at the time only required schools to let transgender students take part in all programs and use restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. The state Department of Education, under Superintendent Tony Thurmond, later adopted regulations banning disclosure of gender identity without a students consent. But those rules do not have as much authority as state law, and some judges have rejected them. As of Jan. 1, 2025, however, state law will explicitly require schools to obtain a students consent before notifying parents that the student has asked to use a different name or pronoun, or otherwise identified as transgender. AB1955 by Assembly Member Chris Ward, D-San Diego, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday and appears at least to strengthen, and possibly to resolve, appeals of Keens ruling and others in state courts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The situation is different, however, in federal court, where the lawsuits are based on competing versions of constitutional rights. Last September, U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego ruled that the Escondido Union School District was violating parents right to raise their children by following state policy and allowing students to decide whether to notify parents of their gender identity. A parents right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, control and medical care of their children is one of the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests that Americans enjoy, Benitez wrote. Two months earlier, U.S. District Judge John Mendez of Sacramento upheld a similar policy in the Chico Unified School District in Butte County, finding that the state had a legitimate interest in creating a zone of protection for transgender students. And on Tuesday, the conservative Liberty Justice Center filed suit in federal court on behalf of the Chino Valley Unified School District, whose mandatory-outing policy was blocked by a San Bernardino County judge last fall. The suit argues that students are "too young to make life-altering decisions about their expressed gender identity without their parents knowledge" and that AB1955 would violate their parents constitutional rights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The next stop is the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which will weigh claims of parental rights against childrens independence and privacy, constitutional issues that do not appear to be impacted by the new California law. The law garnered a new high-profile critic on Tuesday, when Musk said he would move his company headquarters out of California because of the law. This is the final straw, he wrote on the social media platform X. Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas. Musk also said he would move Xs headquarters to Austin. X was previously called Twitter, until Musk purchased and renamed it. Musk has threatened to move his business out of California before. He said he would move the headquarters of his car company Tesla to Austin, but has continued to use the companys office space in Palo Alto as a second headquarters and has continued to hire workers for its California operations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musk has long been a critic of Democratic politicians in California, and last week endorsed former President Donald Trumps presidential campaign. He has criticized the legal system in California before, too. Highlights: North Hill Trend Drilling Hits Broad Zone of Mineralization Starting from Surface with a High-Grade Zinc Centre 300-meters East of the Main Zone JES-24-95, 76.3 meters of 0.2 g/t Au, 1 g/t Ag and 0.4% Zn from 1.5 meters depth Including, 7.6 meters of 0.2 g/t Au, 3 g/t Ag and 2.8% Zn And 5.1 meters of 0.8 g/t Main Zone Eastern Infill Hits Broad Mineralization with Elevated Silver and Zinc JES-24-94, 24.4 meters of 0.2 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag from 47.3 meters depth Including, 1.5 meters of 1.3 g/t Au, 37 g/t Ag, 1.2% Zn and 0.5% Pb And 1.5 meters of 0.5 g/t Au, 26 g/t Ag and 0.5% Zn Also 3.1 meters of 0.4 g/t Au, 5 g/t Ag and 0.6% Zn Five holes Released, All Five Intersect Mineralization Results Pending for Three (3) Drillholes Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce drill results from its 2024 Reverse Circulation (RC) drill program at its road accessible Pilar Gold-Silver project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. To date, the 2024 drill program has completed 3,268 meters across 26 drill holes. Results for three drill holes are currently pending analysis (green squares on Figure 1). "Drill results are continuing to show the broad scale of mineralization at Pilar as we push out the edges of the known deposit." commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "The infill drilling looks to connect each of the three known trends to date, the results tell us that mineralization does connect across these corridors. Most of the area has never seen detailed drilling and to see mineralization and alteration in all holes showcases the robust system we have. We are also seeing areas with elevated base metals indicating multiple phases of gold and silver deposition, an excellent advantage when expanding and exploring across the greater Pilar area. To date, we have only drilled 2% of the total property area with surface sampling showing much bigger targets are present. A major producer is continuing to show a keen interest in the area conducting detailed review of the greater project area. The results today are supporting the case that we are just scratching the surface of the potential at Pilar. Results for exploration drilling 600 meters south of the Main Zone are still pending and surface work is ongoing. We look forward to updating our shareholders as more results become available." Figure 1. Summary map of drill highlights and surrounding surface results. Table 1. Summary of Drill Results Released Today from Pilar Project. All interval lengths are drilled widths. 10,000 ppm = 1%. Includes Pathfinder Geochemistry. Table 2. Drillhole locations released today. Results today highlight five infill drill holes on the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T trends with the primary objective to connect each corridor. Detailed results with pathfinder elements are summarized in Table 1. Discussion of Results 4-T Trend JES-24-91 JES-24-91 tested within the 4-T trend along the southwestern edge leading towards the North Hill trend. The hole was vertical, drilled to a depth of 100.7 meters. Moderate zones of mineralization were encountered with elevated zinc and arsenic indicating proximity to higher-grade mineralization. The hole returned 32.0 meters of 591 ppm zinc and 314 ppm arsenic with elevated gold and silver values. As a comparison the bulk sample completed in 2023, returned an average of 400 ppm zinc. Much of the 4-T trend has only seen wide spaced drill testing to date and remains open. Main Zone East Infill JES-24-92, JES-24-93 and JES-24-94 Infill holes JES 24-92 and 93 were drilled off the same pad testing the eastern flank of the Main Zone trend to see if the neighboring North Hill trend connects. JES-24-92 was drilled to the north at a 45-degree angle and to depth of 91.5 meters. JES-24-93 was a vertical hole drilled to 119.0 meters. Anomalous silver and zinc values were recorded along with alteration and veining indicative of mineralization within the Main Zone, further evaluation of the eastern flank and its relationship connecting the North Hill Trend is warranted. Infill hole JES-24-94 tested a space along the eastern edge of the Main Zone, a broad anomalous zone of mineralization was recorded along with elevated silver values. JES-24-94 was a vertical hole drilled to a depth of 170.8 meters. A 120.5-meter zone of anomalous gold, silver and zinc was recorded expanding out the eastern side of the Main Zone. North Hill Trend JES-24-95 Infill hole JES-24-95 tested the southern extent of the North Hill Trend. Broad anomalous mineralization was recorded with high-grade zinc intervals. The hole was vertical and drilled to a depth of 96.1 meters, with mineralization recorded over 76.3 meters starting at a depth of 1.5 meters. A 16.8-meter zone of higher-grade zinc was recorded, returning 0.2 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag and 1.5% Zn. A deeper zone of gold mineralization returned 5.1 meters of 0.8 g/t Au. Pathfinder elements arsenic and molybdenite were also elevated across the hole. The hole is located 65-meters south-southeast of JES-22-63 which returned 67.1 meters of 0.2 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag, including 13.7-meters of 0.6 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag and 9.2-meters of 0.6 g/t Au, 3 g/t Ag and 0.6% Zn. JES-24-95 is also located 65-meters northwest of JES-22-72 which returned 157.1-meters of 0.1 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag including 10.7-meters of 0.6 g/t Au, 40 g/t Ag and 1.7% Zn. This area of the trend is developing into a sizable domain with known elevated gold, silver and zinc values. Figure 2. Pilar Project Planview map showing the southern block made up of the Pilar Main Zone and the newly discovered placer source with additional gold-silver mineralization extending to the south. Within the northern block, a large alteration zone that spans 3.3 km by 1.5 km (North Alteration Zone) has returned high-grade gold and silver values in the first few sampling programs across the newly acquired area. The Southern Block remains largely untested with drilling, with an expanding mineralized footprint expanding from ongoing surface sampling. About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries. Pilar Drill Highlights: 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 51 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 820-1130 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4 403-829-9877 bsutherland@tocvan.ca The Howard Group Jeff Walker VP Howard Group Inc. 403-221-0915 jeff@howardgroupinc.com SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com ISLAMABAD, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-year is often a good time to review the status of your business and consider making changes to help your business grow during the second half of the year. It is also an opportunity to assess the level of support your business is getting from digital solution tools, what is available in the market, and what to consider helping propel your business and customer engagement. While enterprise businesses may have large technology budgets and can assemble a team of specialists, it can be different for small and microbusiness owners. They grapple with a variety of unique challenges running their business to compete in crowded marketplaces, yet this is starting to change. Generative AI (AI) has taken significant strides over the past year and introducing new tools and strategies does not have to become a major investment or require expertise. With AI by your side, it's use can help create a marketing strategy to not only stand out, but also help to drive increased engagement and fuel growth. With the increasing use of AI tools, Generative AI is on a path to become the next equalizer for small businesses. Putting AI to work for content creation AI becomes a companion in crafting both creative and easy to use content calendars. With AI tools, it can be easy to determine which themes and topics will resonate with desired audiences. From there, content can be created to be distributed across channels, establishing deeper connections with customers while boosting an online presence. Generative AI steps in to assist in crafting content that captures attention and keeps readers engaged. It provides suggestions and enhancements to existing content and suggests professional images giving small businesses an edge in refining their messaging. And it saves time by tailoring integrated content across various channels. AI's ability to tweak copy based on real-time feedback and analytics, can also help to fine-tune a rich content strategy delivering strong results. Unveiling the benefits for targeted marketing AI tools can also be used to delve deeper into competitor research. Using sophisticated algorithms and data, AI tools can swiftly gather information on competitors' activity. And that is not all - AI can also serve up invaluable customer insights by analysing data from various sources. By discerning customer preferences, behaviours, and demographics, small businesses can more precisely pinpoint the right audience for their products and services. Once locked onto the right targets, AI helps discover the most effective channels to reach potential customers, helping to ensure marketing efforts are reaching the right audiences. Evaluate, Adjust, and Shine AI powered tools are not just here to make businesses look good, they excel at measuring customer performance. By tracking metrics like website engagement rates, conversion rates and customer satisfaction, AI provides insights into what is working and what needs a tweak. This allows small businesses to gauge the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make informed decisions for improvement. With access to this variety of insights, along with knowledge of their own business plans, businesses can take advantage of the benefits of using AI tools to streamline processes, consider new ideas and gain customer insights. Working along with human intervention, these insights can be essential to refine the outcomes. Knowing the business well can add the human evaluation element to the AI produced insights, which presents a more well-rounded view when considering opportunities for improvement. With business owners using AI responsibly, the use of AI tools can be a significant technology enhancement for small businesses looking to go up against their competition and successfully grow their business. With these tools easily available to small business owners and entrepreneurs, AI offers the ability to both save time and money while elevating brand presence and resonating with target audiences more effectively than ever before. For more information getting started with AI: AI guide for web design - How to create a website with AI AI logo design - A hands-on guide Find out more about how GoDaddy can help your business About GoDaddy GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs around the world start, grow and expand their businesses. People turn to GoDaddy to name their idea, create a professional Web site, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept online payments. GoDaddy's easy-to-use tools help micro-entrepreneurs manage everything in one place, and its experts are available to provide 24/7 assistance. For more information about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2363619/4596420/GoDaddy_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-give-your-business-a-boost-302198049.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2024) - Kingsmen Resources Ltd. (TSXV: KNG), (OTCQB: KNGRF) ("Kingsmen" or the "Company") is pleased to update progress on the Las Coloradas project, located 30km from Hildalgo del Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. Portions of the Soledad structure were mined by American Smelting and Refining Company ("ASARCO"), the U.S. based subsidiary of Grupo Mexico in the period 1944 to 1952. Kingsmen has completed an evaluation and interpretation of the ground magnetic data covering the entire Las Coloradas project area. The interpretation identified two prominent magnetic bodies (A and B) within a halo of weaker magnetics (Figure 1). Both bodies are strongly magnetic (>300 nT) and are interpreted to be shallow and probably linked to intrusives. The magnetic lineaments in B clearly reflect the strong NW-trend of the Soledad and Soledad II structures. As well, these lineaments bound and distort B and may be related to sharp contacts or fault related contacts of the interpreted intrusives. Very positively, the structural picture appears to define a cymoid loop, a feature that generates multiple dilation zones that may host mineralization in both NW- and NE-trending zones along strike and at depth. These will be targets for drill testing. Notably, the significant old workings are associated with magnetic body B, however, prospecting has identified widespread occurrences of silver mineralization indicating there are other controls on mineralization. Magnetic body A has a NE-trend and appears to be much less " broken" than magnetic body B. It is associated with the newly discovered Silvia-La Plata trend and its structural composition is currently being interpreted. Kingsmen is currently compiling and interpreting the prospecting results with the detailed magnetic data. The processing and interpretation of the magnetic data completed by Manuel Aragon-Arreola, Ph.D. included the merging and levelling of the data bases to produce various metadata including total magnetic intensity, residual magnetic anomaly, reduction to the pole, 1st vertical derivative, tilt derivative, upper continuation of the reduction to the pole, two orders of high frequency filtering of the reduction to the pole and analytical signal. The Las Coloradas project area of mineralization is on the southeast flank of a prominent aeromagnetic high interpreted to be a buried felsic intrusive body. Magnetic bodies A and B and the magnetic lineaments patterns are likely linked to this body. The project is prospective for epithermal precious metal, skarn and porphyry mineralization. Scott Emerson, President, commented: "The on-going field programs along with the technical data, continue to expand our understanding of the deposit and will help identify the strongest drill targets preparatory to drilling." Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9640/216612_cd1da4c0e4da6881_002full.jpg About Las Coloradas The Las Coloradas Project (8.5 km2 - 3.3 sq miles) represents a consolidation of a historic mining district which covers numerous silver-gold-lead-zinc-copper mines previously exploited by ASARCO, the U.S. based subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. Las Coloradas is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt and is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Hildago de Parral and 40 kilometers east of the San Francisco de oro and Santa Barbara mining districts where several operating mines are located, such as La Prieta, Veta Colorada, Palmilla, Esmeralda, San Francisco del oro and Santa Barbara. As well, new major mining projects are currently being explored in the district; Cordero (Discovery Silver Corp.), 35 kms north of Parral, and La Cigarra (Kootenay Silver Inc.), 35 kms northwest of Parral. Click here to see locator map, https://www.kingsmenresources.com/area-history. Qualified Person Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure set out in this news release. About Kingsmen Resources In line with Kingsmen's organic-growth strategy, the Company's focus is on exploration and development, and is currently focused on district-scale exploration for high -margin metallic mineral deposits in the prolific mining districts of Parral Mexico. In addition, the company has a 1% NSR on the La Trini Project within the Los Ricos North project in Mexico operated by GoGold Resources Inc. The Company's leaders have extensive experience in the mining and financial sectors. Kingsmen is a publicly-traded company (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. On behalf of the Board, "Scott Emerson" Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement: All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project and receipt of regulatory approval, are forward-looking statements. Although Kingsmen believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since Kingsmen can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Kingsmen's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, and assumptions made with regard to: Kingsmen's ability to make the required payments under the definitive agreements; and Kingsmen's ability to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Kingsmen's expectations include risks associated with the business of Kingsmen; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to the closing of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project; non-completion of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Las Coloradas Project; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Kingsmen's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Kingsmen does not undertake any obligation to update forward looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/216612 SOURCE: Kingsmen Resources Ltd NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Staying at the top of your game in any industry, especially the vastly competitive app development market, isn't anything less than a challenge. This never-ending battle in app development solutions is anticipated to reach an astounding $673.79 billion in global value by 2026. With a whopping 6 billion smartphone users, the market for smart app developments and enhancements is a window of opportunity for every other leading app development company in the USA. The American crowd is already flooded with a bunch of options at every possible price point, but understanding the essence of user needs and the impact of smartphone penetration on US businesses and consumers remains missing. The increasing number of smartphone users across many industries who utilize iOS and Android apps is not creating competition in the market; rather, it is opening up new opportunities for businesses to consider in terms of services. That's where Hyperlink InfoSystem's diverse and eclectic global expertise joined the conversation. Being one of the globally renowned app development businesses in 2024, the company has solidified its reputation by catering to users in a multitude of domains with some of the most innovative and successful mobile app solutions. The remarkable track record of Hyperlink InfoSystem as the top app development company in the USA is another piece of evidence of their commitment to delivering user-centered, well-designed products that merit praise. Since its inception in 2011, Hyperlink InfoSystem has been a thought leader in the app development industry. By incorporating best-in-class emerging technologies like IoT, blockchain, metaverse, AI/ML, AR/VR, deep learning, and more, Hyperlink InfoSystem has invariably exhibited its mastery of developing groundbreaking applications. Due to its strong emphasis on meeting client objectives and its ability to complete projects on schedule and within budget, the business is now highly regarded for both customer retention and satisfaction. Being recognized as the top app development company in the USA for 2024, this accolade highlights Hyperlink InfoSystem's relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and customer delight. "We feel deeply honored to be recognized as a top app development company in the USA," said Harnil Oza, CEO & Founder at Hyperlink InfoSystem. Further congratulating the team, he commented, "This achievement is a testament to the immense hard work, and expertise of our tech squad across the globe, who consistently stretch the perimeters of what's possible in the dynamic applications landscape." Hyperlink InfoSystem's ascent to prominence in the US tech scene in 2024 showcases its tenacity and inventiveness as a premier app development company. Looking at the future, Hyperlink InfoSystem plans to expand its global team as well as its offerings on its already existing comprehensive range of services in mobile, app, AI, and web development. They are poised to advance this position in the competitive US app development landscape. The company plans to expand its service offerings and foster strategic partnerships with leading technology providers to create a more inclusive and diverse suite of app development solutions. Hyperlink InfoSystem also wants to cultivate a culture of innovation and promote upskilling for their team to stay on top of all trends in the mobile app development industry. About Hyperlink InfoSystem Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals. Contact Details: Hyperlink InfoSystem Harnil Oza +1-805-744-1224 info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com New York Address: One World Trade Center 285 Fulton Street suite 8500, New York, NY 10007, United States Ahmedabad Address: C-308, Ganesh Meridian, Opp Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway, Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061 India London Address: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AB Canada Address: 151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7, Canada Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429933/4743119/Hyperlink_InfoSystem_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyperlink-infosystem-recognized-as-a-premier-app-development-company-in-usa-2024-302198098.html The guidance features new survey data and insights from teachers and experts in computer science (CS) and AI, informing the future of CS education. SEATTLE, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, TeachAI , led by Code.org, ETS, the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE), Khan Academy, and the World Economic Forum, launches a new initiative in partnership with the Computer Science Teachers Association ( CSTA ) to support and empower educators as they grapple with the growing opportunities and risks of AI in computer science (CS) education. Guidance on the Future of Computer Science in the Age of AI launches with three briefs developed by TeachAI and CSTA in partnership with AAAI, AI4K12, Code.org, Digital Promise, Everyday AI, the German Informatics Society, Grok Academy, and leading researchers including Karen Brennan, Shuchi Grover, Maya Israel, and Matti Tedre. The briefs draw on early research and insights from CSTA members, organizations in the TeachAI advisory committee, and expert focus groups to address common misconceptions about AI and offer a balanced perspective on critical issues in CS education, including: Why is it Still Important for Students to Learn to Program? Important for Students to Learn to Program? How Are Computer Science Educators Teaching With and About AI? How Can Students Become Critical Consumers and Responsible Creators of AI? "CS teachers are leaning into teaching with and about AI, yet it will take more than CS teachers to advance AI literacy. This guidance serves as an example for the entire education community to consider as we wrestle with the role of AI in all subjects and every classroom," said Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer of Code.org and Lead of TeachAI. As AI becomes increasingly present in the classroom, educators are understandably concerned about how it might disrupt the teaching of core CS skills like programming. With these briefs, TeachAI and CSTA hope to reinforce the idea that learning to program is the cornerstone of computational thinking and an important gateway to the problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills necessary to thrive in today's digitally driven world. The rise of AI only makes CS education more important, with early research showing that people with a greater grasp of underlying computing concepts are able to use AI tools more effectively than those without. "Even in an age of AI, teachers are indispensable for delivering high-quality and equitable computer science education," said Bryan Twarek, Head of Research and Innovation at CSTA. "We aim to empower teachers by prompting their thinking with some early insights from other educators and researchers." To inform this initiative and better understand educator perspectives and expectations related to the role of AI in CS curriculum and education, TeachAI and CSTA conducted a survey of primary and secondary computer science teachers in the spring of 2024. Key Survey Findings CS teachers are mostly optimistic or neutral on the potential benefits and risks of AI in CS education: 52% said the benefits outweigh the risks, 43% see an equal mix, and only 5% said the risks outweigh the benefits. CS curriculum is due for a change: 80% of teachers agree that core concepts in CS education should be updated to emphasize topics that better support learning about AI. CS teachers need support to teach with and about AI: 88% indicated a need for additional resources and professional learning to teach with and about AI. "We need to help students learn to ask questions well," said Christina Gardner-McCune, associate professor at the University of Florida and co-chair of AI4K12. "We need to teach them to have ownership of these tools." In celebration of the launch, TeachAI will host launch webinars on Wednesday, August 14. To register, visit www.teachai.org/webinars or visit teachai.org/cs to learn more about the guidance. About TeachAI TeachAI brings together education leaders and technology experts to assist governments and education authorities in teaching with and about AI. The initiative is led by Code.org, ETS, the International Society for Technology in Education, Khan Academy, and the World Economic Forum and advised by a diverse group of 150+ organizations, governments, and individuals. TeachAI's goals include guiding policy, building community and capacity, and increasing awareness. To learn more about TeachAI, please visit www.teachai.org/about . About CSTA The Computer Science Teachers Association's (CSTA) mission is to empower, engage, and advocate for K-12 computer science teachers worldwide. With more than 25,000 members, CSTA supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. Visit https://csteachers.org/ to learn more. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2461780/TeachAI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-guidance-from-teachai-and-csta-emphasizes-computer-science-education-more-important-than-ever-in-an-age-of-ai-302197965.html HOUSTON, July 16, 2024today announced the launch of its Enable 1617 performance polyethylene (PE) grade. Ideal for thin-gauge hand wrap applications, the new resin is designed to help provide high tenacity and consistent extrusion, as well as help enable the incorporation of high loading levels of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Key Potential Benefits Include: Incorporation of PCR content: Can provide the performance boost to help enable the incorporation of high levels of PCR content. Can provide the performance boost to help enable the incorporation of high levels of PCR content. Efficiency: Can help to achieve high production speed, offering a cost-effective extrusion process that can maximize output while maintaining quality, making it ideal for high-volume production environments. Can help to achieve high production speed, offering a cost-effective extrusion process that can maximize output while maintaining quality, making it ideal for high-volume production environments. Performance: Can help to deliver high tenacity, strong holding force, and reliable load stability, which can help wrapped products remain secure and intact during transportation and storage and help reduce the risk of damage. An Enable performance polyethylene resin-based solution can help to deliver high tenacity, contribute to high holding force and great load stability. The new Enable 1617 performance PE resin can combine seemingly opposite features: high flow and high tenacity. This unique combination can result in great cast film processing, exhibited by fast line speed, low pressure and low motor load. With its flow properties, Enable 1617 resins can be run in coextruded structures as discrete layers, contrary to some of the lower melt index high tenacity resins that require blending in order to be processed. The balanced properties can provide opportunities for stiff, thinner gauge film, while offering consistent extrusion and high throughput rates, up to 650 m/min for 8 m film thickness. To help support value chain participants' goals of reducing their use of raw materials, ExxonMobil has developed a solution for downgauged, tough hand wrap films that can include the incorporation of PCR content. In high-tenacity hand wrap applications, Enable 1617 resin can make the incorporation of 30+% PCR content possible, while maintaining high processability and good film quality. The incorporation of PCR content can make predicting gel content and quality consistency difficult. Enable 1617 performance polyethylene resin is especially well-suited as a blend partner for the incorporation of PCR content. The high melt strength of Enable 1617 can contribute to process stability, while the high flow attributes can help enable the processing of thin gauge film at high extrusion rates. Film properties can be affected by the quality of the incorporated PCR content, however, Enable 1617 resins can be instrumental in helping to maintain acceptable film properties for the application without need to up-gauge. "ExxonMobil is committed to collaborating with our customers to understand their needs and to help them create compelling potential solutions for the industry. Our new resin not only can enhance performance but also can support the incorporation of recycled content," said Justin Schmader, Market Development Manager, ExxonMobil. "We believe this product will help our customers achieve their operational objectives more efficiently such as helping support their goals of reducing raw material use." For more information about ExxonMobil's Enable 1617 performance polyethylene and associated applications, please visit our case study , fact sheet or datasheet . About ExxonMobil PE ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is one of the largest refiners and marketers of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. To learn more, visit exxonmobilchemical.com or follow us on LinkedIn . Contact: Adam Brett + 1 516-320-0164 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18f9f1c4-bef9-4ef4-bc07-6f91d9dc4e34 Star Alliance International Corp. (OTC PINK:STAL), ("STAR or the Company"). STAR is pleased to confirm that it has signed definitive documents to acquire 51% of HRaspirin which becomes effective on or before August 15, 2024, based on certain milestones to be achieved. HRaspirin founded in 2018 was established to solve the challenges faced by employers and HR managers in managing benefits. Employers are not in the business of providing benefits. Employees expect benefits and to be able to purchase other options at discounts through their employer. HRaspirin uses its proprietary software solutions to fill the role for human resources for any company that wants to provide voluntary benefits to its employees but doesn't want to worry about the cost of managing carriers. Businesses have severely cut back budgets for human resources and are having difficulty staffing for these tasks. HRaspirin provides the solution, and the employees enjoy the same price breaks on their benefits with the convenient feeling of a payroll deduction. HRaspirin strategy focuses on: Carriers utilize our service to facilitate their payroll group payments. Agents are looking for alternatives to the billing problem. Many agents have turned to bank draft options due to expediency, but they have experienced low persistency due to volatility with personal bank accounts. Employers utilize our proprietary system in house to manage carrier billing. When an employer realizes HRaspirin removes the headache, we never lose them. Unions/Associations are increasingly looking to HRaspirin for dues management and data management services. Some entities benefit from HRaspirin's customizable private label to manage not only their benefits, but also to export these services to other enterprises. Shawn Stephens, President of HRaspirin stated: "We have been talking with Star for some time and see their vision for the future of their Fintech division. We bring a team of experienced professionals and software engineers that are continually improving our proprietary software. Our revenue for 2024 is expected to be around $2 million with strong net income, and with the support of the Star management team and growth funding capabilities, we anticipate that we can achieve revenues nearing $10 million for 2025." Richard Carey, President and Chairman of Star Alliance International Corp., commented, "This is another step in our growth targets for 2024. With the addition of HRaspirin, we bring revenue and a very solid profit track record to our group. This is the second step in the growth of our Fintech division. In both these acquisitions we bring innovative and proprietary software solutions for the needs of business clients. Our team is now concentrating on our gold mine and Genesis as well as the Artificial Intelligence Company. Keep watching as we will be updating our shareholders regularly." About Star Alliance International Corp. Star Alliance International Corp. ("the Company" or "STAL") was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 17, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada. Star Alliance International Corp. is a Worldwide Holding Company with a mine in California and other assets ready to be acquired. In addition, Star searches out innovative technologies that are eco-friendly including "Genesis," our environmentally safe gold and other mineral extraction system. The Genesis extraction system extracts minerals from oxide and complex ores much faster than other processes in an environmentally safe manner. We plan to close this transaction as soon as possible. We have also agreed terms to acquire controlling interests in two entities outside our mining divisions in the fintech arena and we are negotiating the terms of the transaction with AIEnglishGPT, the artificial intelligence transaction. Our work on our digital asset backed by gold continues, as we prepare paperwork for regulatory approvals. The Company anticipates continued expansion of our efforts domestically and abroad, with a particularly keen focus on mining technologies for precious metals and rare earth minerals, as well as other innovative technologies. It is Star Alliance International Corp.'s goal to become an exciting well-rounded many-faceted company with a sophisticated corporate structure that allows for more transparency to our shareholders. Our planned diversification, paired with a sensible approach, will result in the absolute best possible outcomes and the highest possible value for our shareholders. Safe Harbor and Informational Statement This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statement of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company's financial conditions or results of operations; (iii): the company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the company's statements and reports filed with the OTC Markets. The Company claims the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act for all forward-looking statements. For more information, contact: Anthony Anish, CFO, Star Alliance International Corp. Telephone: 833-443-7827 E Mail: info@staralliancemines.com Web Site: staralliancemines.com Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter @StarAllianceIn1 SOURCE: Star Alliance International Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com New career-focused magazine helps employers, educators, and brands reach nurses nationwide. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Health eCareers, the nation's largest healthcare-only recruitment and career network, dedicated to helping healthcare employers attract top talent, is proud to announce the launch of Vital Signs, a new national career-focused magazine designed exclusively for the nursing community. Vital Signs is the only national career magazine exclusively for nurses. This free, quarterly magazine provides unique content on various topics, including career transitions, educational opportunities, professional advancement, emerging technologies, and more. Vital Signs delivers timely resources to help nurses throughout their career journey with insights on finding jobs, financial advice, information on nursing licensure, educational advancement, and more. "Every article included in Vital Signs is written by nurses, for nurses. This means that nurses are top-of-mind for all of the content in every issue," said Stephanie Davis, managing editor of Vital Signs. Reaching nearly three million nurses nationwide, Vital Signs provides employers, educators, or anyone looking to reach nurses about their products or services access to one of the largest nursing audiences available anywhere. "Health eCareers' client success and marketing teams are committed to ensuring the success of those who serve the nursing community as well as the nurses within it," said Greg Chang, managing director of Health eCareers. "A post and pray strategy no longer works to attract top talent in today's competitive market-whether you're filling vacant positions at a health system, hospital, or clinic; trying to reach the next generation of nursing students; or needing to cut through the clutter and showcase your brand. We've created Vital Signs to make your job easier." Health eCareers provides organizations with one of the most competitive rates in the market when they place an ad in Vital Signs. "Advertising in Vital Signs provides national exposure, reaching an estimated 3 million nurses, with engaging content for nurses and nursing students that will support them throughout their careers," said Mike Wright, senior vice president of sales at Health eCareers. "There's no need to pay multiple times to reach only a portion of nurses in individual states. With Vital Signs, your ads are delivered to nurses' inboxes coast-to-coast, helping you broaden your reach." Health eCareers's mission is to be the leading healthcare recruitment network with resources for career advancement and provide innovative technology and marketing solutions that connect healthcare professionals, associations, employers, educational institutions, and other partners. Learn more about Vital Signs and connect with our team at https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/vital-signs. About Health eCareers Health eCareers brings physicians, surgeons, nurses, nurse practitioners, PAs, and CRNAs together for jobs and career resources in every medical specialty. With thousands of healthcare employers across the United States and an exclusive network of premier healthcare associations and community partners, Health eCareers supports qualified healthcare providers in finding opportunities with employers that need top talent. The organization serves allied health professionals and is part of the Everyday Health Group. To learn more, please visit healthecareers.com or check out Health eCareers on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and X. Contact Information Stephanie Davis Content Marketing Manager stephanie.davis@healthecareers.com SOURCE: Health eCareers View the original press release on newswire.com. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Zimtu Capital Corp. (TSXV:ZC)(FSE:ZCT1) (the "Company" or "Zimtu") announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell two separate packages of mining claims generally known as the Eagle Lake claims and the Whitefish Lake claims, respectively (together, the "Claims"), located approximately 350 km northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario (the "Transaction"). The Claims are comprised of 2,923 mineral claims covering approximately 61,093 hectares (~150,964 acres) in Northwestern Ontario. Terms of the Transaction Pursuant to sale agreement dated July 15, 2024 between the Company and Discovery Lithium Inc. (the "Purchaser"), the Company has agreed to sell a 100% interest in the Claims for the following consideration: a cash payment of $432,778.50 to be paid to the Company within 180 days following closing of the Transaction (" Closing "); an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Purchaser (" DiscoveryShares ") to be issued to the Company upon Closing; and the Purchaser will grant to the Company a 1% net smelter returns royalty interest in the future minerals produced from the Claims upon achieving commercial production. In addition to the above, the Purchaser has agreed to assume the Company's obligations with respect to certain payments owed or may be owed, as applicable, to other parties in connection with a claims sales agreement and a net smelter returns royalty agreement previously entered into by the Company relating to the Claims. The completion of the Transaction remains subject to, among other things, the Company obtaining the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), if necessary, and acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") as it pertains to the Purchaser. The Discovery Shares to be issued on Closing will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day following Closing. About Zimtu Capital Corp. Zimtu Capital Corp. is a public investment issuer that aspires to achieve long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Zimtu Capital companies may operate in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, technology, life sciences or investment. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZC" and Frankfurt under symbol "ZCT1". For more information, please visit https://www.zimtu.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors ZIMTU CAPITAL CORP. "Sean Charland" Sean Charland President & Director Phone: 604.681.1568 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. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward looking statements in this press release include that the Closing will occur, including the payment of the cash and share consideration and the grant of the net smelter royalty. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed, implied by or projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company or the businesses of the companies that the Company has invested in, including, without limitation, the natural resource exploration industry; changes in commodity prices as the Company has investments in natural resource exploration issuers; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; geopolitical risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors which may affect the Company's operations, investments, markets, products and share price; that the Transaction may not occur as intended or at all; and that the CSE or the TSXV may not approve the Transaction. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. SOURCE: Zimtu Capital Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Gains Access to 88,000 Tonnes of Copper Currently Valued at $850 Million RENO, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 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 that it has entered into an exclusive offtake agreement with NT Minerals Limited ("NTM") for 88,000 tonnes of Copper, which is currently valued at $850 million based on today's price of $9,653 per ton of Copper. M2i is granted offtake rights for a maximum of 88,000 tonnes copper that is sourced from the Redbank tenements in return for 12 million shares of M2i Global Inc. NTM to receive additional payments for incremental resource increases or upgrades from the Redbank tenements. M2i retains the option to participate in production pre-funding opportunities. Doug Cole, Executive Chairman of M2i, commented, "We are very excited with our strategic collaboration and to be working with NT Minerals. The opportunity to secure a substantial tonnage of future production of copper is significant in the establishment of a secure supply of critical minerals that are so important to the US economy and defense industry." NTM Managing Director Rodney Illingworth commentated that "This agreement is a significant step in monetizing the current copper resources already identified and held by NT Minerals. It provides the necessary liquidity without dilution to expand our existing resources during the upcoming field season. It is also a vote of confidence in the Company's ability to identify and develop copper and critical mineral projects and we are excited to be working with M2i to ensure the elimination of sovereign risk on the availability and supply of critical minerals." NTM's initial area of interest is centered on the Bluff Resource, notably a cluster of targets within a 600 meter radius of the Bluff deposit, these being Double Bluff, gravity targets - T24, T25 and T27 and Archimedes Targets - AT2 and AT4. Each of these targets have varying levels of support from each of the target generation concepts providing the Company confidence to undertake the planned drill program. NTM considers this clustering of targets important as any future development may be potentially accessed from the same infrastructure. Additionally, a 1,700 m long linear copper geochemical trend has been identified northeast of Bluff, this trend is defined by the RN North geochemical anomaly at its northern extent and the T25 gravity/geochemical anomaly at its southern extent, with potential to extend this anomaly in both directions. Importantly, this trend also includes the Quartzite Prospect, located some 650m WNW of Bluff and the subject of limited historical drill evaluation (12 holes) with a best reported intercept of 52m @ 1.34% Cu from 119m, including 8m @ 3.98% Cu from 163min drill hole QT35. The Company intends to investigate this trend, targeting the 500m long RN_North anomaly, Quartzite Prospect and the T25 gravity target with reconnaissance drill programs. Regionally, NTM also plans to undertake regional reconnaissance work during the 2024 field season across several areas identified by previous explorers but that have not been fully evaluated since the original work. This includes the Mountain Home Prospect located in the Redbank West group of tenements where a recent geological review noted rock chip sampling along a 150m trend of surface workings/pittings returned assays of 32.73% Cu, 25.20% Cu, 15.69% Cu and 9.81% Cu with associated gold values up to 1.31 g/t Au. This highly mineralized trend is coincident with an interpreted +5km long structure warranting further investigation. Other areas being targeted for regional reconnaissance work include Copperado, Wollogorang and Siegal Gap. NTM is well advanced in progressing the requisite approvals for the various programs and has received expressions of interest and pricing from several well credentialed drilling contractors to undertake the planned programs. The commencement of the 2024 field season is currently scheduled for early July and is dependent on access after a very significant wet season. 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 A San Francisco Superior Court courtroom on April 29. An appeals court says a San Francisco woman was denied her constitutional right to a speedy trial by years of delays, a ruling that could affect other cases. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle In a ruling that could lead to dismissal of hundreds of Bay Area criminal cases, a state appeals court says a San Francisco woman was denied her constitutional right to a speedy trial by years of delays that a trial judge attributed to the pandemic and overcrowded courtrooms. Lynette Mendoza was charged in October 2021 with two misdemeanors for allegedly driving while drunk and a third for driving at night without her headlights on. She pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for trial in March 2023, weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom ended the stay-at-home order he had issued nearly three years earlier because of COVID-19. But a Superior Court judge postponed the trial, saying the pandemic was still affecting court staff and courtroom availability. It was the first of six postponements for similar reasons that a series of judges ordered through March 2024, when Mendoza, represented by the San Francisco Public Defenders Office, sought dismissal of the charges under the Constitutions Sixth Amendment, which guarantees criminal defendants the right to a speedy and public trial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Judge Victor Hwang denied the request and was upheld by the Superior Courts Appellate Division, which cited a ruling by the 1st District Court of Appeal in 2022, saying judges were entitled to delay criminal trials in more than 400 San Francisco cases because of the pandemic and state of emergency that Newsom had declared. But another panel of the same appeals court ruled Monday that conditions had changed and overall postponements of criminal cases could no longer be justified. The 2022 ruling acknowledged that judges cannot perpetually rely on the COVID-19 pandemic to delay trials beyond the dates guaranteed by the Constitution and California law, the court said Monday. It said Superior Court officials had courtrooms that could be used for misdemeanor trials, which have less need for security than felony cases, but had not made them available. Hwangs order in Mendozas case indicated that there are potentially hundreds of misdemeanor cases in Superior Court that are beyond the statutory last day to commence trial, the panel said, and three appeals similar to Mendozas are pending in the 1st District. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins office agreed with Mendozas lawyers that there was no justification for further delay and did not oppose the dismissal, the court said. But Assistant District Attorney Natalie Fuchs told the court that the trial judge went beyond (the court's) proper judicial role, stepped into the shoes of the prosecution, and attempted to satisfy the (prosecutions) evidentiary burden to show good cause for delay. Although the ruling breaks no new legal ground, the court said, it is being published to create binding precedent that the Superior Court and its Appellate Division are obliged to follow. The unanimous decision was issued by Presiding Justice Tracie Brown and Justices Jon Streeter and Jeremy Goldman. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jenkins said in a February statement that Hwang was failing to adequately explain postponements of misdemeanor cases, an action that she said ignores violations of defendants constitutional rights, and potentially gives victims a false sense of justice. In response to the ruling, Randolph Quezada, a spokesperson for Jenkins, said the district attorney agrees with the court that there must be good cause for delays and when there is no such good cause for delay, the court must take action to defend the integrity of the criminal justice system and grant the motions to dismiss. The court let usable courtrooms sit empty and prioritized civil lawsuits while our clients waited in jail with charges hanging over their heads, said Deputy Public Defender Oliver Kroll, an attorney for Mendoza. After four years, were thankful that common sense has finally prevailed. San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju and a group of taxpayers have filed a separate suit accusing San Francisco Superior Court officials of causing needless delays in criminal trials by failing to make enough courtrooms available. The state Supreme Court is considering whether the suit can proceed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad VueReal, a pioneer in MicroSolid Printing technology, today unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its operations. The company is doubling its manufacturing space, introducing a state-of-the-art production line capable of producing displays for VueReal customers and serving as a blueprint to be adopted in its partners' facilities. This growth underscores VueReal's increasing influence in the global microLED display and micro semiconductor markets. "We are thrilled to announce our expansion into the consumer market and the growth of our team and facilities," said Dr. Reza Chaji, CEO of VueReal. "Doubling our manufacturing capabilities, forging additional partnerships, and significantly expanding our executive team all reflect our commitment to innovation and excellence, positioning us better to serve our customers and partners across multiple sectors." VueReal is already a significant player in the automotive industry, delivering advanced microLED display and lighting solutions that set new standards for performance, efficiency, design, and reliability for top global OEMs. Building on its success in this sector, VueReal is strategically expanding into the consumer market, targeting wearable devices, TVs, IT applications, and augmented reality (AR) products with its MicroSolid Printing platform. In addition to also expanding its executive team, VueReal is building strong partnerships with industry leaders, such as Toray International, to support this growth and create a global ecosystem for MicroSolid Printing. These moves reflect the company's commitment to meeting increased demand and fostering innovation. Doubling Manufacturing Space for OEMs and Display Companies Two-thirds of VueReal's manufacturing space is dedicated to a new production line that will enable the scale-up of MicroSolid Printing solutions for established display manufacturers and smaller, custom-focused companies. The production line will serve as a blueprint for partners and provide a pathway for them to integrate MicroSolid Printing into their facilities. Two Distinct Market Opportunities VueReal is experiencing significant growth through addressing two distinct market opportunities with its MicroSolid Printing technology: Well-Established Display Manufacturers: These companies have comprehensive in-house capabilities and require high-volume production of microLED displays and other micro semiconductor applications. VueReal's solutions enable them to scale efficiently at significantly lower capital and operational expenditure while maintaining high quality and performance standards. Customizable Production: These companies aim to produce applications with small-to-mid volume and demand ease of customization. In addition to developing microLED displays and other micro semiconductor products for mass audiences, VueReal's MicroSolid Printing provides a unique, low/mid-volume production solution. The turnkey blueprint solution provides an end-to-end solution, allowing these companies to start production and scale as needed. About VueReal VueReal, a pioneer in MicroSolid Printing, is revolutionizing the micro semiconductor device industry with its eco-friendly micro-pixel manufacturing process. The platform enables the efficient transfer of microLEDs and other micro semiconductor devices, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and scalability. VueReal's patented method ensures high yield, throughput, and industry-leading defect rates, driving the microLED display market to a projected value of $30 billion by 2029. In addition to manufacturing microLED displays and lighting products for the automotive sector in Canada, VueReal licenses its MicroSolid Printing Blueprint to global OEMs, display fabs, and hardware manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.vuereal.com. Media Contact: Katherine Waite Vice President Strategic Communications Trier & Company katherine@triercompany.com 1+617-599-9798 SOURCE: VueReal View the original press release on accesswire.com Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States of America. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Sparta Group (TSXV:SAY) (the "Corporation", the "Company", "Sparta Group", "Sparta Capital", "SAY.V" or "Sparta") has announced the appointment of Joseph Cimorelli to its board of directors, effective immediately. Joseph Cimorelli is currently the Director of Global Business Development for ERS International, a key enterprise that falls under Sparta's Environment Division. He is responsible for establishing, coordinating and enforcing strategic plans to increase business and gain new opportunities for ERS. His strong sales, marketing and business operations skills have served the Company well, especially during the establishment of the ERS Carbon Credit Program. Today, he is considered a major force behind the growing success of the program. "We're pleased to welcome Joseph Cimorelli to Sparta's Board of Directors as we strive to meet the demands of new clients and forge ahead with the development of new technologies. Joseph brings a fresh solution-oriented perspective to the table, so we look forward to working with him," said Sparta President, Tony Peticca. Cimorelli came to ERS with a solid sales and marketing background, as well as a reputation for a strong work ethic. Management report that when he joined ERS 6 years ago, he "jumped right in" and quickly developed a passion for his work. Today, he is known for going the extra mile to help ERS reach its goals. "I look forward to sharing my insights and supporting the Company as we execute on our mission to provide the most cost-effective, environment friendly, and efficient solutions to our customers. I have always embraced technological innovations and I am eager to help Sparta bring new, disruptive technologies to market," said Joseph Cimorelli. Cimorelli joins an esteemed Board of Directors that includes, Chairman Peter Quattrociocchi, finance and sales expert, Martin Marshall; Sparta President, Tony Peticca, as well as Shawn Leon, a business development and health services professional. About Sparta Sparta Group (a.k.a. Sparta Capital Ltd.) is a technology-based company focused on integrating emerging technologies. It operates with a decentralized business model, with each active business functioning as a separate subsidiary. This structure provides brand recognition, insight, high-level strategic guidance, and financial monitoring. Sparta Capital Ltd. is strategically positioned across three dynamic business verticals, each engineered to integrate cutting-edge technologies and drive sustainable growth. Environment: ERS International, is a waste management operation with its state-of-the-art, proprietary e-waste processing technologies. Health: Sparta Health Corporation is a vertical harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Augmented Reality (AR), to develop technologies that enhance personalized patient care and improve treatment outcomes. Transportation: TruckSuite, guided by top industry experts, is a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to keep trucks operational and drivers competitive. TruckSuite management believes their offerings can play a pivotal role in enhancing the logistics and transportation industry. Sparta is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. under the symbol "SAY" (TSX.V:SAY). Additional information is available at www.spartagroup.ca or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For more information contact: Tony Peticca, President Email: tony@spartagroup.ca Telephone: 416-648-6506 This above may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this address, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Corporation believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because the Corporation can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date of publication of this information and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Furthermore, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Corporation. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release SOURCE: Sparta Capital Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Whirlpool Corporation: Whirlpool Corporation has been recognized by Forbes as one of the country's Best Brands For Social Impact in 2024. Inclusion on the list reflects the organization's commitment to creating a more sustainable and socially responsible future. "We are elated that our efforts to positively impact consumers across the country and around the world have been recognized," said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation's executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability. "Serving the communities where we do business is ingrained in our corporate identity and extends beyond our organization through programs designed to improve life at home." To create America's Best Brands for Social Impact list, Forbes partnered with customer insights company HundredX. An online survey from March 2023 through February 2024 asked more than 185,000 consumers to rate brands and products in more than a dozen categories. The list was created by combining respondents' ratings in four survey categories: Overall Brand Values and Trust, Social Stances, Sustainability and Community Support. To view the full list of Best Brands for Social Impact in 2024, click here. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Whirlpool Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Whirlpool Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/whirlpool-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation View the original press release on accesswire.com With geopolitical changes and the growing demand for AI and semiconductors, international attention on Taiwan has significantly increased in recent years, leading to greater acceptance of Taiwanese literature and publications. The Ministry of Culture has long supported the translation and promotion of Taiwanese works, while the National Museum of Taiwan Literature has been actively translating and publishing local works to share Taiwanese cultural content and values worldwide. To date, Taiwanese literary works have been translated into eight languages and have entered the markets of the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and the Czech Republic, among others. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716874447/en/ Taiwanese author Li Ang recited her novel "Bloody Sacrifice with Color Make-up," highlighting gender issues and the stories of political victims of the February 28 incident in Taiwan. (Photo: Business Wire) This July, the Czech Republic hosted the 25th Authors' Reading Month, with Taiwan as the featured country. A delegation of 31 Taiwanese writers from diverse backgrounds, including multiple generations, genders, ethnicities, and writing styles, traveled to the Czech Republic and Slovakia to share their literary expertise through lectures. Notably, renowned authors Li Ang and Kevin Chen made a special appearance in Prague, engaging in thought-provoking discussions and interacting with various segments of the literary community. To commemorate AAPI Heritage Month, the Ministry of Culture partnered with the Queens Public Library to create a "Taiwan Book Corner" featuring 13 Taiwanese titles, including works such as "Fang Si-Chi's First Love Paradise" by Lin Yi-han, "Ghost Town" by Kevin Chen, "Notes of a Crocodile" by Qiu Miaojin, "The Boy from Clearwater" by Yu Pei-yun and Zhou Jian-xin. These books are available in both English and traditional Chinese across three branches. Additionally, the Korean Publishers Association recently announced that Taiwan will be the guest of honor at the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair. According to statistics, over the past 30 years, over 1,400 Taiwanese books have been translated into more than 35 languages, with France, Germany, and the Czech Republic being the primary markets in Europe. These translated publications have gradually opened a window for international readers to understand Taiwan, enhancing Taiwan's global visibility. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716874447/en/ Contacts: Sales and Marketing CenterCentral News Agency Name: Luo Tsuei-yi Email: tyl@cna.com.tw RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy, recognized as the "Green Giant" among the "2024 TIME100 Most Influential Companies", has unveiled a strategic joint venture (JV) with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Vision Industries. This venture aims to accelerate the wind power growth throughout the Middle East, committing to driving the region's journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. The JV will focus on manufacturing and assembling the wind turbines and components, including blades, nacelles and hubs. Under the agreement, Envision Energy holds the majority share in the JV, while PIF and Vision Industries hold the remainder. The collaboration will support Saudi Arabia's goal of localizing 75% of renewable energy components by 2030, in line with the Saudi Ministry of Energy's National Renewable Energy Program. PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and one of the world's most impactful investor. It embraces the Kingdom's energy transformation mission by developing upcoming renewable energy initiatives, including wind power, photovoltaics, hydrogen, energy storage, etc. Vision Industries is a leading investor and developer of green energy industrial projects and local supply chains. Globally, PIF chose Envision as its JV partner due to Envision's leading position in green power, encompassing smart wind power, energy storage systems, and green hydrogen solutions that address the challenges of climate change. The company has topped the wind power order intake for two consecutive years, making it a key player in the worldwide energy transition. Envision's JV with both parties brings together PIF's robust investment capabilities and Envision Energy's cutting-edge wind power technology, highlighting the profound international cooperation and shared vision for transitioning to clean energy. This partnership marks a significant step toward Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and advances global efforts in the clean energy transition and sustainable future. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of PIF, Lei Zhang, Chairman of Envision, and board members of Vision Industries, among others. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2462419/Envision_Energy.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/envision-energy-launched-joint-venture-with-pif-and-vision-industries-302198146.html Recognized as One of the Largest Staffing Firms for the 8th Year Running by Staffing Industry Analysts CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Addison Group, a national provider of professional talent solutions and consulting business services, is acknowledged for the eighth consecutive year as one of the Largest Staffing Firms in the U.S. and one of the Largest Direct Hire Firms in the U.S. for 2024 by the industry's researching gold standard Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). SIA conducts extensive proprietary research and analysis to publish its coveted annual report covering all categories of employed and non-employed work, including temporary staffing, independent contracting, freelancers, and other types of contingent labor. SIA's rankings and lists include overviews of market landscapes and identify the largest providers by country, region, and category. The 2024 list includes 241 firms that generated at least $100 million in 2023. Collectively, those listed have generated $145.2 billion in revenue (76.0% of the market). Addison ranked #31, advancing from #33 and maintaining consistent year-over-year (YoY) growth. Thomas Moran, the Chief Executive Officer of Addison Group, was quoted as stating: "Addison Group has achieved a remarkable milestone by being recognized as a top staffing firm in the United States for an eighth consecutive year. This acknowledgment by SIA reflects our exceptional understanding of the job market. Thanks to our team's dedication to our clients and candidates, we once again can celebrate this incredible achievement." With 25 years of established industry-leading expertise, Addison Group offers a comprehensive range of recruiting and consulting services across multiple sectors. These sectors include information technology, finance and accounting, non-clinical healthcare, human resources, administrative, and digital marketing. The company's expansive and diverse network of experienced professionals and its long-standing industry knowledge enables all Addison Group brands to maintain a localized and consultative business approach. This approach prioritizes their people-first culture and is dedicated to driving success for their clients. SIA Members can view/download the SIA 2024 Largest Staffing Firms. About Addison Group Addison Group (Addison) is an award-winning professional services firm specializing in talent solutions and consulting. Addison has proved itself a top contender, earning recognition across industries and gaining notoriety as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. Most recent accolades include Forbes' Top 200 America's Best Professional Recruiting Firms, Forbes' Top 150 America's Best Temporary Staffing Firms, 2024 SIA Staffing 100 North America Leaders, SIA Global Power 150 - Women in Staffing, and 2023 SIA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Influencers. Addison Group affiliates and subsidiaries include Mondo, AIM Consulting, DLC, Bridgepoint Consulting, Harmony Healthcare, Kranz Consulting, and ArcLight Consulting. About Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) SIA is a global research and advisory firm focused on staffing and workforce solutions. SIA's proprietary research covers all categories of employed and non-employed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting, and other types of contingent labor. SIA's independent and objective analysis provides insights into the services and suppliers operating in the workforce solutions ecosystem, including staffing firms, managed service providers, recruitment process outsourcers, payrolling/compliance firms, and talent acquisition technology specialists such as vendor management systems, online staffing platforms, crowdsourcing, and online work services. To arrange an interview, contact: Mindy Konczal Media & PR Manager MediaRelations@AddisonGroup.com Contact Information Mindy Konczal Media & Public Relations Manager mediarelations@addisongroup.com SOURCE: Addison Group View the original press release on newswire.com. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2024) - Cascada Silver Corp. (CSE: CSS) ("Cascada") is pleased to announce the results of its Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held on Monday, July 15, 2024. The only motion considered at the Meeting, as set out in Cascada's Notice of Special Meeting and Management Information Circular, dated June 7, 2024 (the "Circular"), was unanimously approved by Cascada shareholders at the Meeting as further described below: The motion considered was the approval, pursuant to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, of an ordinary resolution for the issuance of 57,125,676 Cascada common shares (the " Shares ") on the exchange of 57,125,676 subscription receipts that were issued by the Company in a private placement offering that closed on June 5, 2024, as more particularly described in the Circular and a press release issued June 7, 2024. A total of 22,376,014 votes were cast by shareholders representing 18.4% of the total outstanding shares, as calculated prior to the issuance of the Shares, with all votes in favour of the resolution. Upon the issuance of the Shares and the issuance, pending regulatory approval, of the 6,000,000 shares payable to Research Capital Corporation, as described in Cascada's July 2, 2024 press release, Cascada will have 184,718,082 common shares outstanding and no warrants issued. Exploration Update Cascada geologists are currently at its Mina Guanaca Copper Property, located 110 kilometres northeast of the City of Copiapo, Chile, conducting geological mapping and sampling in preparation for the upcoming 1,500 metre drill program planned to commence during the current quarter. The Phase 1 drilling program will target copper oxide mineralization associated with breccias as well as test a significant chargeability anomaly underlying the breccias. Further details are available in Cascada's June 8, 2023 press release. Upon completion of the Phase 1 Mina Guanaca Copper Property drill program, Cascada will focus its attention on the Angie Copper-Molybdenum Property, located 75 kilometres east of the City of Copiapo, with the goal of drill testing a 1,000 by 1,500 molybdenum soil geochemical anomaly with molybdenum assays of up to 1,150 ppm. Further information on the Angie Copper-Molybdenum Property is available in Cascada's February 15, 2023 press release. NOTE: The descriptions of the Mina Guanaca and Angie Properties reference historical results including historical assays. Cascada has not undertaken any independent investigation of any of the historical results from either project nor has it independently analyzed the historical results in order to verify those results. The reader is cautioned upon relying on the accuracy of the historical results presented; however, Cascada considers the historical results relevant as it will use the results as a guide to plan future exploration programs and considers the data to be reliable for these purposes. NI 43-101 Technical Disclosure The Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, for Cascada's exploration activities in Chile is Sergio Diaz, a resident of Santiago, Chile. Mr. Diaz is a Public Registered Person for Reserves and Resources N 51, in Chile and is also registered in the Colegio de Geologos de Chile under N 315. About Cascada Silver Corp. Cascada is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration opportunities in Chile. Cascada's team of successful exploration professionals are dedicated to the discovery of mineral deposits that can be progressed into economically viable development projects creating value for all stakeholders. On behalf of Cascada Silver Corp., CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections and forecasts. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: plans for the evaluation of exploration properties; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities; mine development prospects; and, potential for future metals production. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation 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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing of exploration activities and receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals price; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration; as well as those factors disclosed in Cascada's publicly filed documents. Although Cascada has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/216625 SOURCE: Cascada Silver Corp. CCHTagetik solution again secures 100% recommended customer rating Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in information, software, and services for professionals, today announced that its AI-powered CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform has again been named Premier Leader in BPM Partners Vendor Landscape Matrix. In addition to earning the matrix's top ranking, CCH Tagetik also achieved a 100% recommended customer rating for the second consecutive year. Financial, Operational and Strategic Performance Management are brought together by BPM Partners in a single report, via its Vendor Landscape Matrix. The report uniquely combines analyst commentary, capability details, a Quick Facts box with an Overall Satisfaction rating and Recommendation Rate, comparative customer satisfaction charts across 15 attributes, and comparative vendor pricing tables. Ralf Gartner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Corporate Performance ESG, Wolters Kluwer, said: "We are committed to product excellence and innovation, and we are honored that CCH Tagetik has been acknowledged as a Premier Leader for the second year running. We focus on anticipating emerging market trends and responding with solutions that support customers' current and future needs across business performance and transformation, strategic risk management and regulatory and ESG reporting." The 2024 BPM Partners Vendor Landscape Matrix notes CCH Tagetik's recently launched AI-powered capabilities, including Ask AI, its GenAI ally, which enables users to receive real-time, visual responses to text- and voice-based natural language queries. This first-to-market AI innovation complements a robust CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform offering, and reinforces Wolters Kluwer's commitment to investing in AI to drive the continued digital transformation of the Office of the CFO. Craig Schiff, President and CEO at BPM Partners, said: "Wolters Kluwer's high customer satisfaction scores, the comprehensive nature of its CCH Tagetik platform, and its commitment to continually investing in AI to drive the continued digital transformation of the Office of the CFO, all contribute to its back-to-back ranking as Premier Leader in our Vendor Landscape Matrix." CCH Tagetik is part of Wolters Kluwer's Corporate Performance ESG (CP ESG) division. The division is the world's leading provider of integrated software solutions for EHS, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Corporate Performance Management (CPM) and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC). Through innovative technology and unique expertise, Wolters Kluwer CP ESG enables business leaders to make informed, strategic decisions driving transformation, performance, and risk management for a sustainable and resilient world. For more information about Wolters Kluwer, please visit: www.wolterskluwer.com About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2023 annual revenues of 5.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,400 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716278308/en/ Contacts: Sarah Whybrow Associate Director, External Communications Corporate Performance ESG Wolters Kluwer Mob: +44 7855 186713 sarah.whybrow@wolterskluwer.com SPRING, Texas, July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Io Therapeutics, Inc., presented today results from studies of IRX4204, the company's phase II clinical development stage, highly selective RXR nuclear receptor agonist compound, supporting its potential use for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The presentation titled "The RXR Nuclear Receptor Agonist Compound IRX4204 is a Potential New Treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" was delivered at the ALS Nexus conference, sponsored by the ALS Association, being held in Dallas, Texas. The presentation was authored by Vidyasagar Vuligonda, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of the company and inventor of IRX4204, and Martin E. Sanders, M.D., the company's Chief Executive Officer. ALS is a progressively debilitating and ultimately fatal form of neurodegeneration which has incompletely understood causes and disease mechanisms. Autoimmune imbalance in the central nervous systems (CNS) of ALS patients, manifested by too few immunosuppressive Treg cells countered by overabundance of pro-autoimmune Th17 cells, is a pathologic finding well documented in ALS patients. ALS also has documented microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, and demyelination (loss of myelin sheaths surrounding neurons) as components of its pathology. In support of the potential for IRX4204 as a new treatment for ALS, the company reported that IRX4204 promotes growth of human Treg cells and inhibits growth of human Th17 cells, restoring their balance while concomitantly inhibiting neurodegeneration. This effect has been demonstrated in multiple animal models of neuro-autoimmunity. IRX4204 is 100% effective in inhibiting transfer of neuro-autoimmunity in a model of transfer of autoimmune Th17 cells into non-diseased mice. In this model the autoimmune neuroinflammation in the recipient mice is solely dependent on the disease-inducing effects of the transferred autoimmune Th17 cells. The observed effects of IRX4204 in this model clearly demonstrate its inhibitory effects on Th17-mediated neuro-autoimmunity. IRX4204 inhibits production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 by Th17 cells. It also inhibits production of IL-6, another important pro-inflammatory cytokine, by CNS microglia. IRX4204 promotes maturation and growth of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes which repair damaged myelin. IRX4204 is neuroprotective, myelin protective, and myelin reparative in mouse models of demyelination. IRX4204 is effective on functional and histopathologic outcomes in animal models of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease, in which it has protective activities on dopaminergic and cortical neurons. IRX4204 has already demonstrated safety and tolerability of oral dosing in phase I and II clinical trials in 85 patients with various cancers and 15 patients with PD for up to 20 months of continuous treatment. In PD patients, IRX4204 demonstrated brain penetrance, and improvement of motor functions in open label assessments. Based on its balance-restoring anti-autoimmune effects on Treg and Th17 cells, suppression of pro-autoimmune production of IL-17 by Th17 cells, suppression of pro-inflammatory production of IL-6 by microglia cells, effects promoting oligodendrocyte maturation, myelin protection, and, myelin repair, neuroprotective effects in multiple animal models of neuro-autoimmunity and neurodegeneration, and demonstration of safety of dosing in 100 humans, IRX4204 warrants clinical testing in ALS patients. The company is in the planning stages for conduct of a phase II clinical trial of IRX4204 in ALS patients. Dr. Vuligonda stated, "Our results identify a new approach to potentially treating ALS by inhibiting multiple pathophysiologic processes with IRX4204, including autoimmune neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal death." Dr. Sanders stated, "IRX4204 has already been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated when administered to humans. It has potential to be an effective treatment for slowing the progression of disability and delaying mortality of ALS patients. The company plans to advance IRX4204 into clinical trials in ALS patients, to evaluate its potential to be a safe and effective treatment for this currently inadequately treated, highly burdensome, and uniformly fatal disease." About Io Therapeutics: Io Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Spring, Texas. More information on Io Therapeutics and its product development programs is available on the company's web site: www.io-therapeutics.com Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. As part of the Franco-Chinese Year of Cultural Tourism and the 60th anniversary of China-France relations, an exceptional exhibition (a collaboration between Sun Media Group and China National Brand Network) is highlighting China's intangible cultural heritage in the heart of Paris. The exhibition "REVIVING CRAFT: Contemporary Art and Design from China" is currently being held at the prestigious Museum of Decorative Arts. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240714830610/en/ Fuding white tea tasting (Photo: Business Wire) Among the treasures on display is Fuding white tea, whose ancestral craftsmanship is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This exhibition offers a unique showcase for this national treasure, a symbol of Chinese excellence in tea-making. Fuding white tea embodies the philosophy of "less is more." Its production, respectful of natural cycles, makes it an exceptional product. Visitors can immerse themselves in this world through interactive installations combining cutting-edge technology and contemporary art. The highlight of the event: an exclusive tasting led by tea masters. Guests were able to appreciate the subtleties of this refined elixir and discover the secrets of its production, passed down from generation to generation. The cradle of Chinese white tea, Fuding has preserved its heritage while innovating. Since the 18th century, the city has continuously perfected its techniques, giving birth to iconic varieties such as Baihao Yinzhen. Today, Fuding combines tradition and modernity. The municipality actively supports the development of this industry of excellence, encouraging the creation of prestigious brands such as Pinpintea, Lv Xue Ya, Liumiao White Tea, and Dingbaitea. These innovative companies are exploring new horizons while remaining true to the essence of white tea. With its growing reputation, Fuding white tea is conquering the world. It is winning multiple awards in international competitions and establishing itself in foreign markets through e-commerce. This expansion is part of the "New Silk Roads" strategy, reconnecting with its glorious past as an ambassador of Chinese culture. The Paris exhibition marks a crucial step in this international conquest. It offers Fuding white tea a tremendous opportunity to attract new enthusiasts and forge lasting commercial ties. Beyond borders, Fuding white tea embodies the excellence of contemporary China: a clever blend of ancient tradition and bold innovation. An "oriental leaf" ready to conquer palates around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240714830610/en/ Contacts: Pr@chinasunmedia.com A CNN investigation found that 140 former Trump administration officials had a hand in crafting Project 2025. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images MILWAUKEE Supporters of Project 2025 are following President Donald Trumps lead and soft-pedaling the blueprint for his potential next term following weeks of Democrats demonizing the plan that proposes banning abortion nationwide, militarizing the border, outlawing transgender identity, ending diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and crippling the power of federal departments like the Environmental Protection Agency. Trumps campaign has tried to distance itself from Project 2025 as some of its proposals particularly its call for a national abortion ban could be toxic to its attempts to woo swing voters. Trump has said that he has no idea who is behind the plan, though a CNN investigation found that 140 former Trump administration officials had a hand in crafting it. Even at a policy forum Monday put on by the Heritage Foundation, the think tank that led 110 other conservative organizations in crafting the 900-page document, Republicans sought to downplay the plan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Just forget labels and forget specific titles right now, urged also-ran Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the keynote speakers at the daylong conference just outside the Republican National Convention. That was moments after Ramaswamy told the audience he favored firing millions of federal bureaucrats, in a mass deportation of federal workers from Washington as well as the mass deportation of millions of illegals from this country both key elements of the plan. Asked afterward about how he could reconcile the two concepts, Ramaswamy said, the reality is there are toxic ideas in this country. And the challenge ahead for the Republican Party is how to at once not deny that, but to win this war that were in against a toxic ideology without seeing our fellow neighbors actually are enemy combatants, he said. Its an acknowledgement of the political heat conservatives are feeling about the plan. Over the past few weeks, Democrats from President Joe Biden on down, have focused on what they say are the dangers presented by the plan. The Biden campaign and its supporters have posted dozens of criticisms of the plan on social media and email missives, with Biden saying, Project 2025 should scare every single American. It would give Trump limitless power over our daily lives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Critics have said the plan represents a doomsday scenario for California, whose laws protecting abortion-seekers, immigrants, transgender patients seeking health care and others would put the state on a collision course with the federal government. Paul Dans, the project director for Project 2025, said Monday, without citing any evidence, that the Democrats misinformation campaign about the plan and its connection to Trump leads to what happened on Saturday. Law enforcement officials have revealed no information linking the attempted assassination of Trump to any political ideology. Heritage leaders insist that Project 2025 doesnt speak for any candidate. Leaders said they have crafted policy recommendations for every president, going back to Ronald Reagan, but it is up to whoever is elected to accept their ideas. Reagan accepted about half of the ones proposed to him, Dans said, while Trump implemented about two-thirds of those suggested to him during his term in office. A Heritage spokesperson responded Monday that Rather than obsessing over Project 2025, the Biden campaign should be addressing the 25th Amendment, which outlines how to deal with a presidents removal from office due to death, resignation, impeachment or through disability. The failed assassination attempt inspired some speakers to try to tamp down how they describe the plan and its connection to Trumps campaign. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, began his remarks Monday by asking how many of you are ready to very steadily, calmly, peacefully, take our country back? Thats a far cry from what Roberts told the right-wing cable network Real Americas Voice earlier this month. We are in the process of the second American Revolution, Roberts said, noting that it will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be. Dans tried to soften the plans call for a national abortion plan. In an interview Monday, he stressed that states are free to craft their own abortion laws after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. We like federalism at Heritage, Dans said. California can kind of do its thing, and Texas should be able to do its thing, right? Thats the beauty of federalism. And that would help to kind of calm everybody now. If its not one size fits all on all these questions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asked whether he was OK with some states supporting abortion rights, Dans said, We look forward to the day when every life is protected, were pro-life for sure. But right now, it opens up a huge conversation because its back in the hands of the people. That position does not acknowledge Republicans attempts in states across the country to make it harder to pass statewide laws and constitutional amendments protecting abortion access. In other ways, Heritage leaders pushed back on Californias resistance, mocking the Left Coast for being against the interests of forgotten Americans. On a day when Trump picked Sen. J.D. Vance, a Yale Law School graduate, to be his running mate, Project 2025 supporters said the plan is designed to take back America from the elites and Ivy League graduates who populate the federal bureaucracy. Trump attended the University of Pennsylvania, another Ivy League institution. Project 2025 isnt so much about policy per se, as it is to remind people elites in Washington, New York, the Left Coast, Brussels, that time has come to stop forgetting about forgotten Americans, Roberts said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Meanwhile, Democrats, led by Rep. Jared Huffman of San Rafael, are already formulating plans to counter Project 2025. Dans and others say they are expecting lawsuits challenging parts of the plan. California sued the Trump administration 110 times, spending $41 million, to challenge regulations on immigration, climate change and other issues, a CalMatters investigation found. Donaldson (NYSE: DCI), a global provider of innovative biomanufacturing technologies, with its Univercells Technologies business, announces that the Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania (GTP) is expanding its evaluation agreement aimed at determining the scalability of GTP's gene therapy product manufacturing using Univercells Technologies' bioreactors. GTP is an academic program focused on genetic medicines led by James M. Wilson, MD, PhD, the Rose H. Weiss Professor and Director of the Orphan Disease Center and a professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine. GTP, renowned for its pioneering work in gene therapy, seeks to make gene therapies for rare diseases accessible worldwide. This agreement covers GTP's evaluation of the commercial- series scale-X nitro 600 m2 bioreactor, with the goal of substantially increasing production per batch and potentially reducing cost of goods sold (COGS). This important work between GTP and Univercells Technologies underscores the importance of industry-academic partnerships in advancing the field of gene therapy and accelerating the development and commercialization of life-changing treatments for patients worldwide. "We are honored to extend our collaborative work with GTP in evaluating the scalability of gene therapy production," said Mathias Garny, General Manager at Univercells Technologies. "Our mission aligns closely with GTP's vision of making gene therapies more accessible globally, and we are committed to supporting their efforts with our innovative bioprocessing technologies." Univercells Technologies developed the scale-X bioreactor with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Grand Challenge initiative. Originally designed to lower the cost of viral vaccine production for critical public health vaccines, the scale-X bioreactor is now being applied to enable viral vector accessibility for gene therapies. According to Dr. Wilson, "Our hope is that Univercells Technologies will improve the efficiency of AAV vector manufacturing and help play a role in decreasing costs and enabling access through more affordable prices in the future." About Donaldson Company, Inc. Founded in 1915, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) is a global leader in technology-led filtration products and solutions, serving a broad range of industries and advanced markets. Diverse, skilled employees at over 140 locations on six continents partner with customers from small business owners to R&D organizations and the world's biggest OEM brands. Donaldson solves complex filtration challenges through three primary segments: Mobile Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Life Sciences. Additional information is available at www.Donaldson.com. About Univercells Technologies Univercells Technologies by Donaldson is a global provider of innovative biomanufacturing technologies, specializing in the development and production of advanced bioreactors. These cutting-edge bioreactors are designed to achieve cost- effective viral production from R&D to commercial scales. By leveraging the strengths of process intensification and chaining, the company addresses the growing demand for viral vectors and viral vaccines. Univercells Technologies by Donaldson is committed to helping customers increase performance with minimized footprint and costs, while anticipating future needs. Incorporated in Belgium in 2020, Univercells Technologies is now a part of Donaldson Company. LinkedIn: Univercells Technologies http://www.univercellstech.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716097791/en/ Contacts: WMC -Beth Willers bethw@whitemattercomm.com ZURICH, Switzerland, July 16, 2024, in collaboration with MIT Solveof the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is delighted to announce this year's Andan Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion, which seeks to promote solutions that advance the economic, financial, and political inclusion of refugees within their hosting communities. The USD 50,000 Andan Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion is awarded every year to the most promising solutions that address the needs and challenges of refugees and is aimed at supporting innovative approaches that foster integration, empowerment, and sustainable development for displaced populations. MIT Solve launches open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world. Selected innovators get the backing of MIT and their community of supporters to scale impact and drive lasting change. Joint initiatives to foster innovation solutions The Andan Foundation is looking for solutions that focus on: Economic Inclusion and Livelihoods: Developing technologies and business models that create sustainable economic opportunities for refugees and displaced populations. Developing technologies and business models that create sustainable economic opportunities for refugees and displaced populations. Financial Inclusion: Seeking solutions to expand affordable financial services for underserved communities and enhance economic growth. Seeking solutions to expand affordable financial services for underserved communities and enhance economic growth. Political Inclusion: Seeking solutions to empower marginalized communities by addressing voter suppression and lack of representation. Prize winners will be announced at the Solve Challenge Finals on 23 September 2024 during the UN General Assembly Week in New York City. Notes to Editors About The Andan Foundation The Andan Foundation is a non-profit humanitarian organization based in Switzerland founded by Dr. Christian Kaelin. It is regulated by the Swiss Federal Authority for the Supervision of Foundations and audited annually by BDO. Andan leads private sector initiatives to support families fleeing their homes due to war, internal conflict, and climate change. It identifies and develops innovative, sustainable solutions promoting refugees' self-reliance, boosting their resilience, and fostering their inclusion in their new countries. Andan prioritizes projects that expand economic, financial, and political opportunities for both refugee populations and the communities that welcome them. Andan facilitates and propels partnerships between the private sector and UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions concerned with refugees and migrants. Andan.org About MIT Solve MIT Solve is an initiative by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) designed to address global challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. Launched in 2015, MIT Solve runs annual challenges that attract diverse, tech-driven solutions from around the world. The initiative focuses on pressing issues such as sustainability, education, health, and economic prosperity. Through its inclusive approach, MIT Solve empowers social entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and connections to influential partners. This distinctive model nurtures scalable solutions, enabling transformative ideas to generate tangible impacts for underserved communities globally. solve.mit.edu Media Contact For further information, please contact: Bushra Zaidan bushra.zaidan@andan.org MELBOURNE, Australia, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Session, the encrypted messaging app, has announced a testnet incentive program as it gears up to launch a new utility token called 'Session Token'. The program will enlist the help of loyal community members to test the new Session Network - which is transitioning away from the Oxen blockchain - and eradicate any issues before the Session Token becomes publicly available. Now powered by the Arbitrum blockchain, the next-generation Session Network is a decentralized network designed to support and amplify Session's messaging platform. As Session adds new features to its platform over the coming months, it must ensure the underlying networking infrastructure is highly robust and secure. Session hopes that, by working with knowledgeable and passionate community members, the platform will successfully transition to the Session Network. By supporting the project in this endeavor, testnet participants will have a chance to earn Session Tokens before its public launch. The token will give users access to premium Session features. When the Testnet Incentive Program opens on July 16, eligible Session Community members will be able to stake testnet Session Nodes using the test tokens in the Staking Portal. Only community members are eligible to take part in this program during this phase. Session will reward testnet participants based on their on-chain activity, prioritizing the most active participants and meaningful contributions. However, participants with larger stakes won't necessarily get more points. Session will distribute tokens to testnet participants at the Token Generation Event. Session has published guidance on how to participate in the new Testnet Incentive Program on its website. Kee Jefferys, Chief Technology Officer at Session, said in a statement: "We're thrilled to open up the testnet to the community and collaborate on advancing a robust and decentralised messaging platform. "Leveraging our users' unique knowledge of and passion for all things blockchain, we believe this programme will be a critical step in the journey towards the new Session Network. We're excited to see the community's enthusiasm and engagement and encourage all eligible members to take part in this unique event." About Session Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger powered by decentralized storage servers and onion routing, ensuring minimal exposure of user metadata. The app is completely open-source and doesn't require users to share their phone numbers or emails. With over 2,000 nodes offering built-in onion routing, Session provides a secure and private messaging experience. For inquiries, please contact: Philip Gjorup Nord Comms pfg@nordcomms.com +45 42610802 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2462391/Session_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/session-launches-testnet-incentive-program-ahead-of-token-launch-302198174.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Franklin Templeton Putnam Investments' Jackie VanderBrug has been announced as one of three winners of the 2024 Joan Bavaria Award, which is awarded for catalysing positive change in the capital markets. This year's award specifically recognizes the influential and collaborative work in developing the field of gender lens investing*. The award continues the legacy of the late Joan Bavaria, whose pioneering work is viewed as helping to catalyze positive change in capital markets. The award presentation was held in Chicago in June, during US SIF's (Sustainable Investment Forum) Forum 2024. The award committee included Mindy Lubber, CEO and President of Ceres, Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, and Matthew Patsky, CEO of Trillium Asset Management. Each of these judges lead organizations that were founded or co-founded by Ms. Bavaria, who died in 2008 following a long battle with ovarian cancer. The other recipients of the 2024 award are Joy Anderson (Founder and President of Criterion Institute), and Suzanne Biegel (posthumously) of Women Effect, and later GenderSmart. "It is exciting to see recognition across the investment landscape that a gender lens is a powerful tool in identifying opportunities and risks in an increasingly dynamic global environment. The diversity of gender lens investment approaches demonstrates both the insights available and the client interest," said VanderBrug. Jackie VanderBrug is Head of Sustainability Strategy at Putnam Investments, a Franklin Templeton company. She is responsible for leading Putnam's ESG-focused business functions, including stewardship, engagement, partnerships, and ESG strategy and integration. She is co-author of the 2015 book Gender Lens Investing: Uncovering Opportunities for Growth, Returns, and Impact and a co-trustee of Heading for Change. Judging criteria included a subjective assessment of the nominee's initiatives or accomplishments that have been the most impactful. This involved consideration of how these achievements reflect a sustained and comprehensive commitment toward maintaining long-term impact in the capital markets. Nominees provided specific examples to convey how their individual accomplishments are especially visionary, groundbreaking, or otherwise unique. Judges also assessed three sources (e.g. press release/coverage, endorsement, or publications) relevant to the nominee's work. Important Information Franklin Templeton did not provide any compensation for Jackie to be considered for this award. This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. Franklin Templeton has certain environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals or capabilities; however, not all strategies are managed to "ESG" oriented objectives. Integrating ESG considerations into the investment process is not a guarantee that better performance will be achieved. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Franklin Templeton accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user. About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Franklin Templeton on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Franklin Templeton Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/franklin-templeton Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Franklin Templeton View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / The data center sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. Valued at $301.8 billion in 2023, the data center market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.1% until 2030, reaching a staggering $622.4 billion by then. Additionally, the global colocation market, where companies rent space and resources in data centers, is projected to reach a value of $131.8 billion by 2030, a significant increase from $57.2 billion in 2022. This surge is driven by the rising demand for data processing and storage, leading to the rapid expansion of both existing and new data center providers. With a multitude of new companies entering the field each year, the landscape is rapidly changing, and the need for standardized safety practices has become increasingly apparent. Data centers present a diverse array of hazards. From high voltage electrical risks and fall hazards to hazardous materials and heat stress, workers face numerous dangers in both the infrastructure (building shell, power, cooling systems) and data halls (racks housing data equipment). Further complicating the situation, modern data centers often involve employees from multiple companies working within the same facility. Employees performing operations and maintenance activities may work under the direction of various stakeholders, leading to increased complexity of activities within the data center. Ensuring consistent safety training and protocols across different companies is a significant challenge, compounded by the 24/7 operational demands of these facilities. Formation of the Data Center Safety Council Recognizing the urgent need for a standardized safety approach, a group of companies came together in December 2023 to form the Data Center Safety Council, an initiative dedicated to developing and implementing collaborative safety solutions. Composed of both data center operators and cloud technology service providers, the council's mission is to enhance safety protocols, improve knowledge sharing, and provide robust training resources, ultimately fostering a safer and more efficient industry. "Our data center engineering teams operate in different facilities all over the world, each with a unique set of processes, requirements and safety considerations. I'm excited for the consistency and efficiency the Data Center Safety Council brings to the industry," shares Scott Bystrek, Director of Health and Safety at Salesforce, one of the founding members of the Data Center Safety Council. "The expertise, reach, and collaboration of this group are critical in driving the industry to a consistent approach to safety which will enhance our ability to protect our employees and critical infrastructure." Read more about "Why" this consortium was formed in this article. Collective Action that Focuses on Impact Designed to be an action-oriented group, the members participated in a day-long workshop in December 2023 to identify critical safety gaps that were observed across the data center industry and prioritize actions for greatest impact. The first initiative focuses on the following identified "Problem": Data centers are multi-employer worksites comprised of a workforce made up of people with varying levels of data center health and safety awareness, knowledge, and training. Currently, there is no standardized process to verify minimum training expectations for employees working in a data center. One founding member and leading global data center operator described a scenario where a technician could visit up to four data center facilities in one day. In one data center facility, the company requires all service providers to demonstrate they have received adequate training (e.g. OSHA 10 certification or equivalent). This first data center company also provides a site-specific safety awareness training prior to permitting the technician on-site. That same technician later visits a second data center company that does not provide, nor require, any safety training for technicians that routinely service their site. The wide range of training requirements with little transparency amongst companies, coupled with a growing industry that includes a steady stream of new data center companies and workplaces, has resulted in a situation that poses a significant risk to data center workers and companies. These gaps also lead to significant operational inefficiencies because data center tenants must anticipate and prepare their workers for a variety of safety requirements when entering data centers managed by different providers. For example, if a data center worker arrives at a planned time and then finds out that they do not have the specific safety equipment or training required by the provider, they may not be able to enter the facility, leading to rescheduling and frustration for both the tenant and the provider. Having identified the above "Problem," the Data Center Safety Council is exploring options to address this gap, including developing a Data Center Worker Health and Safety Awareness Certification that would ensure an industry baseline level of health and safety competency for workers prior to being permitted to work in an operational data center environment. The group is identifying and prioritizing what requirements should be included in this certification, as well as evaluating existing standards and criteria that could be leveraged. Work is expected to be completed later this year and will be shared with data center industry health and safety professionals. Raising the Bar for Safety In the fast-evolving data center industry, prioritizing safety is essential. The rapid growth and unique hazards inherent in data center operations necessitate a collaborative approach to standardize best practices and protect workers across multi-employer sites. By proactively addressing health and safety concerns, the industry can better manage operational complexities and ensure the well-being of its workforce. The establishment of minimum baseline expectations for health and safety competency will prioritize worker safety and facilitate more efficient data center operations. Through the Data Center Safety Council, the industry is taking a collective step towards standardizing safety expectations, improving the work environment for data center professionals, and encouraging a robust culture of safety. The commitment to collaboration and proactive safety measures through worker certifications will not only safeguard workers but also contribute to the sustained success and growth of the data center industry. About the Data Center Safety Council Established by founding members Edgecore, Salesforce, STACK Infrastructure, Vantage, and Yondr, the Data Center Safety Council was created to establish a unified approach towards ensuring safety and wellbeing of personnel in data center operations. The vision is to create a forum where health and safety professionals work collaboratively as an industry group to improve data center worker safety wholistically. Together, member companies will address common issues and seek long-term solutions with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of data center workers. For more information, please contact Kate Asleson at kate.asleson@anteagroup.us View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View the original press release on accesswire.com A leading law firm specializing in corporate governance securities law confirms MOBICOIN's compliance with current regulatory standards, and gives a formal "legal opinion" ruling Mobicoin a Utility Token, not a crypto currency. CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / Peer To Peer Network (OTC PINK:PTOP) ("PTOP") proudly announces that its flagship product, MOBICARD, has received a finalized legal opinion regarding its utility token, MOBICOIN, confirming its compliance with current legal and regulatory standards. This milestone underscores the team's commitment to transparency and legality, signaling confidence to stakeholders and potential investors while reassuring that the MOBICARD team is committed to the project's long-term success. "We are pleased to announce that the legal opinion regarding our utility token has been finalized," said Joshua Sodaitis, chairman & CEO of Peer To Peer Network. "This comprehensive review, conducted by a leading law firm specializing in corporate governance security regulations, affirms that our utility token complies with current legal standards and regulatory requirements. This finalization is a crucial step forward, ensuring that our token can be utilized as intended within our ecosystem while providing confidence and clarity to our stakeholders. With this legal foundation securely in place, we are now well-positioned to advance our project and deliver on our promises to our shareholders. Mobicoin will still trade in a secondary market as it had before and we are discussing which exchange we are going to list it on." MOBICOIN's initial launch in 2017 saw trading volumes over 400 million shares traded and over $1.1 million in dollar volume, with a 993% surge in PTOP stock, outperforming every other stock on the OTC markets. SEC regulations introduced in December of the same year resulted in the CEO at the time suspending the token in order to conduct a legal review to ensure compliance with the new guidelines the SEC had released. The CEO at the time never brought the Mobicoin back. Currently, MOBICOIN is preparing for the asset listing process on several exchanges. Potential investors are encouraged to learn more about this opportunity and visit PTOP's crowdfunding portal at https://ptopnetwork.sppx.io. "If there were ever a time to buy PTOP stock through our crowdfunding portal, this would be the time BEFORE our announcement that MOBICOIN goes live," added Sodaitis. The MOBICARD app is available on iOS and Android. About MOBICARD Peer To Peer Network's flagship product is MOBICARD. MOBICARD is the first-of-its-kind, digital contact/business card that will shift the paradigm of personal and professional networking. It will help individuals and businesses share information and more effectively expand their visibility and brand awareness. The MOBICARD is a combination of powerful mobile apps and desktop apps with wide-ranging capabilities, including linking videos, user websites, all forms of contact information, and each user's social media links into one consolidated digital source. It is more than just a digital business card; it is a "Dynamic Digital Footprint."? Contact: Joshua Sodaitis, Chairman and CEO Peer To Peer Network, Inc. Investor Relations: 617-481-1971 Email: info@freemobicard.com Media Contact: Jessica Lombao Email: jessica.lombao@issuerdirect.com Investor website: www.ptopnetwork.com Safe Harbor Statement: This release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company intends all forward-looking statements to be covered by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on and reflect our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and/or projections, our perception of historical trends and current conditions, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances. All forward-looking statements 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. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our reports at OTC Markets. 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. Contact Information: Jessica Lombao jessica.lombao@issuerdirect.com SOURCE: MobiCard View the original press release on newswire.com. On a busy Sunday afternoon, in front of a global audience of motorsport enthusiasts, The Indy Autonomous Challenge's (IAC) self-driving AV-24 racecar set the record for the fastest autonomous Hillclimb at the Festival of Speed. The AV-24 is piloted by an AI Driver developed by Team PoliMOVE-MSU (Politecnico di Milano and Michigan State University). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716347266/en/ The IAC AV-24, a racecar driven by AI, sets autonomous record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo: Business Wire) The AV-24 performed a series of three runs during the iconic festival. The record was broken during their third and final run up the Goodwood Hill where the racecar reached a top speed of 111.2 mph (179 kph)and a finish time of 66.37 secs. The record-setting run can be watched here. The previous record has been held by Roborace since 2019 when their "DevBot 2.0" autonomous car clocked a 66.96 sec time at a top speed of 101.16 mph (162.8 kph). Goodwood is known for its unforgiving narrow course, lined with hay bells and limited run-off space. Attempting an autonomous hill climb at the Festival of Speed required absolute control of grip and slippage from the AV-24's Bridgestone racing tires as well as precision mapping and localization in a GPS limited environment resulting in a higher than usual reliance on the AV-24's Luminar Iris lidars. The IAC and PoliMOVE-MSU teams worked closely with Bridgestone's tire engineers to optimize performance ahead of the Hillclimb including traveling to Bridgestone's European Technical Center and European Proving Grounds in Rome. The team also had the unique chance to explore each step of tire production and test how impactful tire performance is on track. Paul Mitchell, Chairman and President of the IAC: "For three years, the IAC has been pushing the boundaries of high-speed autonomy and setting new records along the way. The Goodwood Hillclimb is a historic backdrop with huge crowds and a global audience that is now aware of the potential of self-driving vehicles to be safely deployed on roads in the future." Professor Sergio Savaresi, PoliMOVE-MSU Team Principal: "This challenge represents an important milestone for autonomous mobility. This weekend we overcame significant challenges posed by a complicated track and temperamental weather patterns. Thanks to the exceptional work and skills implemented by our engineering team and tire performance ensured by our Bridgestone racing tires, we made history by showing the public that safe and high-speed vehicular autonomy is possible even in adverse conditions. Our record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed will inspire confidence in future autonomous driving applications." Sara Correa, Chief Marketing Officer for Bridgestone in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) added, "Bridgestone is proud to support the PoliMOVE-MSU team in this incredible achievement at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. We are committed to partnering with the IAC and its inspiring student engineers to continue testing and improving autonomous technologies in record-setting runs like this and beyond. Motorsports are part of Bridgestone's DNA, always have been and always will be. And what really matters is that we take the learnings from experiences like this and apply them to the sustainable mobility solutions we develop for society and our customers." Visuals and footage including of the IAC's Autonomous Hillclimb can be found here. About the IAC: The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) is a non-profit corporation based in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) that organizes racing competitions among 10 university-affiliated teams representing 18 universities from around the world. Teams program AI drivers to pilot fully autonomous racecars and compete in a series of history-making events at iconic tracks. The IAC is working to establish a hub for performance automation in the state and is harnessing the power of innovative competitions to attract the best and the brightest minds from around the globe to further state-of-the-art technology in the safety and performance of autonomous vehicles. The IAC started as a $1 million prize competition with 31 university teams signing up to compete more than three years ago, representing top engineering and technology programs from 15 U.S. states and 11 countries. Follow the IAC @IndyAChallenge on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. About Bridgestone: Bridgestone is a global leader in tires and rubber building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company employs approximately 130,000 people globally, conducting business in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716347266/en/ Contacts: Marc Ferlet marc.ferlet@indyautonomouschallenge.com USA: +1 317 662 5070 FR: +33 6 79 16 96 26 PUNE, India, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The research methodology utilized in analysing the Hand Tools Market encompasses a thorough approach that combines primary data which is often collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups with industry experts and stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, retailer's, dealers, government, Service and Repair Providers. This allows for firsthand insights into market trends, consumer behaviour, and regulatory challenges and secondary research utilizing reports from government sources, industry publications, and financial statements. Market sizing and forecasting techniques are employed alongside competitive analysis to provide valuable insights into the market landscape. It also includes figures for import/export consumption, supply and demand, price, cost, revenue, and gross margins which makes it an investor's guide. The report encompasses product type, fuel, application segments and their analysis, which elucidates their influence on the market. The estimation methodology often adopts a bottom-up approach to accurately determine market sizes. Reports on competitive analyses encompass company overviews, financial performances, product portfolios, and strategies of key players in the Hand Tools market. To assess strengths and weaknesses, a comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted, while a PESTLE analysis was carried out to understand the impact of macroeconomic factors on the market. Also, the report includes detailed analyses of investments made by market players to enhance their global presence. The Global Hand Tools Market size was valued at USD 24201.21 Million in 2023 and the total global Hand Tools revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.07% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 32006.75 Million by 2030. Get your Sample PDF: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/254242/ Global Hand Tools Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights Market Size in 2023: USD 24201.21 Mn Market Size in 2030: USD 32006.75 Mn CAGR: 4.07 % Forecast Period: 2024-2030 Base Year: 2023 Number of Pages: 229 No. of Tables: 138 No. of Charts and Figures: 193 Regional Scope: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa, South America Report Coverage: Market Share, Size and Forecast by Revenue | 2023-2030, Market Dynamics, Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Key Trends, Competitive Landscape, Key Players Benchmarking, Competitive Analysis, MMR Competition Matrix, Competitive Leadership Mapping, Global Key Players' Market Ranking Analysis. Historic Market Size 2017-2023 CAGR of the market during 2024-2030. Detailed information on factors that will assist Hand Tools market growth during the next seven years. An estimation of the Hand Tools market size and the impact of country's GDP on Hand Tools market. Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour. The growth of the Hand Tools market Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies. Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of Hand Tools companies. Competitive Landscape The Hand Tools Market includes the presence of several global as well as regional key players. A few prominent players that offer Hand Tools in the market are Channellock, Inc, Dewalt, Husqvarna Group, Irwin Tools, JCBL Hand Tools, KNIPEX Tools, Milwaukee Tool, Misumi Group Inc., Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, Shandong Pangu Industrial Co.,Ltd., Snap-on Tools Company LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Inc., Vaughan Manufacturing and others. What's New: Recent Additions and Updates Fluctuations in the prices of hand tools. Demand and supply scenario for Hand Tools covering the production. Analysis and forecast of Hand Tools market size. Segmentation and forecast Hand Tools market based on end-use and regional division. Competing developments such as expansion, greenfield projects/ brownfield expansion, mergers and acquisitions. Maximizing Market Research: Insights into Hand Tool Production Profitability Is Hand Tool Production a Profitable Business Venture? What Annual Revenue Can Hand Tool Production Typically Generate? What is the Average Profit Margin for Hand Tool Production? What are the Key Revenue Streams for a Hand Tool Production Business? What Role Do Marketing and Promotions Play in Boosting Hand Tool Production's Profitability? What Strategies Can Hand Tool Production Employ to Diversify Revenue Streams and Enhance Profitability? What are the Potential Scalability Options for a Hand Tool Production Business? Recommendation for Maximizing Profitability in Hand Tool Production Recommendation for Maximizing Revenue in Hand Tool Production 'For more details on the information, Request a sample report. https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/254242/ Market Overview A hand tool is any tool that is operated by hand, without the need for a motor or external power source. The crucial characteristic of a hand tool is that it uses human muscle power to function. It come in a vast array of shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific task or purpose. Hand tools are fundamental for various professions and hobbies. They are crucial for construction workers, mechanics, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and DIY enthusiasts. The global hand tools market is undergoing tremendous changes, driven by various trends and factors shaping industry trends in various industries. Increasing demand for hand tools from the automotive sector is one of the major factors driving the growth of the global hand tools market. The continuous growth of the automotive industry, coupled with advances in automotive technology, necessitates the availability of specialized hand tools for maintenance and repair work. As vehicles become increasingly complex, engineers need equipment designed to precise specifications to ensure proper assembly and maintenance, especially in the era of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles. Global Hand Tools Market Size in Values (USD Million) 2023-2025 Region 2023 2024 2025 North America 7223.70 7422.38 7632.60 Europe 5937.47 6079.56 6230.21 Asia-Pacific 7780.30 8045.30 8367.30 MEA & Africa 1836.78 1892.78 1958.78 South America 1422.96 1463.00 1505.84 The competitive landscape is dynamic in the hand tools market, with new entrants and emerging players continuously entering the market with innovative products and solutions. Key brands are trying to maintain their competitive advantage through product differentiation, brand recognition and customer loyalty programs. Stanley Black & Decker is a leading global supplier of hand tools, power tools and related accessories. The company's hand tool brands include Stanley, DeWalt and Craftsman, offering a wide range of products for professionals and DIY users. Channellock, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-quality pliers and hand tools, presents its groundbreaking American-made Channellock Tongue & Groove Pliers to demonstrate excellence in the industry Dewalt Company is enabling shopping online directly from the website. The company has incorporated robust e-commerce functionality, allowing customers to search, compare and purchase hand tools with ease. The redesigned website has intuitive navigation and search capabilities, allowing visitors to quickly search for products they need based on their job or occupation Irvine Tools, a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, manufacturers of hand tools and power tools manufacture and distribution in particular. It manufactures and distributes high-quality hand tools designed for professional use. Cordless tools offer incredible freedom of movement, allowing tasks to be tackled quickly and easily. Cordless tools now offer efficiencies comparable to their wired counterparts, allowing users to tackle even more complex tasks. The range of wireless tools available is constantly expanding. Power Access Wireless equipment is particularly useful in a few areas. Hand tools play an important role in a variety of industrial applications, from machine design and construction to assembly and maintenance. To improve productivity and efficiency in industrial environments, manufacturers are developing new hand tools with advanced features, such as brushless mechanisms, ergonomic design, smart functionality and professional-grade hand tools in high demand among professionals, businessmen and industrialists. In conclusion, the demand for hand tools is constantly increasing worldwide driven by factors such as quality, affordability and durability. The Maximize Market Research report captures these trends in detail across various industries. It provides a comprehensive analysis of market trends, consumer preferences and competitive landscape in each category. This comprehensive perspective provides stakeholders with valuable information to navigate opportunities and challenges, and ensures strategic decisions for sustainable growth in the global hand tool market. Segment Overview MMR has segmented the market based on By Product (Saws, Knives, Hammers, Mallets, Screwdrivers, Wrenches, Pliers, Other Hand Tools) By End User (Commercial, Industrial, Home Use (Do it Yourself) By Distribution Channel (Retailers, Online) and Region (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The global hand tools market, segmented into saws, knives, hammers, mallets, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other hand tools, saw the wrenches segment dominate with a significant share of 23.54% in 2023. This leadership position is due to strong demand from car companies. Wrenches are important and versatile tools for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts and fasteners in various applications. They vary in size and type, from home maintenance to heavy duty applications, and play an important role in maintenance and repair activities worldwide. Manufacturers are developing new key designs with active handles, ratcheting mechanisms and quick-release systems to enhance user comfort, efficiency and safety, attracting customers looking for tools higher quality, more user-friendly as businesses expand and infrastructure grows Similarly, wrenches and other hand tools are expected to increase further to support machine assembly and maintenance needs. Construction workers, engineers and various professionals rely heavily on keys for their essential work in various industries. In 2023, the Industrial segment held the dominant position in the market, valued at 12,858.53 million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. Hand tools are valued in industrial settings for their precise control and ability to withstand tough working conditions, underscoring their suitability and reliability in demanding environments. Detailed segmentation values for each segment and explanations for growth are provided in the final report. Request For Free Sample Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/254242/ Geography Overview In recent years, the demand for Indian hand tools has been on the rise globally. With its reputation for quality, durability and cost-effectiveness, Indian equipment has attracted the attention of markets across the globe. This blog post will explore the factors driving this increase in demand, the challenges faced by manufacturers of hand tools in its implementation, and ways they can take advantage of this growth. The global demand for Indian hand tools has increased, driven by its unique quality, durability and cost-effectiveness. Competitive pricing further boosted their reputation, especially in high-cost markets. Globalization and strong trade links facilitated their ubiquitous availability aided by sound trade policies. The rise of India as a manufacturing hub has led to an increase in manufacturing, which has attracted partnerships with international companies looking to tap into its expertise. Furthermore, Indian brands are increasingly recognized for their commitment to sustainable practices including environmentally friendly design and responsible use of materials. All these factors combine to fuel the growing global demand for hand tools. However, Indian manufacturers face challenges in maintaining that momentum and competitiveness in the global market. An efficient logistics and supply chain is essential to meet the global demand for Indian equipment. Manufacturers need to ensure timely deliveries to customers in different parts of the world. This includes managing transportation, reporting and correspondence. Additionally, managing inventory and eliminating potential supply chain challenges is essential to maintaining a competitive advantage and meeting customer expectations. Indian manufacturers are investing heavily in advanced technology and modern infrastructure to increase their productivity. This includes adopting automation, robotics and digital manufacturing techniques to improve efficiency and productivity. The integration of smart manufacturing processes can streamline manufacturing processes, reduce lead times and ensure consistent quality. Additionally, improving services and infrastructure will allow manufacturers to scale up and cater to more customers. In the final report, past and future numbers and explanations are incorporated seamlessly to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Global RV market. Related Reports: Industrial Hand Tools Market size is expected to reach US$ 31.80 Bn. by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.20% during the forecast period. Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market size was valued at USD 46.23 Billion in 2023 and the total Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.72 % from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 68.24 Billion. Electric Power Tools Market was valued at USD 31.87 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 56.42 Billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2024-2030) Mechanical Hand Tools Market size is expected to reach US$ 1.79 Bn in 2030, at a CAGR of 2.1 % during the forecast period. Hand Tools & Woodworking Tools Market is expected to reach US$ 11.86 Bn. by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. About Maximize Market Research: Maximize Market Research is a multifaceted market research and consulting company with professionals from several industries. Some of the industries we cover include medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturers, science and engineering, electronic components, industrial equipment, technology and communication, cars and automobiles, chemical products and substances, general merchandise, beverages, personal care, and automated systems. Contact Maximize Market Research: 3rd Floor, Navale IT Park, Phase 2 Pune Banglore Highway, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra 411041, India sales@maximizemarketresearch.com +91 96071 95908, +91 9607365656. Follow Up: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2457992/Maximize_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-hand-tools-market-grows-with-rising-industrial-demand-finds-maximize-market-research-302197797.html Benzodiazepine drugs are vastly used as psychoactive drugs, which can be used to control seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and other issues related to the psychological conditions of a human being. With the activity of drugs closely related to brain stimulation, the drug can act as a relaxant for muscles in the body. WILMINGTON, Del., July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Owing to different governing factors, the development of the benzodiazepine drug market is expected to traverse a sluggish path of advancement during the forecasted period. With a CAGR of 3.5%, the industry will proceed to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2034. The last recorded size of the ecosystem was USD 2.2 billion in 2023. With the changing lifestyles and mounting pressures to cope with an accelerated pace of living, many people have been facing psychological issues. The growing prevalence of trauma, anxiety, mental fatigue, and many other psychological conditions is observed to have increased recently. To treat such medical conditions, an appropriate relaxant must be applied to get the desired results. This growing prevalence is a clear sign of an important driver that promises to elevate the size of the competitive space during the forecasted period. The rising geriatric population is contributing to the growing cases of insomnia. Along with the abovementioned factors, the growing senior population is trying to find solutions for issues like sleep deprivation. To cater to such issues, the use of benzodiazepine drugs is observed to have increased. Propel Your Business Success: Secure Your Sample of Our Latest Report Now! https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=28424 Due to the sedative properties of drugs, the use of such chemicals is observed to have gained traction in the case of muscle relaxants. To cater to such muscle spasms and other related issues, such drugs can be effective. This factor drives the sales of such drugs. With the spurring of innovation and growth in the technological infrastructure, product augmentation has become possible. Key players in the ecosystem invest more in innovation to alter formulations of drugs. This elevates drug delivery and response time, delivering better results. Rising investments in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries have generated better prospects for leading organizations. As more market openings have been created in the industry, the scope of expanding the market increases for key players, benefitting the size of the industry. The growing research and development activities are expected to augment the drug efficacy and efficiency, which will likely benefit the industry. Due to this, such efforts have been fueling the industry's progress, creating opportunities for new entrants. Benzodiazepine Drugs Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2024-2034 Base Year? 2020-2022 Size in 2023 US$ 2.2 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 3.2 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 3.5 % No. of Pages 185 Pages Segments covered By Drug Type, By Application, By End-user, By Region Key Findings from the Market Report The competitive landscape of benzodiazepine drugs can be segmented into different categories depending on various parameters. Based on the drug type, Alprazolam is used to control anxiety issues. The drug controls an abnormal excitement in the brain. Based on the application segment, anxiety is the largest shareholder in the industry. Due to the changing lifestyle, such cases are increasing at an alarming rate, gaining more demand for the segment. Based on the time of use, various prolonged cases of such drugs are seen to have gained momentum. Curing deep psychological impacts is surging the demand for the segment. Based on the end-user, hospital pharmacies govern the largest market share due to better availability of drugs. Regional Profile The growing awareness of psychological health in Asia-Pacific is creating better prospects for the global benzodiazepine drug market. With the growing drug research activities in Europe, the demand for such drugs will likely increase due to a larger canvas. The progress of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in North America is a key factor in helping the region lead the global landscape. Competitive Landscape Among different firms expanding in the industry, Pfizer Inc. is a key player that produces different products to expand. Such products include aminophylline, etomidate, argatroban injection, and many more. UCB S.A. is another important player producing solutions for Briviact (brivaracetam) Epilepsy, Ankylosing spondylitis, and Myasthenia Gravis. Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC operates in different verticals, including injectables, oral drugs, and other segments. Key Developments in the Benzodiazepine Drug Market In December 2023, Pfizer Inc. acquired Seagen. This move bolstered the position of the organization in the industry. In March 2024, UCB S.A. invested in IMIDomics, Inc. to innovate solutions for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. This product launch helped the business augment products, bolstering the position in the market. Key Players Pfizer Inc. UCB S.A. Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. H.Lundbeck A/S Apotex Inc. Aurobindo Pharma Purdue Pharma Other Prominent Players Market Segmentation Drug Type Alprazolam Clonazepam Diazepam Lorazepam Others (Midazolam, etc.) Application Anxiety Insomnia Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures Others (Bipolar Disorder, etc.) Time of Action Ultra-short Acting Short Acting Long Acting End User Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Online Pharmacies Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Drive Your Business Growth Strategy: Purchase the Report for Key Insights! https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=28424